On Wednesday June 16 , Matthews, Carter & Boyce and FlexProfessionals hosted a virtual event as part of the popular and informative Women in Business Series. The event, titled “Lights, Camera Action: How to be a Fearless and Effective Public Speaker” featured journalist and media coach Diane Roberts and keynote speaker Brad Weaber as panelists.
Roberts and Weaber shared tips and personal anecdotes that provided for an insightful and entertaining program. They each gave 15-minute presentations on specific topics before joining for an interactive question and answer session.
Weaber began with a “boot camp” on “lights, camera and action,” providing insight on lighting, backgrounds, and camera angles, as well as technology tips for zoom presentations.
“You have an average of three minutes on a webinar or zoom presentation for people to decide whether or not to stay,” he said, highlighting the importance of making a great first impression on camera.
Weaber also assured the audience that even he, as a seasoned, global keynote speaker, still gets nervous before going live, and that he looks at this as a positive. “The day the butterflies stop is the day I will no longer be passionate about what I do,” he said.
He then passed it over to Roberts who spoke to gaining confidence in front of the camera or live audience. She shared calming exercises and voice tips honed from her many years as a journalist covering live news and sports events. She enlisted the assistance of MCB principal Kathy Flaherty who she directed to perform exercises that assist with speaking clearly and confidently. She also spoke about the importance of body language in creating a memorable impression.
Roberts also provided some great advice on specific language to avoid as a speaker. Phrases such as “I’m trying to….” or “I’m just….” are weak and don’t project authority.
Speaking more broadly to women in business, she suggested women apologize too much for things that are out of their control. “Don’t give away your power,” she said.
Both panelists shared personal anecdotes that made for a highly entertaining and informative presentation. A Q&A session followed, with questions that were submitted by the audience.
Contact information for Roberts and Weaber, who both work with clients on media coaching and speech coaching and training, follows.
Diane Roberts
Diane’s Talking
www.dianestalking.com
[email protected]
Special Promotional Offer: Receive a one hour consultation with Diane at a discounted rate. Click here to learn more.
Brad Weaber
Brad Weaber Consulting Group, LLC
www.bweaberconsulting.com
[email protected]
Stay tuned for MCB’s next Women in Business event in September.
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ABOUT MCB
Matthews, Carter & Boyce (MCB) is a CPA firm founded in 1947 in the Washington, DC metro area. As trusted business advisors, MCB serves a variety of clients including closely held businesses, non-profit organizations, government contractors, investment companies, real estate and hospitality firms. Services include: audit and assurance, tax planning and compliance, business advisory, outsourced accounting and support, and employee benefit plan consulting. MCB is proud to have maintained long-term relationships with our clients by following one basic principle: the truly successful professional engagement is one in which the needs of the client are completely satisfied. Each and every client deserves careful, individual attention and the highest level of service our profession has to offer. Our priority is to enhance the growth and success of each organization in every industry we serve. Equally important for our firm is the belief that every employee deserves respect, recognition, reward and optimal fulfillment in their professional and personal lives. Learn more at mcb.cpa