Speaking Tip: Be YOU-nique!™

Let's take a trip back in time:

"Purple!" Mr. Big Name Speaker exclaimed, examining my brand new media kit, my first attempt at a professionalspeaker's marketing tool. I idolized his status and thought at first he was expressing delight. But then he said, "Professional speakers don't use purple. Corporate America is not purple." He smiled indulgently. I thought he was going to pat me on the head. "If you're going to make it in this business, you're going to have to conform. First thing you need to do is re-do your media kit in gray, burgundy, or navy blue. Just not purple." He said it the way he might have said, "diarrhea."
That was more than 25 years ago and my media kit is still purple.

Rule #1 Be You-nique
Don't let anyone tell you you shouldn't do something, just because no one else does it. Find your style, or as Larry Winget says, "exploit your uniqueness!" 
Look, listen, learn; adapt never adopt; find your USP (unique selling proposition) and use it to your advantage. Mr. Big Name Speaker also kindly advised me to "tone down" my wardrobe. "A black or navy blue suit and pearls would be perfect," he said. 
Hah! Well, you see how that turned out!
Yes, I'm outrageous, and that doesn't work for everyone. And maybe I've lost business because of it. But I'm alright with that. I am who I am and it's more important for me to be authentic than to be someone I'm not, just for the sake of the almighty dollar. 
Find your USP, and then go with that, however different it may be. Be authentic. And the almighty dollars will come.

Michael Bay...I Can Help You

My heart goes out to Michael Bay.

If you haven't seen or heard about his meltdown when he was giving a speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, check it out: 

Michael Bay leaves CES 2014 in Vegas

I was interviewed for Quartz Magazine for an article on the subject...check it out HERE

Public speaking isn't easy. And Michael Bay is a behind-the-scenes kind of guy, a director, so he was counting on that teleprompter. As can happen, technology failed and he didn't know what the hell to do. So he walked off the stage.

It can happen to anyone. It's not that it happens that's the problem, it's not knowing what to do about it.

One of the topics I cover in my Speakers Schools is how to handle a situation like that; what to do if you forget what you were going to say, how to ad-lib, how to get the audience on your side, how to overcome your nerves...all the things that happen to us when we least expect it.

So, to Michael Bay, and anyone else who needs some help,

 REGISTER NOW for April 24-26, 2014.

Sorry, the February school is sold out but there's still time to register for the next school in April. 

You'll have to hurry, though...there are only TWO SPOTS AVAILABLE.

NOTE: If the April school fills up and we have enough interest we will add another Speakers School on July 24-26, 2014 (in addition to the three per year we already have), so please send us an email if you're interested.samantha@mikkiwilliams.com or mikki@mikkiwilliams.com.

Learn from a pro...one of the newest members inducted into the 

CPAE Speaker Hall of Fame:

Mikki Williams, CSP, CPAE.

 CPAE is a lifetime award for speaking excellence. 

Fewer than 1% of all professional speakers hold both designations.

 REGISTER HERE!  

Speakers School is for business people, executives, coaches, sales people, administrators, teachers, etc. It's for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable when presenting and to learn how to craft THE most impactful speech, whether it'a a one-on-one situation or in front of a crowd. Learn tips from one of the country's leading professional speakers. 

If your goal is to be a professional speaker, then Speakers School will get you started, and if you're already a pro it will help you go to the next level...fast.

The Art & Heart of Storytelling

I recently debuted my brand spankin' new presentation, The Art & Heart of Storytelling, for Vistage and got an awesome testimonial from Larry Hart. Thanks! It was my pleasure!
If you're interested in presentation skills or you just want more information on this topic, click HERE.

Five Tips To Becoming a Better Public Speaker

Have I told you how much I love Catalyst Ranch? It's a wildly creative space, so outrageous you might think I designed it! If you're looking for a location for your next meeting or seminar or retreat or party...and you want a place that will stimulate your creative juices, check out the Ranch.
A couple weeks ago I did my presentation Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Shtick!TM there and it was awesome. That presentation is on how to become a better speaker, and Lauren Smith wrote about it on Catalyst Ranch's blog. Check it out...I couldn't have said it better myself!

5 Presentation Tips I Learned From Mikki by Lauren Smith
She’s motivational, charming, sensational, inspirational, humorous and, she gave her latest presentation at Catalyst Ranch wearing a skirt made out of balloons. Really, the whole thing! I’ve seen a lot of wacky stuff in my time here but a balloon dress was a first. Mikki Williams is a lady with eclectic tastes and she has channeled her flamboyant style and infectious energy into award winning presentations. This summer, Mikki was inducted into the National Speakers Association Hall of Fame, an achievement attained by fewer than 1% of all professional speakers. Catalyst Ranch is very lucky to have Mikki Williams present not one, but three of her signature presentations. Last week I attended “Speak Loudly and Carry a Big Shtick!” and learned many new tricks that I will incorporate into my next presentation.
READ THE TEST OF THE ARTICLE

Invest in Your Speaking Career | Speaker's School September 26-28

Speakers School is coming up on September 26-28, 2013.   REGISTER NOW!   Speakers School is for business people, executives, coaches, sales people, administrators, teachers, etc. It's for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable when presenting and to learn how to craft THE most impactful speech, whether it'a a one-on-one situation or in front of a crowd. Learn tips from one of the country's leading professional speakers.  If your goal is to be a professional speaker, then Speakers School will get you started, and if you're already a pro it will help you go to the next level...fast. A few of the MANY things you'll learn:  Insuring that your program is one people will want to hear   Turning your life experiences into a presentation   Engaging your audience   How to be "you-nique" and make money at it   Using humor in your message   How to get great reviews   How to book more presentations Mikki Williams, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) has been speaking professionally for over twenty-five years. She's ready to share her secrets and equip you with tools you need to be a relaxed and effective presenter.  REGISTER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT! EMAIL US NOW for more information on our NEW, CONVENIENT PAYMENT PLAN!
"Professional Speaking is both a science and a craft. Mikki has mastered both and has a unique ability to help support and develop others in their quest to do the same. I have been a professional speaker for several years. While my career has been met with relative success, I recently attended one of Mikki's Speaker School programs and it has brought my presentations to an entirely new level. Even though the program is offered in a group format, Mikki makes time for each student to get his/her specific questions answered and ensures each one takes with him/her exactly what s/he need when s/he need it. She does so masterfully and truly meets her students where they are. Hers is a program I will surely attend again in the future. It is rare to find a professional at her level who is so willing to share her experience with such candor and openness. She is a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend her Speaker School for both new and seasoned speakers alike."  Gustavo Grodnitzky  5-star Vistage Speaker And don't forget to check out  Now, there are three divisions - one is sure to suit your needs. CLICK HERE for more information.  Call or email if you have any questions: 312.664.8447  samantha@mikkiwilliams.com     www.mikkiwilliams.com

Join THE MIKKI MOUTH CLUB!!! | Presentation Skills Coaching

  

How would you like to have one of the country's top professional speakers as your own personal presentation skills coach?

 

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Join before January and save the $50.00 initiation fee. For only $47.00 a month you 

can have Mikki as your speech coach!

If you want Mikki's expertise at an affordable price on an ongoing basis, this membership is for you. Join The Mikki Mouth Club, a monthly tele-coaching membership. In addition to your annual membership you'll receive a 10% discount on Speakers School and all products in the EXCESSories line...and more benefits to come.

We all have to give presentations, whether it's for sales, client/association meetings, roasts, toasts, your kid's wedding...so join this tele-coaching series to learn all aspects of how to deliver knock-your-stilettos-off presentations.

  

Who is Mikki Williams, CSP?

• Chosen as one of the best speakers by Meetings and Convention Magazine along with Tony Robbins, Bill Gates, Rudy Giuliani, Colin Powell, Lou Holtz, Zig Ziglar, Mike Ditka, Jay Leno...
• A certified speaking professional (only 600 worldwide)
• A 25 year veteran of the speaking industry
• Winner of the Golden Mike Award
• Featured on the cover of  Speaker, the national trade publication of the National Speakers Association
• She has spoken twice at The White House and also at President Mandela's South African home
• She has spoken to over 1,000,000 people in seventeen different countries on every continent except Antarctica
• One of the top tier speaker resources for Vistage International, the world's leading executive organization
• Author, enthusiologist, coach, consultant, inspirational humorista, life architect, multipreneur, radio and TV personality, and mensch

 JOIN THE MIKKI MOUTH CLUB NOW!

Call us today at 312.664.8447 or send an email to sign up!

Why You Should Come To Speakers School | Video

A few of the many reasons you should come to the next session of my Speaker's School in Chicago

Speakers School is coming up September 26-28. Anyone who gives presentations - sales people, CEOs, educators... can benefit. Here are a few of the many reasons you should attend and make an investment into your speaking career that will last a lifetime!

Get more details on my website or register now to reserve your spot, space is limited!

Speakers School's Almost in Session!

Why should you come to Speakers School with Mikki Williams, CSP in Chicago? Because you'll not only learn how to be a better speaker but you'll have a blast doing it! Two and a half fun-packed and informative days of presentation skills, video coaching, business tips and how-tos on getting bookings.
Twenty-five years ago no one believed I would ever make it because I was too outrageous, too different, not corporate enough. And yet, Hair I Am! I've spoken at The White House twice, I was the first speaker after apartheid to tour South Africa and speak at Mandela's home, I was featured on the front page of The Wall St. Journal...ya da ya da ya da.
Come to Speakers School and learn how to be a great speaker (outrageous-ness not required).

SPEAKERS SCHOOL Coming Up

THE NEXT SPEAKERS SCHOOL IS ALMOST IN SESSION.

Join us on April 22-24, 2010. CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Speakers School is new and improved with a Learning Lab on day two. This is where you get to practice what you've learned, and receive immediate feedback from me and your fellow-attendees. It was a huge hit when it debuted in February.

He Who Laughs...Lasts

I recently gave this program to a large retailer. We all know how hard the retail industry has been hit in this economic downturn, but the executive team had the vision to realize a program like this was timely and would help boost morale. The value of humor in the workplace is never more evident than when you suddenly realize you're not having fun, not laughing very often and not feeling energized enough to manage your business and personal life (if you still have one). What you need is a little stress management, a little humor perspective. What you need is some inspiration and self-development that can enhance productivity. I showed my audience that it's PWP (possible without pills)!
Positive thinking is to welcome each day with interest and curiosity, as a new adventure. It is seeing opportunity in every situation and identifying with others' positive characteristics to find them interesting. It is to be conscious of an expanding dimension of life, realizing that the greatest achievement of human spirit is to make the most of one's resources. Such thoughts, held in the mind, become attitudes. And attitudes infallibly shape one's life. So life itself really is - an attitude!
 Most of us suffer from childhood programming, negative thinking, common failure patterns that seem impossible to overcome. The good news is that you can break out of these molds to repeatedly create success by changing the way your mind is programmed. Through the use of humor, you can enhance relationships, relieve stress, deal with change and become more productive. I worked with my client to give them a perspective of opportunity rather than one of obstacles. Humor is the great diffuser, the great equalizer. The best way to gain control of your life is with “humor resources.” So come to your “senses of humor.”