Editor's Corner
Excerpted from Summer 2000 Newsletter

Two of England's most brilliant 19th century politicians, William Gladston and Benjamin Disraeli, were described this way by a young woman: "After dining with Mr. Gladstone, I thought he was the cleverest man in England. But after dining with Mr. Disraeli, I thought I was the cleverest woman in England." Isn't that great? Has anyone ever made you feel that way? It's better than chocolate; and it could be love at first sight. Well at the very least, we feel positive about the person and, therefore, towards the message. Are you having that effect on you audiences? When you're preparing a presentation, keep in mind how appealing that speaker is who makes us feel clever. A good attitude and a good audience analysis can help you get there. It might be a good goal to have in mind when preparing to speak: How can I make my audience feel smart? One way is by getting to know them before preparing our message. The more we know, the more we can make sure we're meeting their needs. Getting to know your audience is a form of respect. Keeping the focus on them rather than on ourselves lets that respect shine through. Another is to get out of the way and focus on delivering our message (not on ourselves). Focusing on ourselves usually has the effect of sutting out the audience - rather than making them feel smart. It's true whether your audience is one person or a thousand people. And it's true whether your audience is you mother-in-law, your CEO, your department, or your bowling team.

Our search for surprise successes I'm looking for stories about people who have used the principles from our book and seminars to conquer a limitation in some other area than speaking. If you, or someone you know fits this description, please send an e-mail that briefly describes the person and the accomplishment to Barbara@BarbaraRocha.com. 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 May 6, 7, and 8, 2009. We have two public seminars each year: May and November (adjusted to October this year for the election). 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 or toll free at (888) 800-2001