Higher Speechis a quality training organization for speakers, presenters, trainers, and coaches.
Higher Speech is also dedicated to providing quality speakers who are experts in their fields and are dedicated to inspiring others and making a positive difference in the world.
To provide quality speakers who are dedicated to making a positive difference in the world.
2)
To help others reach their next level of communication; enhancing their work, their relationships, and their lives.
3)
To assist organizations in reaching the communication level they desire - and in doing so increasing their over-all effectiveness, efficiency, and profits.
The History of
Higher Speech
Higher Speech was founded in 2004 by Datta Groover in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon. He realized that as much as he had to offer others, by bringing others on board with their own unique specialties and strengths, there is far more to offer the world at large together than what we can all do separately.
The name "Higher Speech" was chosen because it says what we are all about. In the history of our planet, "Higher Speech" is what has always made the most positive and long-lasting influences.
About Datta
Datta Groover's goal is to inspire others to improve their level and quality of communication, helping lives work better personally and professionally. He offers public-sector workshops on Communication and Public speaking, as well as workshops within the corporate world.
He has authored 4 books, both fiction and non-fiction, is a professional member of both the The National Speakers Association, and of The Author's Guild. Datta has published numerous articles, and worked for many years as the content and style editor for Torchlight Publishing.
He has been speaking in professional circles since the mid-1980s when he chaired the International Committee for Self-Sufficiency, and has spoken in Europe, India, Africa, South America, and North America (and not just to ask for directions).
He works primarily as a fee-paid speaker, though is always happy to lend his services to a worthy cause. His primary area of speaking centers around personal communication, both within the business environment and in people’s personal lives. His speaking style is simple, direct, entertaining, and from the heart.
Datta is a motivational speaker and is hired frequently by speakers, authors, and trainers who want to improve their presentation and communication skills. He lives with his wife Rachael Jayne in Fort Collins, Colorado.
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Thursday, January 21, 2010
When you speak, what do you focus on?
Here's a very important question for you regarding your speaking and presenting: What are you focusing on?
I have seen speakers focus on a wide variety of things. A speaker may focus on how they appear to their audience. Or they may focus on the speech itself, or how they will say it. They may focus on what is going on elsewhere in their lives, and therefore while physically present, are actually far, far away.
Great speakers focus on their audience, and on that audience's needs and wants. They focus on the benefits the audience will receive from their presentation. Their intent is centered around what they have to give their audience.
I'm not a huge fan of memorized speeches. I could give you many reasons for that, but the reason I want to talk about today is that when the speech is memorized, it is too easy to simply focus on the script in your head - whether you are struggling to remember the words of that script, or even if you have those words down cold. Either way, it can take your focus away from where it should be.
One thing I have experienced over the years is that focusing on my audiences is not automatic. Sure, the more I've practice it the easier it gets, but if I don't make it a conscious decision every time I speak, it won't happen, and I won't get the connection with the audience I want. I found that intending to focus on my audience, and to remember that I am there for their benefit, that focus, and the positive result that comes along with it, tends to happen most of the time.
Like any muscle, the more you work it, the stronger it gets. Let me know how this works for you - I'd love to hear how you're doing.
To dramatically increase the effectiveness with all your presentations, whether short, long, impromptu, or painstakingly prepared: Prioritize!
1) Make your first priority connecting with your audience. This will only work if you truly care about them. If you don't care, find something else to do, because they will sense it. When they know you care, that is the first step to them liking and trusting you. If they don't like and trust you, you will not be going far with them.
2) Make your second priority delivering meaningful content to your audience that is for their benefit, not your's or someone else's. Again, they will know if that is not your goal, and it will only work if you are clear about what you are offering them.
3) Make your third priority entertaining your audience in a way that works for them. That doesn't mean you have to tell hilarious jokes and make them cry and/or fall out of their seats, but it does mean you have to make it fun for them. Hint: You may want to use your research skills (before you go on stage), your imagination, and your intuition.
These priorities MUST be kept in order - with one major exception: if you are speaking to a younger audience (as in younger than 28), 3) can go before 2), though 1) must always be first - no exceptions there (if you want to be effective).
Your fourth and final priority, is you and your business. You want your audience to like you, buy your CDs, sign up for your newsletter, take your workshop - whatever. We all want to be successful, but that will happen only when we get those first 3 priorities first - guaranteed.
Try it - you will like it. The best part of it is that by following these simple rules, not only will you be more effective as a presenter, your audiences will be happier and will take away more of what you have to offer.
Let me know how this works for you. If you are one of the few who already prioritize in this way, let me know that, too. I'd love to hear from you either way.
A Simple Way to Increase Your Credibility with Your Audience
Would you like to have greater credibility, an air of authenticity, and greater connection to your audience? Great - you've come to the right place. The best thing is that the tip you are about to read is really easy to use. All you need to do is relate something that just happened to something in your talk. If you can make it funny, even better, but it doesn't have to be funny - and it should never seem forced.
There are a few ways this can work:
1) By referring to something your introducer or a previous speaker said.
2) By referring to something the group normally does, or did that day only (or sometimes didn't do) in preparing for the meeting/gathering.
3) By referring to something in the wider world of news that just happened, that the people present would most likely be aware of.
#3 is the least effective of the above, but it still works, and is the easiest to prepare for.
For 1) and 2) to work, you have to pay close attention to what is going on and what is being said. The reason these work so well is that it tells people you are not only "in the moment," but that you care about them and about what you are doing with them. That you are paying attention. Sure, this is an extremely simple concept, but it is an extremely simple concept that works.
A friend of mine, Lance Miller, who won Toastmasters' 2005 International Speech Competition (out of over 25,000 competitors), was in one of the competitions leading up to the finals. A previous competitor that day gave a speech based on what his uncle, named Ernie, (who was present in the audience), had given to him throughout his life. It was a very inspiring speech, and the audience loved it. When Lance's turn came to speak, he started by greeting the audience, then added " . . . and especially Uncle Ernie."
Just a quick bit of background information- in speech competitions, people usually know exactly what their speech is going to be, word-for-word. That's not Lance's style, but it's how 99% of the people in the competition do it.
The audience loved it! People found it very funny and very personal. Lance won the competition, then went on to be the World Champion. Just adding those few words helped him immensely.
It can also be even simpler. One I've used (after greeting the audience), is saying " . . . and thank you Gillian, for matching my tie." That only works if 1) you are wearing a tie, and 2) Gillian's clothes really do match it. Of course, any time you make any reference to how someone is dressed, you must be very careful to not offend them.
Try it - you will be pleasantly surprised at how well this works.
Would you like to hear a tip I guarantee will make a huge difference in your presentations? This may sound a little woo-woo to you, but bear with me - this works. If you already know this tip, please pretend you don't (sometimes when we already "know" something we may be less inclined to try it).
The two magic words are: Affirmation and Visualization. They both work. Affirmations, in the simplest sense, work when you say what you want to be true, with as much conviction as possible. For example, "I speak from the heart and connect with others, " is an affirmation I say every day. Visualization means putting yourself in the picture. For example, "seeing" yourself giving a great speech that inspires people is very powerful.
Scientific studies have shown that athletes who repeatedly visualize success have the best chance of winning when the actual competition happens. Those studies have also shown that visualizing something in the mind is nearly the same experience for the mind as experiencing it in real life - the mind doesn't know the difference. When the mind is used to winning, it is far more likely to "win" the next time. Same thing with failure - the more you visualize "freezing up" when you speak, the more likely it is to happen.
Dr. Blaslotto at the University of Chicago conducted a study where he split basketball players into three groups and tested each group on how many free throws they could make on the basketball court.
Next, he had the first group practice free throws every day for an hour for a full month.
The second group just visualized themselves making free throws, without any physical practice.
The third group did nothing relating to basketball - no practice, no visualization.
After 30 days, he tested them all again. The third group did not improve, as was expected. The first group improved by 24%. The second group improved by 23% without even touching a basketball!!!!
One of my personal affirmations is "I see others not by the shadows of their apparent shortcomings, but by the brilliance of their highest potential." You may wonder what that has to do with public speaking and presenting. Everything! Your attitude toward your audience will always show through whether you want it to or not. Ask me and I will be happy to share my other affirmations with you. As far as visualizing is concerned, before I go on stage, I imagine people entertained by my speeches, and I see them walking away afterwards with their lives positively changed.
Avoid negative affirmations or visualizations. Some people imagine themselves forgetting what they were going to say many times before they speak, and then they DO forget when they actually deliver their speech or presentation, because that's what they've practiced in their minds. Some people think for days about how nervous they are going to be when they get in front of a large group. When it's finally their "time," they are extremely nervous - just the way they practiced it in their mind. I can't even begin to tell you the number of people I've heard say "I'm really bad at speaking in public," or "I don't know what to say whenever I get in front of a group" or "I'm terrified when I speak in front of others." If they want a suggestion, I will then tell them to first of all stop the negative affirmations and replace them with positive ones.
If you remember and practice these principles of Affirmations and Visualizations, you will be more effective in your speaking and presenting, every time. You have my word on it.
Please let me know how you are doing with your communication, and let me know how I can improve my service to you.
Seven Little Things That Make A Big Difference In Business
Every day we are faced with major decisions and large issues. Some of our decisions involve large sums of money and effect people in a profound way. We worry, fret, or lose sleep, which can adversely affect our health in dealing with these big decisions and issues.
Effective business professionals must be able to stay focused but maintain a wide field of vision. In addition to the major issues, there are seemingly small activities that can yield great results.
Here are seven little things that you can do to make a big impact on your business.
1. Say “Thank You”
Take the time to thank the people who are a part of your success. Too often we only focus on customers. While you should thank your customers on a regular basis, you should also thank the other important people that contribute to your success.
Take the time to say “Thank You” to your suppliers, others working in your organization, and anyone who adds value to what you do. Remember, the mailperson is important to your success just as the person behind the counter at the office supply store.
People like to be appreciated and will be there for you when you need them if they know how much you really care.
2. Re-connect
Is there someone in college who you haven’t spoken with in many years? Maybe there is an old client or supplier who you’ve lost touch with. Have you moved up the ladder and lost contact with some of your former professional friends?
Re-connect with some of these people. You will be amazed at how much someone will appreciate your taking the time to call and say, “Hello.” Many times, others are thinking about you but they are too busy or just don’t make the time to call. You can make that call and earn their goodwill.
Business is built on relationships. Re-connecting with someone will rekindle a friendship and renew a relationship.
3. Ask for the order
As a sales professional you have many responsibilities. You must understand your clients’ needs, develop product and industry knowledge, and make presentations just to name a few. Probably the most overlooked responsibility of a sales professional is to ask for the order.
Not only do you need to ask for the order, you may need to ask for the order several times and in different ways to ultimately get the order! And, when you ask your client that final question, always shut up and let them respond. If you continue to speak you will release positive pressure from the moment and most likely not get the sale
4. Organize
Don’t just continue on with old antiquated systems. Many people are not mentally or physically organized. If you fall into this group, take the time to get organized now!
By creating order in your professional life you will become more efficient, achieve more, and build your business. I average one day a week in what I call my organize mode. I want to be in charge. I don’t want to be the dog that is wagged by its tail
5. Make Time to Strategically Plan
This may not really be a little thing, but I just had to include it on my list. The three main reasons businesses fail is that they lack financial capital, they lack personal capital, and they lack strategic planning. Strategic planning will allow you to design the organization you want to build so that you can go about achieving that goal.
Many professionals I know set aside time once a year to strategically plan their business. Actually this process should be visited on a weekly basis, sometimes more often!
Having a coach lead you through the process is great. Some people look to their mastermind group for assistance. Serious professionals may have both!
6. Do Something Extra
Great customer service, low prices, and being polite are all required to just play the game. If you want to get ahead in any business you must do something extra for your people.
By now you know that when I say, “people” I mean more then your customers. Go the extra mile and do something special that will impact everyone you come into contact with.
A business owner I know will barbeque lunch for his employees once a month. It’s a festive time, and everyone really appreciates Tom slaving over the grill to cook the hotdogs and hamburgers.
Watch someone light up when you do the unexpected. Your customers, associates, etc. will all stay loyal beyond your wildest dreams.
7. Be Yourself
This lesson is very important. So often in life we try to be the best John, or Suzy because we admire them. We want to copy and emulate them rather than try to understand our strengths and who we really are.
If you try to copy someone else, you can only be “almost” as good as them. If you try and be the best “you,” then it is always possible to be number one! People want and respect other people who are genuine.
Discover the real you. Enjoy that journey, and then share the real you with all you come into contact with.
For the next seven weeks, take one of these seven items and focus on them. Work to bring it into your life and the lives of those you serve. Build these seven “little things” into what you do, and you will be accountable to Building a Better Biz.
I have been told that in the Basque language, the literal translation of the phrase "to compare oneself" comes out to “little murder." The idea behind this is that by comparing ourselves to others we are performing the greatest disservice to ourselves. Comparing ourselves in either an upward or downward direction creates nearly the same level of disservice. By looking at how we're better than someone else, it can encourage arrogance -- or at least a reluctance to improve. After all, if we are already "better," why should we work hard to get to that next level?
On the other hand, if we compare ourselves to someone who is better, it’s easy to get discouraged thinking we could never get to be "that good." Say somebody who's starting out in standup comedy compares himself to Jerry Seinfeld. That would be a pretty discouraging comparison.
Ultimately, how good somebody else is, is totally irrelevant to us. The only thing that's really important for us is to find out how to get to the next level. Pavarotti is considered by many to have been one of the best -- if not the best -- tenors of the 20th century. He started his professional career as a singer in 1961. He passed away in September 2007, and up until that time he always had a voice coach. He always looked at the next step -- how to get from whatever level he was on to the next level. As a result, he kept growing and improving as a performer.
Pavarotti is a perfect example of what is possible for each of us. All we need to do is to look at that next step -- and get from whatever level we are on to the next higher level. One of the great things about public speaking and presenting is that we can practice and improve with every single conversation we are in. We can practice the arts of listening, of being present, and caring about our audience on a daily basis. Doing so will radically help increase our skill level as a public speaker or presenter, regardless of what level we are presently at.
You can't turn on the news or browse the Internet these days without hearing about losses of assets — to persons, small businesses, corporations, or governments. There is naturally a lot of concern over these losses. Now is the best time, however, to look at what we have - and have possibly overlooked in the past.
Assets are commonly thought of in terms of measurable material commodities — whether cash in the bank, stocks, vehicles, real estate, etc. The most valuable assets we own, however, are those that are not as measurable in terms of exchangeable value, but have a far higher intrinsic value. We simply have to look in order to find them.
One of the biggest errors speakers of all experience levels make is not taking full advantage of their assets. We each have a uniquely distinct set of assets that differentiate us from every other speaker out there. These resources can be our greatest strengths, and are easily overlooked just because we are so used to them - they may seem common to us. We may even see them as liabilities.
How many speakers have you heard that have tried to be Tony Robbins, Les Brown, or Dr. Phil? Many people overlook some of their own greatest strengths trying to imitate (consciously or unconsciously) the strengths of others. The great thing about focusing on your own personal assets is that they are yours alone.
What do I mean by assets? Anything that you have acquired by experience, by accident, or by choice. For example, my wife Rachael Jayne, who is a professional speaker, speaks with a delightful Australian accent that many people (outside of Australia) find charming. A PhD degree is also an asset. So is having performed active military duty, experience as an elementary school teacher, or having won the lottery (duh!). Think of your assets as many links in a strong chain.
The most overlooked assets are people's stories. You have hundreds upon thousands of stories from your life. If you haven't already, start writing them down. As you write them down, more will come. You will find these stories from your life very useful when you speak. Using personal stories told in context of the point being made give the speaker authenticity and credibility.
Last, but not least, one day in the distant future you will look back with great pleasure at those stories, and realize it was all worthwhile.
We would love for you to share what you have to say.
Your opinions matter; to us, and to the rest of the world. Choose the "Click to read or post a comment" link under any of the posts in the middle column.
Datta is a motivational speaker and is hired frequently by speakers, authors, and trainers who want to improve their presentation and communication skills. He lives with his wife Rachael Jayne in Fort Collins, Colorado. 
Best regards,
1) Make your first priority connecting with your audience. This will only work if you truly care about them. If you don't care, find something else to do, because they will sense it. When they know you care, that is the first step to them liking and trusting you. If they don't like and trust you, you will not be going far with them.
Would you like to hear a tip I guarantee will make a huge difference in your presentations? This may sound a little woo-woo to you, but bear with me - this works. If you already know this tip, please pretend you don't (sometimes when we already "know" something we may be less inclined to try it).
Dr. Blaslotto at the University of Chicago conducted a study where he split basketball players into three groups and tested each group on how many free throws they could make on the basketball court. 
Avoid negative affirmations or visualizations. Some people imagine themselves forgetting what they were going to say many times before they speak, and then they DO forget when they actually deliver their speech or presentation, because that's what they've practiced in their minds. Some people think for days about how nervous they are going to be when they get in front of a large group. When it's finally their "time," they are extremely nervous - just the way they practiced it in their mind. I can't even begin to tell you the number of people I've heard say "I'm really bad at speaking in public," or "I don't know what to say whenever I get in front of a group" or "I'm terrified when I speak in front of others." If they want a suggestion, I will then tell them to first of all stop the negative affirmations and replace them with positive ones.
Every day we are faced with major decisions and large issues. Some of our decisions involve large sums of money and effect people in a profound way. We worry, fret, or lose sleep, which can adversely affect our health in dealing with these big decisions and issues.
Take the time to thank the people who are a part of your success. Too often we only focus on customers. While you should thank your customers on a regular basis, you should also thank the other important people that contribute to your success.
Is there someone in college who you haven’t spoken with in many years? Maybe there is an old client or supplier who you’ve lost touch with. Have you moved up the ladder and lost contact with some of your former professional friends?
4. Organize
This may not really be a little thing, but I just had to include it on my list. The three main reasons businesses fail is that they lack financial capital, they lack personal capital, and they lack strategic planning. Strategic planning will allow you to design the organization you want to build so that you can go about achieving that goal.
I have been told that in the Basque language, the literal translation of the phrase "to compare oneself" comes out to “little murder." The idea behind this is that by comparing ourselves to others we are performing the greatest disservice to ourselves. Comparing ourselves in either an upward or downward direction creates nearly the same level of disservice. By looking at how we're better than someone else, it can encourage arrogance -- or at least a reluctance to improve. After all, if we are already "better," why should we work hard to get to that next level?
On the other hand, if we compare ourselves to someone who is better, it’s easy to get discouraged thinking we could never get to be "that good." Say somebody who's starting out in standup comedy compares himself to Jerry Seinfeld. That would be a pretty discouraging comparison.
level. Pavarotti is considered by many to have been one of the best -- if not the best -- tenors of the 20th century. He started his professional career as a singer in 1961. He passed away in September 2007, and up until that time he always had a voice coach. He always looked at the next step -- how to get from whatever level he was on to the next level. As a result, he kept growing and improving as a performer.
What do I mean by assets? Anything that you have acquired by experience, by accident, or by choice. For example, my wife Rachael Jayne, who is a professional speaker, speaks with a delightful Australian accent that many people (outside of Australia) find charming. A PhD degree is also an asset. So is having performed active military duty, experience as an elementary school teacher, or having won the lottery (duh!). Think of your assets as many links in a strong chain.
Last, but not least, one day in the distant future you will look back with great pleasure at those stories, and realize it was all worthwhile.