Telling it like it is

Authenticity is a rare commodity, especially when people speak to an audience. Many speakers represent corporate or institutional interests. They are instructed to stay ‘on message’. Does anyone really expect the Chairman of the Federal Reserve or the CEO of a corporation to speak authentically? There’s too much at stake on Wall Street or the press for the head of a major institution to say what’s really on their minds.

Let’s face it; this is the era of ‘spin’ and the sound bite. Can authentic communications survive the talk shows and tabloid headlines? I believe it can, and members of the National Speakers Association represent authenticity. The NSA Code of Ethics directs all members to “speak in a most professional and ethical manner”.

As independent professional speakers I believe we have a unique opportunity, and responsibility, to integrate all the aspects of our personal and professional lives and tell it like it is to others.

When we step to the front of the room we have the opportunity to create an environment where everyone’s voice is heard. We can speak for those in our audience, or in the world, who might lack a voice. Using our professional skills to tell it like it is on behalf of those who need someone to speak out for them can make a profound difference.

Many of us have special talents. We light up a room and cast a spell over the audience. We can teach others that they are also special people, and hold a vision that brings light into their lives so they can in turn tell others like it is.

As professional speakers we add value to the events we speak at. We should more than justify our fees. Exceed expectations. Tell it like it is by bringing our energy into the room and delivering results. Help individuals achieve their goals and organizations meet their targets.

In all we do, we help people understand something they would not know if we’d not shown up. They have faith in our expertise. We invest in our own education and long-term professional growth to justify that faith. We tell it like it is and change the world, one speech at a time.

Professionally Speaking is another example of the authentic voice of our members, telling it like it is. Order your copy of this unique magazine now.

In this edition you’ll find:

Using words that embrace a wider audience
by Jessica Pettitt
Learn how the language you use can help audience members feel valued, understood and appreciated.

Puncutate this!
by Jeff Rubin
Boost your credibility and set yourself apart from competitors through proper punctuation.

How to throw a Facebook Party
by Larry Chiang
Social networking success strategies for leveraging your presence on Facebook.

Tips on making Google happy
by Jim Carrillo
Simple strategies to optimize your website and boost your website and blog’s ranking on Google.

Creating confidence
by Robert Graham
How to feel and project more confidence in your professional and personal life.

Have you read a good audience lately?
by Daniel Moirao
Understand what’s going on in the minds of your audience members, why they act the way they do and what you can do about it.

Basic intellectual property concepts for professional speakers
by Sandy Shepard, Esq.
Understand the basics of intellectual property protection for speakers pertaining to copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets, trade dress and patents.

Order your copy of the magazine today.