Ruth Bonetti's Blog, page 5
March 18, 2015
Walk the Talk
How do you prepare a speech? Consider the difference if you write for the ear or the eye; each requires a different mind set and approach. Both need active verbs and vital language to hold attention.
With presentations you engage the audience. Speak naturally.
To prepare a presentation
This works for me to create a natural rather than stilted style:
Brainstorm what points I will cover.
Walk with my notes as I speak it through (I’m blessed with paths amongst trees and by beaches).
Tape on my iPad notes function.
Email this as text to my computer, to be edited and polished.
With the printout I walk and speak it through to the birds. I discover clunky phrases and words that invite stumbles. As my tongue finds a vivid sentence I talk it into my iPad.
I time it on my iPhone as my walking pace matches thoughts and words.
Before a big speech I walk the talk to memorise crucial opening and closing senences. (Automaton saved me when an MC skipped my submitted biog and introduced me as ‘Ruth Cracknell.’ Gulp. Que?@#!? But on with the speech.)
Activate both brain hemispheres
Walking is a cross-crawl action, that allows us to unlock brain power and encourages a mix of logical and creative thinking.
‘When we walk, the two halves of our brains converse.’ Julia Cameron Walking in This World.
Follow the paths of pilgrims and philosophers
For philosophers like Kant, Rousseau and Nietzsche walking was daily discipline. Gandhi and Mandela walked with the masses for freedom. Jesus Christ walked as He taught his disciples. For indigenous Aborigines and American Indians their bare foot ‘walkabouts’ made contact with the land.
Walk to focus and problem solve.
‘It is solved by walking.’ – St Augustine
‘All truly great ideas are conceived while walking’ – Nietzsche
Begin with the Brainstorm
Last week as I coached someone for his presentation skills, I noticed yet again the necessity to help him write his speech before we could solve performance aspects.
We began in relaxed conversation to understand issues he planned to address.
We wrote bullet points on a white board.
As he passed through that initial stumbling exploratory stage and began to fire with enthusiasm, thoughts flowed naturally. At that point I taped him on my iPad, and emailed the file. The content was fresh with flow, focus and passion. He could then edit and polish.
Big speech coming up?
Email for speechwriting and coaching in presentation skills, training.
But it’s tomorrow!
Download my 90-minute read Speak Out: Don’t Freak Out
Your speaking can flow with ease so your experience, expertise and natural enthusiasm shine through.
February 17, 2015
This year I’ll…
Run on time
Never mind that we’re on a roll with a student, making wonderful progress. If the next one is ready to rock, on time, say ‘See you next week.’ That’s a challenge.
Insist students buy music rather than photocopy
All need a main method or book so they can keep turning pages. Yes, add legit downloads, but resist photocopying. Try Smart Music. CD playalongs. Arrange more.
More practice
…Rather than just getting through the notes in orchestra rehearsals. This year I’ll be upfront again, as co-soloist in Mendelssohn’s Konzertstück with Sian Davis and Noosa Orchestra, on 13 and 20 September. And Brisbane Symphony Orchestra will program Bruckner, Mahler, Beethoven.
More play; Down Time Uplifts
My ‘Me Time’ keeps me sane. I nearly relented and gave it to a student that couldn’t fit elsewhere. But no, my weekly walk on the beach is precious. More swims, also.
What replenishes you that you won’t give up? Mark it in your diary. In 2B pencil.
In The Artist’s Way Julia Cameron recommends a weekly ‘artist’s date’ and I can vouch for it. And for other rejuvenation strategies that I’ll share on 28 February at the Music Teachers Association of Tasmania conference. My topics:
• How to Motivate, Retain and Inspire Students
• Techniques to Rejuvenate and Overcome Workplace Challenges
• Empower Students to Shine in Performance
Nowhere near Hobart? The rejuvenation tips are covered in my book and eBook
Sounds and Souls: How music teachers change lives.
‘Ruth Bonetti has written a book that not only demonstrates the value of music tuition but offers invaluable advice on how to run a private studio. No matter how long you have been teaching, you will find something in this book that will enhance your experience. Thank you, Ruth, I will always treasure your sage advice.’
-Karen Kelly, Gundagai, NSW
More head stretch;
I’ll learn Finnish (Scary with all those umlauts!)
More travel
An Adelaide trip is likely this semester, so email me if you’d like to take the opportunity for workshops at minimal travel costs. Or for sessions elsewhere. My diary is open; now that I have finished my next book, I’m more available to present.
More teaching
… I can fit in a few more students. Perhaps a day in a school. Interested, anyone?
Phew! I need a glass to toast to all my resolves.
January 14, 2015
Safe Humour
As we reel from recent events, wordsmiths and cartoonists wonder at the pitfalls we face. It has become harder to speak out fearlessly and all the more so if, like me, you spice your communication with humour.
What price ‘free speech?’
As one whose living comes from words, both spoken and written, the terrorist attacks are disturbing. Not just in Paris; there are many journalists imprisoned or murdered for doing their job. Australian Peter Greste is just one who has been incarcerated on flimsy charges. Write letters, sign petitions, pray for his freedom. ‘All that is needed for evil to flourish is for good men [people] to do [say] nothing.‘ (Attributed to Edmund Burke.)
Are private words safe?
We dash off a comment on FaceBook or Twitter and it’s out there, fair game. But not if a quick, private email might be hacked and circulated. A respected professor of literature Barry Spurr resigned from his job at the University of Sydney because leaked emails (a ‘whimsical game’ with a friend) were dubbed racist. Big Brother won. A growing chorus urges the Australian government to repeal Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act. Under 18C it is unlawful for a person to commit an act, in the form of words, sounds, images or writing, (all part of my tools of trade!) that is “reasonably likely, in all the circumstances, to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate another person or a group of people”. This “offensive behaviour because of race, colour or national or ethnic origin” means many of the cartoons Charlie Hebdo freely published in France would fall foul of the law in Australia. Sad.
Let’s lighten up
There’s an old joke: “Do I have to inject humour into a speech?” “Only if you want to be paid.” People warm to humour, if well handled. There are pitfalls. Excerpts from my book Speak Out-Don’t Freak Out give tips to add safe humour to presentations. (A quick 90-minute read to pep you before a presentation; it’s available on Amazon or hard copy. Or email me for training or one-on-one coaching.)
Do we NEED to be funny?
Where relevant, humour can be a big audience winner. Jokes are safest if turned on oneself, perhaps relating a mishap or embarrassing situation. People respond to your openness. Don’t embarrass other people. Beware especially of racism, profanity, or stamping on religious and political corns. Test those hilarious jokes on the family over breakfast to discover just how effective they are. If you do upset anyone, have the courage and grace to apologise. How do we give birth to a healthy joke? First don’t announce it’s on the way! Dress it subtly, let it grow unawares. Curb that expectant grin. Pause for emphasis before the delivery, then wait a moment for listeners to register and laugh. It will be stillborn if you rush on before they have time to react. If a joke does miscarry, carry on regardless.
There is real power in a smile or a laugh.
But be yourself
Opening with a joke, especially if well-chosen and to the point, can be brilliantly effective. However it is not essential, especially if joke-telling is contrary to your personal style. If it crashes like a bombed plane, both speaker and listeners may be tempted to go home early. A self-deprecating anecdote usually is better digested than a canned or ancient, recycled joke. Audiences appreciate original humour directed towards oneself, are repelled when it denigrates a defenceless victim. If your take-off is smooth the rest of the flight usually flows with fewer bumps. Navigate your course with a clear focus on the horizon – your audience – rather than dwell inward on your own queasy stomach and sensitive ego. Most fears are self-centred. Keep looking out! And, in this climate, we can only keep looking up!
November 25, 2014
To Comment or ‘No Comment’
We tackled this hot topic in my recent Media Skills training. (I enjoyed working with these Rural Financial Counsellors, who assist those in tough situations.)
A picture tells 1000 words
People groan ‘not another PowerPoint!’ Enliven with (relevant) pictures. So at midnight before that day’s training I’m adding family photos of outback Australia to my slides.
Next day I’ll dress up to detract from bleary eyes – pearls will help.
Give reasons. I can’t comment because:
‘As this is not my portfolio I would refer you instead to Joe Bloggs.’
‘I’m not familiar with that research so will leave it to those who are.’
‘This matter is under investigation’ or ‘For legal reasons…’
‘It is a complex situation and warrants XYZ…’
‘I agree in part but won’t respond to hypotheticals. If you’re asking about QRS I can say…’
‘My brief evaluation is LMN but others are better qualified to respond.’
‘Your premise has some validity but STU…’
‘I don’t yet have the full picture so will reserve judgment until then.’
Sincere thanks for the training program you conducted with my team. It put forward some views that people seldom consider. At an important meeting since then, they were well prepared, relaxed, and gave so much practical information that the meeting was extended.’
Shirley McNaughton, Executive Officer
Rural Financial Counselling Service NSW – Northern Region
How it’s done
British PM Cameron dodged a press conference question about the US-China deal to reduce carbon emissions. He wanted to see ‘more detail’ before making a judgment.
On the global stage
The G20 Brisbane heat abated after a week of celebrity and jet spotting. (Why don’t dignitaries plane pool to help save the planet? Were President Obama’s ex-forum comments appropriate?)
Constructive face-to-face meetings warmed friendships–often through non-verbal cues of body language and voice tone as much as words. Photo and metaphor beamed powerful messages around the world.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s vow to shirtfront Vladimir Putin brought a memorable concept to international diplomacy. It sent media into frenzies of:
Will he-won’t he-did he-don’t he?
(Spellcheck, you don’t get the impact of rhyme and rhythm.)
Top leaders joined Team Abbott to kick that ball after an inappropriate media skit. Which could lessen sympathy for ABC cuts of rural and regional programs, that deny voice to battlers in the ‘outback’.
Bear Diplomacy won friends
Vladimir Putin smiled while cuddling a koala, pronounced his hosts efficient and friendly but fled the heat.
Indian Prime Minister Modi gave Tony Abbott enthusiastic bear hugs.
Angela Merkel enjoyed our beer with locals.
Communication challenges
Merkel is tech savvy. ‘You can’t use two at once’ she advised when a microphone and live translation earpiece set up banshee wailing.
International conferences challenge communication even when the major language is English – my salvation when presenting in Finland.
Build your presentation confidence with training or coaching.
June 11, 2014
Who’s afraid of public glitches?
It’s OK (well, often) to make a fool of yourself in public.
Develop your ‘confidence muscle’ by stretching beyond your comfort zone.
Allow yourself to be vulnerable to listeners and they’ll more likely warm to you than tab your mistakes.
We can learn more from a fumble or stumble than from a goal.
I can vouch for this
Would you believe that I was a shy child who grew up in the Australian outback? Then I’d run a mile at the prospect of speaking in public. Now I enjoy and invite it.
How did that change?
Experience, maturity. Speaking foreign languages. My husband and I lived seven years in Europe, and for five of them we spoke French, Swedish and German. We learned Swedish on the job, from scratch, and German with an intensive month’s Anfänger course. Fear of making a fool of myself faded, knowing that most times I opened my mouth, mistakes came out. I just had to get on with living – and speaking. Many who witnessed my embarrassments became friends for life.
‘Your music is fine,’ a colleague said, ’but why not introduce the pieces with some words?’
‘Because we’d make mistakes!’ By then our Swedish was fluent but ungrammatical.
‘People forgive that, they warm to you.’
We spoke to our audiences and yes, people appreciated that we made an effort. So when we moved to Germany we spoke about our pieces in rudimentary vocabulary. Though some years later it was challenging to present a full day workshop auf Deutsch.
But on radio? We were pleased when Swedish Radio journalist Carl Friedner attended our Brahms concert. But our jaws dropped later when he unpacked his tape recorder as coffee brewed. His encouragement eased our nerves and we found rapport. This month –decades later – we again stayed with this longterm friend in Stockholm.
The mistakes bogey
Whether we perform through words or music, the fear of making mistakes in public can inhibit, even paralyse. But we learn more from our worst moments than we do from our best. If you struggle, check out my book Speak Out – Don’t Freak Out.
Communication skills
During a recent seven-week European tour, my half dozen words of Italian, Czech, Hungarian and Italian often became addled in my head, but people responded to my efforts. I’m fascinated by the process of learning and using new languages, and how they enable us to communicate, interact and understand. This was a theme of the paper I delivered in Turku, Finland at a conference titled ‘Participation, Integration, and Recognition’. In this I cited my grandfather’s migrant experience. Hear more.
In Finnish, you ask? All those umlauts! More on that next issue.
Turn your negatives into positives
Put any glitches behind you, and focus on your message and your listeners – who may forget mistakes quicker than you do.
Enjoy your time in the spotlight!
March 4, 2014
Skills to speak/write short
When chosen to pitch a manuscript at Byron Bay Writers Festival I determined to give it my all. And a picture tells 1000 words, right? My PowerPoint presentation shone with photographs and evocative music. I bought my own data projector to avoid tech meltdown, enlisted a techie to help me craft a streamlined presentation.
Heed advice from experts
At a workshop a few days before, Stephanie, Jill and Lisa critiqued us and gave invaluable advice; it was challenging, honest and brutal where needed. They looked askance when I arrived lugging tech gear and props.
No PowerPoint. What if there’s a glitch, you might waste half your precious five minutes. ‘Couldn’t I cut back the slides to just a few?’ (Whimpers) ‘Please?’
No, because attention is divided between your face and the screen. Just speak.(Tactful but firm). Hmm, good point.
Learning to let go
They were right. This, my first pitch, was an exercise in letting go, in listening, in faith. I’d be foolish to ignore astute, sound, expert advice, so booked a coaching session with Stephanie. She tolerated my minimalist PowerPoint version, then reached for my laptop. Cut, cut, cut, paste. (‘Can’t I keep that story?’) Cut, add, paste, cut. A tight but flowing version emerged. My style had become staccato in its efforts to save valuable seconds: I had opted for two-syllable words as opposed to four. Her priority was clarity. She brought my pitch to five minutes exact.
On the day
I spoke first of five strong contenders. Slow deep breathing beforehand. As I do. Added a few ad libs. So the bell caught me off guard. (With PowerPoint, I note the number of the last slide so I can skip content if necessary.) I’d indicated the usual four-minute mark on my text, but forgot my own advice:
• ‘Tab sections/sentences that can be dropped if time runs short.’
My revised pitch gave freedom to express through verbal, facial and body language. Though not the winner, I emerged positive, wiser and grateful. I value the opportunity to be heard, and to learn in the process.
Nothing is wasted
I’ve since filmed it into a book trailer that’s up on YouTube. My next presentation for my book-in-progress Burn My Letters allows 30 minutes – ample scope for slides!
It will be at the Institute for Migration in Finland in May.
Prepare to shine
Prepare – get feedback – revise – get coaching – prepare, prepare, prepare.
I’m available for one-on-one coaching – or I recommend Stephanie!
P.S. Three of my books are available on Amazon kindle including Speak Out.
December 6, 2013
How adrenalin lifts performance
Adrenalin helps us to shine in performance. Be prepared and welcome it, for it gives energy and strength to performances. The power of this natural, normal and helpful reaction can catch us unawares. Go with it; don’t fight it. As the fight or flight mechanism kicks in our adrenals work overtime.
Beware adrenal fatigue!
You know the score? Late nights preparing for that big performance, the rehearsals, checking equipment and dress (we’ve thought ahead, right?), the photocopying of adjudicators’ scores. Or sometimes we perform every night, with little time to catch up on our thoughts, sleep and energy. We stoke up our adrenalin constantly so must avoid adrenal fatigue.
Adrenalin has two sides
That big day or night goes well. Relief (but you did deserve it – you practised hard, didn’t you?) Audience congratulations. Thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
We need down-time
Wind down. In spite of exhaustion, there’s that wriggly feeling of being overcharged. Mind buzzing. Restless, aching legs. Many feel pain or tension in their lower backs, a major adrenal pressure point. I feel the fatigue in sore calves.
And finally, to bed. But not to sleep. But I toss and wriggle for ten minutes or more.
Or up-time
Think; I really should get out of bed and do some yoga. A few minutes’ shoulder stands, some stretching exercises would fix this. A cobra or two. Nah, too tired to get up. Maybe if I just lift my legs in bed, that’ll do. Maybe not.
So then I crawl out from the blankets, stretch, ‘lift the mountain’ with my arms. Touch my toes. Elevate my legs. Muscles creak gratefully. A good relaxant is the ‘tranquility pose.’ (Check the poses online.)
And so to sleep…
At last. All that hard work means it’s the deep sleep of the just.
Next day, I’m renewed. On with the next show.
Play beautifully!
More tips in Confident Music Performance
December 5, 2013
‘Tis the season for concerts
End of year concerts may be wearing but they are teachers’ top chance to bring parents onside. They love to see their offspring shine onstage, and are at the ready with iPads and smart phones to record for posterity and possibly upload to YouTube.
Ah, there’s the crunch
Be aware, make others aware, that copyright and privacy may be infringed.
Is it ‘fair use’ to distribute material, performances of works that are copyright?
When playing for weddings, I accept that it’s the happy couple’s day so will be filmed to the nth degree. Thus, I must practise beforehand and resist the temptation to sightread new material during the Canapés, for glitches can feature.
But let’s make a noise…
That performers can be inhibited and distracted when listeners stand in a concert holding a camera of any kind. Professional musicians have fought back. Polish pianist Krystian Zimerman halted a concert in Essen, Germany. He asked an audience member to stop filming him on a smartphone. After the interval he said ‘Apologies, I am now on YouTube’ and refused to play encores or attend the post-concert function.
But everyone does it, right?
It’s illegal and an infringement of privacy to film and post images, video and sound that include other peoples’ children without permission. It infringes composers’ copyright.
Concert manners
We want all the family to attend concerts, to feel at home. But this does not mean to roam at large, chattering and giggling so others can’t enjoy the music. Educate the students – and parents – in basic etiquette:
Ears open, mouth closed. At least, a subtle sotto voce.
If you must move, wait between pieces or movements.
Tip toe…
The upside of technology
A generation ago, young children were primed with a book to combat boredom. Then they moved to digital games, iPod music and movies. The downside is noise. Earplugs, please.
Presents – for you
Buy a copy of my new book Sounds and Souls: How music teachers change lives for your school library and receive an extra copy as my gift to you. This offer lasts until Christmas Day. (Or you can download it on Kindle but I’ve yet to work out how to do specials there.)
Enjoy your break, happy Christmas and God bless,
November 27, 2013
Perform to your peak with words and music
Time your arrival at a peak
Timing is essential. Sometimes we are puzzled that, in spite of enormous efforts, progress on a work goes backwards. If we labour over a piece for months on end, it may become tired and stale, resisting all efforts. Discuss with your teacher whether it has already reached and passed its peak. Is there time to let it rest for a few weeks before the performance? In dire circumstances, you and your teacher may decide to beat a tactical retreat. Choose a fresh piece with a new set of challenges. In the meantime, you will be refreshed by playing another piece. You will be surprised how the staleness falls away when you return to the first piece.
Success with recitals and exams
Pitfalls are lessened if you know the music thoroughly – both your part and, equally importantly, the accompaniment. Listen to recordings and live performances of the work. Practise from the full score so you can see how the parts interlock.
Before you rehearse with piano
Think before the first rehearsal: Where would you need an emergency breath in performance? Can you manage it all in one breath? (Or, for string players, a different bowing?) What works easily at home may be less comfortable in performance.
Where is each phrase heading? It’s got to have a direction! If you just mooch through the piece it will be dead boring.
Big picture work
Play through the whole piece several times without stopping so you see it as a whole and develop stamina.
Play dummy-runs to parents, friends, to Grandma who thinks you’re SO clever.
Success breeds more success. Enjoy!
November 26, 2013
10 tips to perform words or music
The moments before a performance are your launch pad. Then, you can make a crucial difference between maintaining calm control or succumbing to blind panic. You need to learn to slow down on your launch pad, to resist the impulse to rush on and tumble headlong into an incoherent performance.
Assemble your own check-list from these suggestions:
1. Sit comfortably, visualise transferring all your nervous energy away from the tense part of your body (e.g. the jaw or fingers) down into your toes.
2. Think “toes, toes, toes” and your jaw/fingers relax. Give your hands about twenty vigorous shakes.
3. Sip some water or rinse your mouth.
4. Think “I feel fine, my fingers and shoulders are relaxed, I am in good form. The audience will like me.”
5. Turn down the volume of those nagging voices in your head. Instead, focus on the outcome you desire – to inspire, to entertain, to win.
6. Warm your hands and fingers by relaxed movements, stretching or other gentle exercise. Limber up as athletes do, starting with easy, relaxed actions, then
increase the challenge as your muscles loosen up. Water and heat are excellent therapies.
Cold contracts muscles, causing tension. Remember how reluctantly limbs move when we play in draughty halls in winter?
When performing in northern Sweden, often above the Arctic Circle, I learned to thaw my cold fingers under the dressing-room hot taps, the warmth relaxing my muscles. Alternatively, bring gloves or a hot-water bottle.
7. Turn those fidgets to good use! Waiting backstage, many feel the urge to fidget. Perhaps we should adopt the Mediterranean habit of fiddling with worry beads – a more healthy distraction than a cigarette.
8. Stretch. Stand against a wall to ensure upright posture.
9. Imagine “I am the greatest”. Assume a confident, positive face. Smile.
10. Breathe. Slow down.
You’re on. Be the greatest you can. Have fun!
Excerpt from Speak Out – Don’t Freak Out by Ruth Bonetti Available on Kindle
