Standing Out As a Professional

One of my pet peeves is not being valued as a writer.

What I mean by this is that people think you're "just" a writer, so your time is worth far less than theirs. And we both know that's so far from the truth it isn't funny.

As writers, we are professionals. We offer a professional service and charge accordingly. We run a business, and have overheads, just like every other business.

And like other professionals, we've had to pay our dues by learning our craft. We've attended classes and workshops, studied and practiced. But unfortunately most people still don't get it.

They think because we are writers, our time is not worth as much as theirs.

I recently attended a business meeting where I was approached by another business owner. She asked how she could write, create, and format an ebook she wanted to sell to her clients. I gave her a very brief overview of what would be required, but added I could consult with her on this.

She gave me a very strange look and said "Oh, but I don't want to pay. I was hoping you would do this for free."

I explained that I wouldn't ask her to supply her services free to me, and don't expect another business owner to ask me either. I know this business owner was very taken aback by this, but before anything else, we must value ourselves and our services.

Of course bartering is always an option, but it doesn't pay the bills.

Obviously everyone will be individual in their needs, but as a full-time writer, I simply cannot afford to write/work for free. I learned a long time ago that doing so devalues your worth, not only to potential clients, but also to yourself.

How much is your time and expertise worth? Would you give away your services for free to your employer? Would you expect your plumber to repair your pipes for nothing? Does your solicitor spend an entire morning in court on your behalf, and expect nothing in return?

As writers, we sometimes tend to forget that our own profession and skill is just as important as that of other vocations.

This usually comes from other people's perception. They put us down, and they don't see why we should earn (or charge) as much as other professions.

Mostly they believe anyone can pickup a pen, or sit at a computer, and simply write. And of course, our words are perfect first time every time!

Just like a doctor, solicitor, plumber, electrician, or other professional, we've studied hard and practiced for years. Our skills have been learned and refined, not simply handed to us on a silver platter.

Next time your value as a writer is taken for granted, think about the work involved to get to this stage. Think about the "apprenticeship" you've served. And think about the time, skill, and effort involved every time you sit down to write.

Public Speaking - A Greater Fear Than Death?

Public speaking is the process of speaking to a group of people in a structured, deliberate manner intended to inform, influence, or entertain the listeners. Public speaking is definitely an important skill that everyone needs, especially in the work force because in just about every well-paid position, some form of public speaking is required whether it be presenting to the board of directors, giving a group sales presentation, speaking to a committee, or just a group of peers.

According to studies, public speaking is a bigger fear than death. Fear of public speaking is reported to be the number one fear of American adults, with many people experiencing tremendous suffering because of it. The fear of public speaking is the most common phobia that has ever been diagnosed and while this does not mean people would rather be dead than speak in public, as some authors would like you to believe, it does illustrate why communication of ideas through public speaking is often avoided by professionals. Yet quite simply, one of the most powerful sources of confidence in your public speaking ability is knowing that you are prepared.

Mastering the art of public speaking may not make you world famous, but it will most certainly help you to succeed in anything you do. So let's jump right into my quick guide to public speaking. Your first step in preparing a speech is to understand the nature of the people you' will be speaking to.
Choosing your audience is almost as important as choosing your topic when you are speaking in public. You can distract yourself by paying attention to the environment in which you're speaking and seeing how you can make it work for you. So to help you gain more confidence when speaking in public, think of ways to engage your audience.

You can learn to enjoy public speaking and become far more effective at standing in front of a group of people and delivering a potent message especially if you distract yourself by paying attention to the environment in which you're speaking and seeing how you can make it work for you. By all means make use of your hands when speaking, but be sure to avoid problem gestures, such as pointing.

Knowing your material well will allow you to present your speech in a way that best keeps the listener's attention while allowing you to make changes based on the response of the listeners. The better you know the material the more confident you will be when presenting and the better the flow of the speech will sound. If you plan your speech and rehearse your presentation, you may still be nervous but at least people will listen.

Your speech will be most effective if you plan your opening and closing statements and key transitions down to the last word. Organise your speech logically with a beginning, middle, and end. Pay particular attention to the beginning and end of your speech, since these will be what the audience remembers most. Practice your speech carefully as many times as you need to until you feel the presentation flows and becomes natural sounding; you feel comfortable working without your notes, and you can complete the speech in the assigned amount of time.

Public speaking is not an art; it is skill that can be learned. It is an important element of effective communication that can be beneficial in so many ways. One of the most powerful tools in public speaking is to be believable; and that comes from your knowledge and enthusiasm for the material. When you understand that you need no longer fear public speaking or wish you were dead!

188+ Stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) Hollywood Blockbuster Secrets

FORWARD

The 188 stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188+ stage template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.

[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979)].

THERE IS ONLY ONE STORY

THE 188 STAGE HERO'S JOURNEY:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharses, of which there are usually four).

d) Tells you what to write. For example, at a certain stage of the story, the focus should be on the Call to Adventure and the micro elements within.

ABRIDGED TIPS, EXCERPTS AND EXAMPLES:

(simply go to http://www.heros-journey.info/ for full details)

*****Supernatural Aid Departs*****

When the Supernatural Aid is no longer needed, he (or she) departs or travels to where he (or she) is needed. In Midnight Cowboy (1969), Ratso dies. In Silence of the Lambs (1991), Lecter makes a final phone call to Clarice. In The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), Aslan departs. In Fistful of Dynamite (1971), John dies.

*****Rebellion*****

It not uncommon for the Hero to embark on the Journey or Trivial Task through a minor act of rebellion. The Hero takes the initiative. In The Incredibles (2004), Mr Incredible rebels and deceives his wife. In An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), Zach rebels against his father.

How to Reduce Tension Minutes Before Your Presentation or Speech

One of the most successful English pop singers of all times, Robbie Williams, has told how the sight of a terrified celebrity footballer David Beckham helped him to come to terms with nerves before his Live 8 performance in the summer of 2005. The 31-year-old pop star was nervous about his first live performance in the UK for two years. But he lost his nerves when he saw Beckham fretting about introducing him on stage at London's Hyde Park. "David looked more scared and I got a perverse joy out of it." he said on BBC One's Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. (Source: BBC news October 2005)

Everyone, even seasoned performers, sometimes gets nervous in front of audiences. So it is not strange that you also will feel nervous. What you do about your nervousness is crucial. Most probably you have one or two of the following symptoms of nervousness. Don't worry; you are perfectly normal. It just shows that you are human.

Symptoms of Stage fright

• Dry mouth.
• Tight throat.
• Sweaty hands.
• Cold hands.
• Shaky hands.
• Nausea.
• Fast pulse.
• Shaky knees.

What is the big idea behind physical exercises just minutes before going on stage? Concentrating for a minute or two on them would not only get rid off the discomfort, but also make you energised and thus in a better frame of mind to go and give your best.


Method for easing tension

There are a few simple exercises that can help to eliminate the tension that you are likely to feel just before your presentation. 

 

Most likely you feel tension in your neck and shoulders - and this may cause you to appear hunched. It may also cause a tightening in your larynx - producing the breathless quivering or shaky voice associated with nervousness. Tension is also tiring and consequently it may have a detrimental effect on your overall performance. First of all you need to find a quiet place, where you can bee alone for a minute or two. You can also do the exercises in a back room or backstage, where the audience can't see you. 



Exercise for Reducing Tension
 in neck and shoulders

To ease stress in the neck place your cupped hands at the base of your skull and press your head firmly back into them, holding the push for about 10 seconds before releasing and repeating. During this exercise keep your elbows back and try closing your eyes. 



Exercise for Reducing Tension
 in lower back

A good way to relieve stress in the lower back is to stand with your feet shoulder width apart and reach for the sky. Point your fingers straight up as you stretch your arms above your head and keep stretching them as you feel the pressure on your back ease. Keeping you feet firmly on the ground, push your pelvis forward gently and hold yourself in this position for just a few seconds before gently relaxing back to your start position. Then you can move your hands and your hips sideways a few times. This exercise helps to ease the muscles in the neck, back and hamstrings.

Breathing exercise

The technique of alternate nostril breathing aims to balance our entire autonomic nervous system by breathing alternately through the right nostril.

First clear your nostrils by breathing in and out quickly several times in a row. Next, use the thumb to close your right nostril and your ring finger to close your left nostril alternately. Begin by inhaling through both nostrils. Then breathe out through one nostril, while blocking the other, and then switch and breathe in through the other nostril. After three complete breaths, exhale without switching sides, and do three more breaths.

After this you will surely be in a better frame of mind to go and give your best. Enjoy your presentation.

Hero's Journey, Monomyth (188 Stages) Screenplay Tips

FORWARD

The 188 stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188+ stage template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.

[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979)].

THERE IS ONLY ONE STORY

THE 188 STAGE HERO'S JOURNEY:

a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharses, of which there are usually four).

d) Tells you what to write. For example, at a certain stage of the story, the focus should be on the Call to Adventure and the micro elements within.

ABRIDGED TIPS, EXCERPTS AND EXAMPLES:

(simply go to http://www.heros-journey.info/ for full details)

*****Final Conflict: Allies against the Hero*****

Post the Crossing of the Return Threshold and before the Master of Two Worlds and Selves, a hell of a lot happens that is rarely given mention. The Final Conflict (a metaphor for this stage) follows a distinct process. One aspect of this stage is the possibility of allied forces turning against the hero. In Straw Dogs (1971), Amy decides to go against David and give then Henry.

*****Middle Cave*****

This is a place of Allies and Enemies. Where no new characters are met, the problem becomes one of establishing greater friendship or animosity. In Brokeback Mountain (2005), Jack and Ennis become friends through the act of hunting.

Article Writing - How to Write 10 Articles a Day

If you want to write ten articles per day, and do not want to be burdened under this work load, you need to organize the way you write your articles. Articles can be written in many ways but the most efficient manner is to structure your articles in a manner which is not only appealing to the readers but is also easier to write. Once you start thinking about the topic on which you want to write, the actual process starts from there.

If you want to write the articles in really fast pace, you need to come up with the ideas on which you want to write. Once the idea is there you can start structuring your article by writing down the pointers. The points can be later on converted into paragraphs. In this way your thoughts can be converted into words in a very smooth manner. One more advantage of writing down the pointers is that you can streamline your thoughts and can decide in which dimension you want to move your discussion.

By jolting down the pointers you can achieve a faster pace of writing down the articles. You can write ten articles if you follow the above mentioned steps. This will help you streamline your work and will reduce your work load. In this way you can write more than ten articles per day, without getting burdened. The efficiency of a person always improves if he or she streamlines the processes which he or she is following while working.

Article Writing - How Do You Consistently Come Up With Ideas For Articles?

Q: How do you so consistently come up with so many ideas for articles?

A: Another great question. The simplest answer is this - Pay Attention.

That's really all there is to it - thank you and goodnight!

Seriously, paying attention is where we begin. As you begin to pay attention to the world around you with the idea of noticing article ideas, you begin to see that all of like is article material.

Here are a few tips As you go through a typical work day in your niche, notice what questions come up repeatedly, what problems you solve repeatedly, and what answers you give repeatedly. Way back when I was a full time marriage and family therapist my clients were used to me turning to my desk while listening to write down an idea from something one of us just said.

Listening to a speech, sermon, or teleseminar? Write down the lines, ideas and themes that could be turned into an article. For example, I heard this great line at church just last Sunday - "Your direction determines your destination." Great idea for an article.

When you are watching TV or a movie, notice dialogue that triggers an article idea for you.

In conversations with clients, friends and colleagues, pay attention to ideas that can become articles.

Ever hear a song or quote that triggers an idea? Write it down and use it as an article idea.

As you do this, your focus will change and you will notice more ideas. Then your challenge will change from how to come with an idea for an article, to how to narrow all your ideas down into one article.

Public Speaking Training Can Really Help Your Business

Did you know that the most successful companies have professional speakers in key positions or are the head of the company? Have you ever seen Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Donald Trump do a presentation? These are just some of the speakers that have pushed their companies through the corporate roof.

Are they winging it? No. In fact, most successful people know that to really stand out in business you have to be able to stand up in front of and audience and extol the virtues of your company. That takes serious presentation and public speaking skills.

And, for those skills you need to go to a professional. Unfortunately there are not that many professional public speaking trainers around to give you the information you need. So, it's likely that you'll have to do a little bit of travel to find a course that will teach you exactly what you need to know.

So, what will these professional trainers teach you? What are the skills necessary for excellent presentations? First and foremost the good public speaking trainers will teach you how to enroll and engage an audience. That means; keeping their attention focused 100% of the time. If they're daydreaming, sleeping or talking to their neighbor they can't possibly be paying attention to what you're saying.

How do you keep them enrolled and engaged? That's where most public speakers fail. You see, many speakers think it's all about them and how well they speak, but that's not it at all. In fact, the best public speakers are the ones that make the audiences the star by asking a lot of questions and getting the audience to respond. When the audience hears a question the mind wants to automatically answer it. If all you do is spew out data and more data, it will go in one ear and right out the other.

Another good way of keeping their attention is to get them to finish your sentences. For example; if I use the sentence, "most people get up every day and go to _____," the audience would likely respond by saying "work." When you use sentences that have obvious endings and you leave out the ending and motion for the audience to respond, 99 times out of 100 they will. That means they're listening, enrolled and engaged.

Now, let's say you've figured out the whole question and response thing, what should you do next? A good public speaker knows how to move about the stage. Standing behind a podium and reading from your notes is a sure path to failure. Learning to move about the stage is an art from which can be learned if you have the right teacher. For example; did you know that when you're addressing the right side of the audience you should be on the left? Why? Because, if you address the right side while on the right, you'll lose the left side's attention.

Also, never move towards a person when they ask a question. Always move as far to the opposite side of the stage as you can and give them the floor. Again, the last thing you want to do is forget about the whole audience and focus on just one person. The question usually applies to everyone anyway.

Finally, there's the whole debate of whether to use notes or not. I do, but in limitation. I use headlines to remind me of where I'm supposed to be in the presentation. I glance at the headlines every once in a while just to jog my memory about the topic at hand. Never, write your speech out word for word. First of all it looks like you're reading and second of all it looks like you don't know your subject, which of course you should.

Next article I'll speak about the perfect presentation template and how to use it in your next speech, training or even sales pitch.

The 188+ stage Hero's Journey (Monomyth): Function of the Night Sea Journey

Article Writing for Beginners

A lot of marketing specialists would agree that article writing is one of the most potent if not the best advertising tool one can ever use in promoting his product. In fact, its utility has been widely used by so many products that have been marketed and launched. Apart from its being inexpensive, article writing has this flexibility to adapt itself in all forms of media marketing. While creating an article is relatively elementary for other people, there are still a few people who are lost in the darkness as to how article writing should be perfected.

 When given a topic to write about, equip yourself with the knowledge it requires before engaging into writing it. Your purpose on writing an article is to make people keep informed about a specific topic. Now, if you, yourself is unaware or less knowledgeable about the topic, you cannot expect to be producing a widely accepted article material. To prepare for this, do an extensive research!

 Plan your article before the actual writing. A good writer's skill is outlining. Outline what you want to write more so when you are a bit apprehensive about the topic that you are writing. Or at times even if you have the expertise about the topic, it is still best to do an outline because it does not let you miss out any detail of the topic.

 When in actual writing, focus yourself into creating an attractive, catchy headline. This is important because the subject or the headline is the first thing that readers look into. It is where writers actually catch the attention of its readers. Therefore, it is must that you come up with a better subject line first before focusing on the body or content of the article material.