Editor's Corner Excerpted from the December 2008 Newsletter Who Are You? Have you figured out why you’re a better speaker sometimes than at others? Maybe you’re good one-on-one, or in front of people you know — or maybe in front of people you don’t know. Or maybe sometimes you’re uncomfortable at a party, or networking. Get to know yourself better. Almost always, success or failure depends on what we’re focusing on. Worry and insecurity causes us to focus on ourselves. And anytime we filter an idea through our ego the result will be discomfort — for you and your listener(s). So, whether it’s social, sports-related, in a business transaction, or making a speech, you’ll be much happier with the results when you focus on the idea you’re hoping to clearly express. Make them feel better about being there, get the ball in the hole, calm those rattled nerves, make your audience feel smarter. As always, it’s just never about us. First Person Greg Hoffman, National Field Manager, Thomson North American Legal: “I just had a Q4 meeting where I had to deliver a presentation and it went well. “I went over my notes from class and have the card in my wallet that you gave me summarizing the main points. “I always try to remember: Be in the moment; Respect the audience; Stick the landing.” Help! My Boss Took Over Again “Dear Barb: What do you do when your boss takes over the meeting?” Hmmm. It’s probably best to be respectful and pay attention — yes, truly pay attention. In addition, don’t give up your responsibility for running the meeting. Don’t take the interruption personally so you can listen for the ideas being expressed. If you’re really listening (without the personal stuff), you’ll hear something you can build on and also a way to express appreciation for the input. Then you should be able to bring the meeting back on track. Mentally maintain control of the meeting and your posture, attitude and voice will confirm that you’re the one in charge of the meeting and that you’re not disturbed by the interruption. The audience will be grateful and your boss will appreciate your poise. Quotes to Make You a Better Speaker “Three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others, sharing with others.” —William A. Ward “Live your life from your heart. Share from your heart. And your story will touch and heal people's souls.” —Melody Beattie “There are two ways to get enough: one is to continue to accumulate more and more. The other is to desire less.” —G.K. Chesterton “Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife.” —Kahlil Gibran “Creativity is piercing the mundane to find the marvelous.” —Bill Moyers “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” —Voltaire For more great quotes, check out these websites: www.worldofquotes.com www.americanrhetoric.com/top100speechesall.html www.brainyquote.com www.mightyminds.com/quotes

Orders Think gifts. Someone you know is going to be giving more presentations soon. Give them a practical gift that will make those presentations easier and more effective. Learn more or Order Online. Book "Getting Over Yourself: A Guide to Painless Public Speaking...and More" by Barbara Rocha 208 pages, illustrated, cartoons $19.95 Audiotape or CD ROM The "Getting Over Yourself" book on audiotape read by the author ($17.95) or CD ROM ($19.95). Booklets by Barbara Rocha: $9.95 each (+$1.50 Shipping and Handling) "Pocket Guide for Presenters" 103 pages "60 Ways to Spark Your Speaking: Just in time answers to frequently asked questions" 154 pages "Love to Talk/Hate to Speak: Selected articles by Barbara Rocha" 121 pages Speeches on Tape: "From Bored Room to Board Room" $10.95 "Stand Up and Stand Out" $10.95 Video "Getting Over Yourself: A Guide to Painless Public Speaking" featuring Barbara Rocha in excerpts from her book, seminar classes and interactive coaching. VHS $99.95 Learn more Order Online Call (888) 800-2001 E-mail: BouldinHil@aol.com Write: Bouldin Hill Press at 17-555 Bubbling Wells Rd., Desert Hot Springs, CA 92241 Seminars **How to Overcome the Stress of Public Speaking Pasadena: 3-day workshop October 25, 26, 27, 2010. We have two public seminars each year: May and October/November. If you have several people who could use this training, contact us regarding an in-house seminar. As a refresher, workshop graduates (from any of our 3-day workshops) may attend for half price at any time. People tell us they get as much or more out of the workshop the second time around. Visit our seminars section for details or call (888) 800-2001 For more information, contact: Barbara Rocha and Associates PO Box 60521, Pasadena, California 91116 (626) 792-8075