I stepped out of my military duties in Canada in ‘82, carrying high hopes for a future as a journalist, writer, editor—and, one day, the owner of a publishing powerhouse. And why not—a speaker? A tough road lay ahead, with nearly a dozen long years passing before finally taking the initial strides toward making my …
How I Conquered Public Speaking with Toastmasters Read More »
An independent book publisher, such as Smiling Eyes Press, can be a valuable resource for authors seeking to bring their book from idea to publication. In contrast to traditional publishing houses with limited resources and a narrow focus on specific genres, Smiling Eyes Press offers a personalized and comprehensive approach to book publishing. Key Benefit …
Read Between the Smiles: A Publishing Company with Open Eyes Read More »
Of all the things that can make us break out in a cold sweat, public speaking has got to be one of the worst. The mere thought of standing in front of a room full of people, baring your soul and hoping they don’t throw tomatoes at you can be enough to make even the …
Jelly Legs, Shaky Voice: Public Speaking for the Trembling Masses Read More »
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer wrote a particular phrase in his 1976 book Your Erroneous Zones, like this: “Entertain yourself with a fantasy in which you allow yourself to have anything you want. No holds barred. You have enough money to do what you want. You’ll find that almost all your mental meanderings are attainable. You …
What Public Speaking Would Be Like If Erroneous Zones Didn’t Exist Read More »
Fiction writing is a fascinating and complex art form that allows writers to create entire worlds and characters from their imaginations. While the possibilities are endless in fiction writing, every good story needs a few key elements to succeed. This blog post will explore some of these elements and provide tips and advice for aspiring …
The Secret to Writing a Bestseller: Add Cats (Or Dragons. Or Both.) Read More »
In the dynamic business landscape, where every interaction holds growth potential, communication is the cornerstone of success. However, beyond the traditional correspondence and messaging lies an often-underestimated tool: public speaking. For business leaders and entrepreneurs, the ability to wield the spoken word isn’t merely an asset—it’s a game-changer. At its core, public speaking is the …
Trust, Connect, Influence: The Crucial Role of Public Speaking for Leaders Read More »
Welcome to the exciting world of writing, where every word you choose has the power to captivate, inspire, and inform your readers. The preface is one of the most crucial elements of any book, mainly non-fiction. Often overlooked or rushed through, a well-crafted preface can be your secret weapon to connect with your audience and …
Crafting a Captivating Preface: Your Gateway to Engaging Readers Read More »
The fear of public speaking has long been regarded as a formidable monster, a ghastly zombie that refuses to die. It creeps in the shadows of our minds, trailing behind us as we approach the stage, haunting our thoughts the night before and feasting on our anxieties. Like a relentless ghoul, it claws at our …
Fear vs. Fear: Putting the Fear of Public Speaking in Perspective Read More »
“Always mystify, torture, mislead, and surprise the audience as much as possible.” — Don Roff, writer and filmmaker. Standing at the podium, I raced with thoughts of Winston Churchill’s infamous words: “Take away this pudding; it has no theme!” I had just concluded a rambling and disorganized speech, leaving the audience befuddled, disinterested and less …
“Puddinggate: When Themeless Speeches Let You Down Read More »
“Humility will open doors more than arrogance ever will,” — Zig Ziglar. The underlying fear of public speaking is a judgment or negative evaluation by others, but with preparation and persistence, you overcome it. Here is what we can do to get you started and beyond your fear. Know your topic The better you know …
When Your Heart Skips a Beat: Overcoming Fear in the Spotlight Read More »
