John Schneyer

Toastmasters, do you have trouble deciding on a speaking topic? Do you hesitate to sign-up to speak because you don’t know what to say? Do you think your audience will think your topic is boring?

I have seen many Toastmasters and other speakers struggle to decide what to speak about. Toastmasters especially get caught up in the speech manual. They read about the project and start shutting down. I have to talk for 5-7 minutes; I have to use vocal variety and gestures; I have to have a good opening, body and closing. With each project objective, we start shutting down and creativity flies out the window.

Toss the manuals aside. Don’t worry about them.

Do whatever relaxes you and takes your mind off speaking. For some, its a run on the beach. Others like a warm bath with a glass of wine. I used to get my best ideas riding my Harley. Let the ideas come to you.

What do you care about? If you have a passion for something, if you love doing it, speak about it. Pretend I am coming over Sunday afternoon with a couple of friends to visit you. We will be in your living room having a drink, enjoying some good food (I like chocolate!), and talking.

What will you share with us? That’s your topic. List a few things you want to make sure we discuss; the few things you really want us to know. There’s your speech.

Now you can go to the manuals after you know what you want to talk about. Use the project objectives to help shape your speech, to incorporate something you haven’t tried before, to experiment. Practice until you feel comfortable and then you’re done.

I think you will find it’s easier to come up with something to say when you don’t worry about how you’re going to have to say it. Have fun with it. Remember, if it isn’t fun, it isn’t Toastmasters!

Give me a call, I can help.
John Schneyer, Boca Consultants

Do you need to give a presentation about yourself, your business, your products and services?

Does this scare you?

Do your presentations put people to sleep?

If you are like many of us, the thought of getting up in front of an audience keeps you from reaching your potential.

We can help you 1-2-1 or in groups with training, coaching, and feedback.  We will help you gain the confidence you need to present yourself properly.

Give us a call, we can help.

John Schneyer, Boca Consultants

People resist change? From Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt

View this and then consider how you try to make change happen in your company.

Give us a call, we can help.
John Schneyer, Boca Consultants

These days we are all very busy. Sometimes circumstances change and we have to make adjustments. When this happens to you, keep the advice in this article in mind to keep good working relationships.

If you have an appointment with someone and need to cancel or reschedule, CALL THEM! Make sure you reach them and get confirmation of the change. Sending an e-mail or text message just doesn’t do it. The other person’s time is valuable too and you need to make sure they know you appreciate it. The relationship you damage today may just be the one you need tomorrow.

Give us a call, we can help.
John Schneyer, Boca Consultants

Man or Machine?

This picture is about 40 years old. That’s an IBM System 360 computer system in the background, and my father in the foreground.

In the 40 years since that picture was taken, the System 360 became obsolete and was replaced. In fact, it’s replacement and it’s replacement have been replaced many times. Technology gets faster, more powerful and cheaper all the time and needs to be upgraded to keep pace with business needs.

While computer models have become obsolete and been replaced, my father never has. In fact, 40 years later he is more valuable than ever as his experience and judgment have grown every day.

Considering most companies say their employees are their most valuable asset, the question is, do we invest in our employees to make them more capable, valuable and relevant to our business? Do we take them for granted and then wonder why they become less effective or even leave?

We have the knowledge and experience to help you and your employees become more effective.

Give us a call, we can help.
John Schneyer, Boca Consultants