HER VOICE is designed to help every speaker move to her next level. After she has turned in her video, she get
the opportunity to work with a mentor. Once she is done with the mentor, she gets to work with a coach. To
some, this might seem redundant, but don’t underestimate the power of this last step.
Get on the actual stage they will speak on
Work through their speech with a small group who have never heard their talk
Get encouragement
Find out what it will take to move their speaking to the next level.
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The day before the speaking event, speakers come in groups of four to work on their talks. At this event they will:
Science tells us that one of the biggest barriers to public speaking is fear. Fear causes the frontal lobe to freeze,
leaving only the emotional response in place. One of the best ways to overcome this initial fear response is
through exposure. When the speakers get up on the stage the day before the event, they get a chance to shake out
the fear responses. They also receive encouragement that helps them own their voice and speak with boldness.
Here is how a typical small group coaching session works (each session of 4 people takes about 1.5 to 2 hours):
1.
The coach gives the introduction and describes how the session will go – it is important to point out the
spiritual aspect of improving our speaking. We tend to hold our sense of calling in our emotions, and when we
get criticism, some might to misinterpret that criticism as a criticism of our calling or ourselves. Presentation
coaching is NOT a criticism, but development – kind of like a tuner on a radio. If you adjust the knob just a bit,
you will clear up the static so the message can come through clearer.
2.
The first speaker gets up on stages and gives her talk. When she is done, the coach should have her rejoin
the group and ask the question “What went well for you?” This sets the tone for the whole conversation. It also
allows you (as coach) to see how she views herself, and gives you good tools to help her use her strengths to
overcome her weaknesses.
When she has answered, ask everyone else – “What did you think went well?” This almost always leads into a
conversation not only of strengths, but of area that were unclear or almost great. It really tends to encourage the
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