The truth is, every time we speak we are being judged on our intelligence, success and competence. Studies show that people with significant vocabularies tend to be viewed as being capable and smart. Additionally, since language and thought are linked one to the other, having a strong vocabulary simply helps us think, plan and solve problems more efficiently. If this information gives you pause, perhaps you should put vocabulary improvement on your New Year’s Resolution list! Accent On Business has the perfect tool to assist you in reaching this goal.

The 2010 “Commanding Words” Word-A-Day calendar. Written by Accent On Business CEO Ellen Dunnigan, this convenient, spiral-bound calendar contains a year’s worth of powerful words. “Commanding Words” makes an ideal gift for the business professional, student or anybody who wants to improve his or her vocabulary.

The entry for each day’s word includes International Phonetic Alphabet pronunciation, grammar classification, definition and a sample sentence using the word. The calendar is sturdy enough to sit upright on a desk, yet compact enough for portability, and each page is printed on the reverse with a “notes” section.

Take charge of your vocabulary today or help someone you know improve their vocabulary. Contact us at 317-218-5111 or Info@AccentOnBusiness.net  for more information and to place your order for the Accent On Business “Commanding Words” Word-A-Day Calendar.

Persuasive Powerful Presentations & ProposalsColts quarterback Peyton Manning has a coach, CEO of Google Eric Schmidt  has a coach, and media mogal Oprah Winfrey has a coach. Arguably, all are the best in their fields. As a speaker, you need a coach, too. Whether you think you are really good – or you know you there is room for improvement - a good coach makes all the difference.

Vocal Charisma - Voices that Captivate

• Speaking Skills for the Timid
• Power Speaking for Women
• Resonating Speech
• Boardroom Basics – Communication Skills for Emerging Executives

Slides, Scenes, & Sights – Your Image Matters

Taking the stage – Platform Skills

Stage Fright – Turning nervous energy into positive energy

To Powerpoint or Not to PowerPoint… We have the answer!

Viral Video – Capturing the Best “YOU” in Viral Marketing (Dave Link to page here)

Public Speaking

Persuasive Powerful Presentations & ProposalsColts quarterback Peyton Manning has a coach, CEO of Google Eric Schmidt  has a coach, and media mogal Oprah Winfrey has a coach. Arguably, all are the best in their fields. As a speaker, you need a coach, too. Whether you think you are really good – or you know you there is room for improvement - a good coach makes all the difference.

Vocal Charisma - Voices that Captivate

• Speaking Skills for the Timid
• Power Speaking for Women
• Resonating Speech
• Boardroom Basics – Communication Skills for Emerging Executives

Slides, Scenes, & Sights – Your Image Matters

Taking the stage – Platform Skills

Stage Fright – Turning nervous energy into positive energy

To Powerpoint or Not to PowerPoint… We have the answer!

Viral Video – Capturing the Best “YOU” in Viral Marketing (Dave Link to page here)

Picture this:

There you are…taking the stage with authority and confidence, about to deliver the speech you’ve spent months honing. You made the investment in professional coaching, you discovered your authentic voice, and you rehearsed your presentation from one end to the other and back again. You’ve finally arrived at this auspicious day. As you look out on your audience and prepare to utter the first words of your speech, it hits you….you are officially a professional speaker! But wait…..are you really, or are you just “a speaker?”

“What’s the difference,” you may ask.

That’s easy! A professional speaker uses a contract – always!

Now, it may seem obvious to state such a thing. But frankly, many speakers forget to include this essential communication tool in their speaker’s kit. This is particularly true for individuals who are just getting started in the business of giving public presentations. 

Just as a flying trapeze artist only flies above a safety net, the true professional speaker should always work with a contract, a written contract to be specific. Think about it. Don’t we all have stories of our own or from somebody we know wherein a verbal contract for time, services or products seemed sufficient? And, how many of us can testify to the fact that such an agreement rarely comes off without a hitch?

The written contract, in most any field, is the hallmark of professionalism. For you as a professional speaker, a written contract ensures that you and your host have a clear, definitive understanding of the following:

• Your fees and payment schedule
• Your needs in terms of space, equipment, props
• Travel and other expense requirements
• The host’s needs – i.e. audience type, event type, etc., so you can tailor your presentation as applicable
• Cancellation policy – yours and the host’s
• Recording/Use policy – yes, your material is subject to copyright and you need to decide how you want to protect that
• Day of event particulars: on-site contact, itinerary and the like

Furthermore, a written contract will simply help you track of the details of your engagements so you can keep accurate records and set goals for future speaking jobs. Remember the hard and fast rule of most successful businesses: they are referral-driven. How will you reach out to previous hosts to ask for referrals if all you have to remember them by is a phone conversation or two? How will you establish consistent fee structures and on-site requirements if you’re trying to pull everything up from your memory alone?

A final word on contracts: they apply to all your speaking engagements, including those you may accept on a “pro bono” basis. Even hosts who are not compensating you financially have expectations – sometimes greater expectations than hosts who ARE compensating you financially.  And, your expectations are important as well; having a contract in place well before your event is the key to meeting those expectations –yours and your host’s.

Not sure how to go about putting together a contract for your next speaking engagement? Contact us today and we’ll help you draft an agreement that will position you as a true professional public speaker.

Remember, before you speak, get it in writing! You can’t afford not to! info@AccentOnBusiness.net