| "UNFORGETTABLE" speaking tips
call "unforgettable" ritzya to learn more! 703-887-1823 or email ritzya@thedramacoach.com

1. U don't
smile. U're communicating that U're scared
or U take yourself too seriously. A
smile says: "I'm friendly; I'm open; I want to get to know U. (Hint:
It says, "I'm not friendly.")
2. U don't
speak loudly enough. If U
can't be heard, how will people know what U're saying? Don't worry about speaking too loud. If U are, people will cover their
ears! (Hint: It says, "I'm not confident.")
3. U don't
enunciate. Poor
diction, mumbling, mispronunciation all tells the listener that U don't
care. It makes the speaker appear
uneducated and lazy. (Hint: It says, "I'm not educated.")
4. U speak
in a monotone. Go ahead.
Put everyone to sleep. Watch them glaze
over and lose interest. No passion. No excitement. (Hint:
It says, "I'm not interesting.")
5. U don't
use expressive gestures. This person
is nervous, stiff, uncomfortable and insecure. (Hint:
It says, "I'm not comfortable.")
Are U making these mistakes?
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May, 2009
I go to a lot of networking events. You know which question I hate? "What do you do?" I make hats.
I do massage. I'm a financial
planner. Who cares? Instead ask this: "What are you known
for?" Now you'll get some interesting
answers. It reveals character. I'm known for fun, exuberance, energy and
color - and my smile! So I ask you, what
are you known for?
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April, 2009
Take the time to connect. At the local grocery store, I was checking out, and as I
always do, I looked for a way to connect with this clerk. Her name is le thuy. I guessed it was
Vietnamese. I made an attempt to
pronounce it as accurately as I could. (sort
of like "lay two-ee") Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. She said it was the first time she had heard
her name pronounced correctly by an American since she came to this country 8
years ago. I kept using her name in the
conversation. Each time I said it, she
had this joyful expression on her face.
She had a life altering experience with ritzya. She'll never forget that moment. Neither will I. That's what I call "success".
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March, 2009
Did you know that spoken communication is only
13% verbal?
The rest is facial
expression, body language and intonation.
There
are simple things that you can learn and practice to make you stand out from
the crowd and get your message across with passion, purpose and polish.
Communication is three dimensional. It's first verbal, second vocal and third
visual. The first dimension is the
actual verbal words used. Like the
written word, it is generally black and white.
That accounts for about 7 to 13 percent of the message, depending on
which expert you talk to. The second
dimension is the vocal. It's like
listening to the message on the radio.
Here is where the variety of pitch, pace and punch comes into play. Experts agree that this accounts for an
additional 10 to 15 percent of the message.
Finally is the visual, like adding video. The third dimension adds the non-verbal
communication contained in body language, facial expression and gestures. That accounts for a whopping 83 percent of
how a message is conveyed.
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February, 2009
How do you have
passion when you've said something over and over again?
Make sure
what you say is from the heart, authentic.
And maybe a little fun. Then it
will be easy to say and it will be fresh and spontaneous sounding. You'll be
more relaxed and confident because you know that what you're talking about is
interesting, compelling and memorable.
Believe
you're great at what you do and leave doubt at home. Believe in your product.
but most of all, believe in
yourself.
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January, 2009
What opportunities are you missing out on?
Do people take notice of you? Or do you feel invisible when you walk in a room? Are people attracted to you? Or do they seem to walk in the opposite direction? Do people remember you? Or do you have to re-introduce yourself all over again? Do people listen to you? Or do they glaze over when you speak?
Would you like to: be sought after for advice? be influential? receive quality referrals?
You have to be willing to do something to set yourself apart and be memorable. TOP OF MIND! On the short list!
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November, 2009
Smile all the time. A
smile is the most important and valuable item in your wardrobe. It costs
nothing; but it's worth a fortune. It's your image ahead of your words. It's
warmth and welcome at the same time.
"You're never fully dressed without a
smile"
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September, 2008
A
good speaker has certain qualities that are desirable for leaders. They are confident and fearless - or they've
learned to "fake it til they make it."
Even the best speakers get nervous before they speak. So what?
The show must go on. Public
speaking is the number one fear of most people.
But what is there to be afraid of?
A public speaking coach can help you learn actual techniques to overcome
jitters and turn them into energy that propels your message from dull to
dynamic. I'm ritzya, the drama
coach. Transforming what you say from
black and white to color.
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August, 2008
A
great speaker has what it takes to be a great leader. They can stand in front of a room of people
and motivate them with words! Wow! But how do they do it? By being authentic and engaging. By including, not only information, but also
inspiration and entertainment. By using
powerful images and personal stories.
It's a lot easier than you might think.
A public speaking coach can teach you the tools and techniques to do
it. And it all starts with a desire to
be a compelling communicator. Do you
have that desire? I'm ritzya, the drama
coach. Transforming what you say from
black and white to color.
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July 22, 2008
This
week's dramatically speaking tip is at the heart of every great speaker. You gotta speak with passion. It's what brings energy, enthusiasm, and
expertise to your message. Speak with
passion and people WILL listen. Your
eyes will sparkle; your heart rate will increase; your adrenaline will
pump. When you're excited about
what you're talking about, people can see it in your face, hear
it in your voice, feel it in their heart. It's true.
And fear will melt away as you speak with confidence, conviction and
clarity. Is this something you want to
be able to do? Call ritzya, the drama
coach. 703-887-1823. I'm ritzya, the drama
coach: transforming what you say from
black and white to color.
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July 15
, 2008
Here's
the dramatically speaking tip for today.
Ready? It's the middle of
summer. It's hot. Gas prices are out of sight. People are away on vacation. The economy is slow. So what?
Remember: a little enthusiasm goes a long way and immediately sets you
apart from all the other dull, boring, tired people out there. Make it a colorful day by greeting everyone
you meet with a smile, especially in business.
It will make their day. And it
will energize you when you see them smile back.
If you need a boost to your sales presentation or elevator speech, start
with a friendly smile. And then call me,
ritzya, the drama coach at 703-887-1823.
you'll be glad you did.
I'm the drama coach -- transforming
what you say from black and white to color.
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June 24, 2008
In all the research I've done about public speaking and
elevator speeches, I've never once seen: "Stand stiff like a statue, don't smile
and speak in a monotone." The experts and gurus all agree: Smile, be
entertaining and use gestures and facial expressions to get your message
across. That's the way to be memorable. Want to know more? Call me at 703-887-1823. I'm ritzya, the drama coach. Transforming what you say from black and
white to color!
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June 17, 2008
Think about when you were a child (or maybe it was your own
child) and you put your hand in wet cement. When you took your hand away,
what was left? AN IMPRESSION! Are you leaving a lasting
impression when you meet people at networking events or other business
functions? You know the old saying: "You have only one chance to
make a first impression." So what kind of impression are you
leaving? If it's not memorable, do something about it. Get
creative. Think outside the box. Get dramatic!!! Call me
at 703-887-1823. I'm ritzya, the drama
coach. Transforming what you say from
black and white to color.
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June 10, 2008
We learn from watching others. What sticks in your mind? What makes others stand out? Who do you remember and why? Think how much fun networking and business would
be if we all got a little creative and lightened up. We'd actually look forward to going to that
event and giving our elevator speech. It says, "I care. You matter.
I value your time. And I want us
all to have a little fun while we do business."
Just because you're serious about your job, doesn't mean you have to
take yourself so seriously. People do
business with people they like. Transforming what you say from black and white
to color.
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June 3, 2008
Remember Mary Poppins? "Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine
go down." Our "dramatically speaking" tip
this week is "Lighten up!" For some people, giving their elevator speech
is like taking medicine. And, believe
me, it's obvious. You can see it on
their face and hear it in their voice. Add
an "element of fun" to what you say.
People want to do business with people they like. You don't have to sing or tapdance. But start thinking outside the box. Start with a big, friendly smile. Do something unexpected. Put on a hat.
Hold up a sign. Stand on a chair. Make a funny face. If you can make others laugh and smile, you've
already set yourself apart. It's a lot
easier than you think. Stop taking
yourself so seriously. It's OK to be
dramatic. For more tips and ideas, call
ritzya, the drama coach, at 703-887-1823.
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May 20, 2008
Today's "dramatically speaking" tip is about integrating your
printed message with your verbal message. Lots of business people have great logos and
branding. But when it comes to what they
say, it's a completely different story.
For instance, there's a business coach I know whose logo is a target
with an arrow aiming at the bull's eye. But when she introduced herself, she
never even mentioned the idea she'd spent her precious marketing dollars to
develop. So now, when she does her
elevator speech, she says, "Once you have your target goal, I'll help you take
aim and hit the bull's eye!" So, is your
printed message consistent with your verbal message? Tie the two together and you'll leverage your
logo and branding to a whole new level. I'm Ritzya, the drama coach. You can reach me at 703-887-1823.
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May 13, 2008
Hi, I'm Ritzya, the drama coach. This week's "dramatically speaking" tip is
about using props to make yourself memorable.
If you're reading this, chances are you're a
networker. And if you're a networker,
chances are you go to lots of networking events. And if you go to lots of networking events,
chances are you have to give an elevator speech. In 15 to 45 seconds, you have to get people's
attention and make them remember you.
How about using a prop to make your point? For instance, if you're really good at
solving problems, you could hold up a small shovel and say: "it may take a
little digging, but we'll come up with the perfect solution for you." You've
instantly made an impact and set yourself apart. If you'd like more ideas like this one, call
ritzya, at 703-887-1823. Go ahead -- Add a little drama to your life!
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May 6, 2008
We all want to be remembered,
don't we? This week, on "dramatically speaking", the topic is Identity. Who are
you? What is your unique selling
proposition? Your USP? What are you known
for? What sets you apart from everyone
else? For example: I give 200% in all I
do. So what? That's not unique. But I bring humor, fun and kindness to all I
do. Now that's unique. When you know your USP, you can incorporate it
in all that you say and do so that you'll stand out and be remembered. That's who you are. Your identity. So who are you? What's your unique selling
proposition? Don't know? Don't have one? Let's find one. So that you can stand out and be
remembered.
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April 29, 2008
Hello, again. It's ritzya, the drama coach, with your
"dramatically speaking", tip of the week.
I hope you're having a great week with plenty of drama -
the good kind. Full of energy,
enthusiasm and expressiveness. So far, i've
talked about speaking slowly and clearly, and creating a mood for the listener. But how do you convey passion so that your
audience feels that they are the most important people in the world to
you? Stand up, take a deep breath, and
smile! That's right. Smile.
Even if you're talking over the phone or on a radio broadcast. But especially
if you're speaking in person. Do your
eyes sparkle when you talk about what you do for a living and how you help
people? If not, maybe you need to switch
professions. Til next week, this is
ritzya, the drama coach. Find out how you
can have more drama in your life - the good kind, by calling:
703-887-1823.
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April 22, 2008
Hi. It's time for today's "dramatically speaking", tip of the week, where
we highlight a key point to help you deliver your message, in a dramatic way.
Today I want to talk to you about
creating a mood with your tone of voice. We listen with more than our ears. We "hear" with our emotions. For instance: Calm and soothing: "Ah, no
worries. We'll take care of it." Excited and enthusiastic: "this is the
newest, greatest widget ever!" Sad and mournful: "I can feel your pain and I can help." Urgent and warning: "Act now, before it's too
late."
So, next time you have
something to say, think about how you want your listener to "feel"
about what you're communicating. They'll
remember you and your message.
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April 15, 2008
Well, hi. Ritzya, here.
the drama coach. It's time for
this week's "dramatically speaking" tip of the week. Each week, we're going to take a minute to
highlight a key point to help you deliver your verbal message so that you can
stand out and be remembered. Isn't that
what we all want? Ready? Here we go:
Speak slowly and clearly,
using pauses for emphasis. Let your
voice go up and down in a natural, melodic way.
This will keep the listener's interest and help them to remember your message. Practice into a tape recorder if you
can. Try your message on someone else
before you deliver it in public. You'll
be more confident if you've rehearsed a few times.
Being prepared is the secret to confidence and success.
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Communicate with passion, purpose and polish!
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