public speaking Archives - Kathryn Janicek

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How to Look Better Under Stage Lights or on Camera

October 3, 2018/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

Many of my clients had a successful career, but are now looking for help with their public speaking careers.

Some are looking for opportunities to get on live TV to talk about their companies or their story.

Do you know how to prepare so you look your best?

I’m going to show you how you can look better on TV or on stage. The lights really alter our appearance.

I always suggest that my clients hire a makeup artist — but if you have to do it yourself, here are a few things you can do to make yourself look better under all those lights.

If you’re going to present on stage soon, here are three things to ask before you show up.

Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary consultation with Kathryn.

3 Things to Ask Before you Show up to a Public Speaking Gig

May 23, 2018/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

Many of my clients had a successful career, but are now looking for help with their public speaking careers.
They’re an expert – and have a story to tell.

Do you know how to prepare so you hit your presentations out of the park?

These are three things to ask before you show up to a public speaking gig.

Before you really ever present.

Let’s produce the best you!

Try them and let me know how it worked out.

How to avoid the mistake the White House made this week

January 30, 2018/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

I send out an email almost daily that goes to clients, former clients and future clients.

On Sunday, I sent a media tip that many would say is obvious.

Kind of a “no duh.”

I even called it “unsexy.”

But au contraire, my friend…

How to avoid the mistake the White House make this week

I’m sure you’ve heard by now that tickets to President Donald J. Trump’s first State of the Union address originally said State of the “Uniom.”

The tickets issued to lawmakers’ spouses and guests contained the typo. The tickets were printed by the Office of the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper. They had to be reissued.

“It was corrected immediately, and our office is redistributing the tickets,” a spokesman for the sergeant at arms told Agence France-Presse.

One news outlet reported that the State of the Union tickets actually had two typos: In addition to “Uniom,” they referred to the “Visitor’s Gallery.” It’s actually the Visitors’ Gallery.

This isn’t the first time. Not long after President Trump was sworn into office in January of last year, the White House misspelled British Prime Minister Theresa May’s name—three times. THREE times. Her name is “Theresa” May, but they spelled it “Teresa” May. “Teresa” (with no h) May, happens to be a model and porn actress.

The original version of Trump’s presidential inauguration poster also featured a typo. The message over his photo read “No dream is too big, no challenge is to great,” with the second “o” missing from the second “too.”

Then there was the time the White House issued a statement before Trump’s trip to Israel, saying that he hoped the visit would “promote the possibility of lasting peach,” instead of “peace.” Yes, we all love the fuzzy fruit… but, come on.

And the White House Snapchat account referred to Betsy DeVos as the “Secretary of Educatuon.” Awesome.

Of course, Mr. Trump himself has had his own share of typos like the famous “covfefe.”

It happens.

It’s not uncommon.

And, it’s totally unacceptable.

Before you read my blogs, someone else does.

Actually… he hears them.

I read them to my husband before I hit “publish.”
If he’s not around, I read them aloud a few times.

Sometimes he helps me nail down a point.
Most times he just listens and says “great!”
I love that.

Here are two really unsexy media tips that may be the most important things you do:

Have someone else read everything you write before it’s sent out.
Always read your work out loud before you send it.

I’m talking about social media posts, blogs, big emails to your staff (you never know what might be forwarded to the media), speeches, quotes you’re giving to a magazine or newspaper… you get the point.

Here’s why I do it:
You’re way too important for me not to have another set of eyes on these emails.
I’m not perfect.

Here’s why you should do it:
Every bit of information that’s sent out or posted is a reflection of you and your company.
You’re not perfect.

Every bit of information that’s sent out or posted is a reflection of you and your company.

You’re not perfect.

In our beautiful imperfections… we miss stuff.

Our brain sometimes moves so quickly – we actually will “see” the right word that should be there… even though there is a misspelling or the wrong word there entirely.

When we read our work aloud — we catch more errors.

When you have someone else quickly do a once-over… it’s even better.

Told you it’s not very sexy.

But I guarantee – you’ll be more effective in sharing your story.

Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn.

How to get on TV (or anywhere else in the media)

January 24, 2018/1 Comment/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

So you have a story to tell and you think the news should tell it?

You want to help more people by getting on a major platform like television?

You saw a guy you went to college with, you two have the same amount of experience… yet HE ALWAYS gets interviewed when the news is looking for someone in your industry?

Want “the news” to talk about YOUR company and give it a big boost in sales?

I hear it all the time.

“Why doesn’t the news call me? I have the best (fill in the blank).”

Here’s the BIG SECRET:

If you want it, you have to go get it.

The majority of the time, they’re not hunting down people to interview.

YOU have to make the call, email, text….

So, how do you do that?

Media training.

Media training teaches you:

How to create a story that is marketable to the media
How to dig up the marketable, sellable and pitchable story that’s inside of you or your company
How to present that story to the media
Who you need to talk to… who the major players are that make the decisions on what story to run, where to run it (and which to delete)
What to say when you get the booking
What to wear on TV, in a magazine shoot, for a newspaper shoot, or on radio (seriously… ask me why)
The best haircut/style for your face on TV
How to do your makeup for TV so you look alive but don’t look too made-up (and not like yourself)
How to carry yourself physically during the interview
Verbal delivery skills
How to answer a question when you don’t want to answer a question
How to answer a question when you can’t answer a question (proprietary information, part of an active investigation… or you just don’t know the answer)
How to frame your message during the interview
How to get the interviewer focused on the message that you want to focus on
Where the story will show up
How long to wait for the story to show up
How to get your website link on air, in an article or mentioned on the radio
How to share the story later to take advantage of the media hit and gain more followers (or make more sales)

Media training gives you the skills to develop a strong, clear message that sticks with your audience. It positions you to deliver it effectively and impactfully. Media training is also the best way to develop strong skills when it comes to interacting with the media, making sure your message isn’t lost or misinterpreted through nerves.

Media trainers work with individuals and teams of people.

I am a professional media trainer with 20+ years of experience in TV. (I have a bunch of Emmy Awards too.)

I coach on how to use appropriate body language, strong message building, and how to navigate those uncomfortable questions. The training experience arms you with what you need to effectively and confidently engage with the media.

Not convinced you need it? Here’s a little more …

It puts you in control of your interviews

You’ve seen or heard it before: an interview that is a complete flop. The person being interviewed forgets his or her key points, forgets important information, or flat out stumbles the whole way through.

The journalist may be the one asking you the questions, but in reality, you are in control of the interview. A media trainer works with you on composure and focusing on key messages so you can create the outcome you want in the interview. When your responses are clear and delivered well, you are able to subtly but strongly steer the interview the direction you want.

It teaches you to navigate the hard questions

Even if you are in control of your interview, you are still going to be faced with the hard questions. These questions may put you on the spot and be difficult to answer. With media training, you’re armed with skills to answer these tough questions. Your media trainer will practice these tough questions to prep you and craft answers that help you stay in control of the interview. This helps you feel confident going into an interview that may have particularly tough questions, even if they come at you unexpectedly.

It polishes your personal delivery

When you speak on television, the audience is watching your body language and facial expressions. People pick up on these things and they pay close attention to them. Media training teaches you how to use your words, tone, and body language to deliver your message in a powerful and effective way.

In addition to delivery, media training can help with interviewing anxiety. For those who are terrified by interviews, especially live radio and/or television ones, developing interview skills and confidence can be the most beneficial part of the media training experience. You’ll face every interview head-on without worrying about getting stuck.

Media training helps you even if you have NO desire to be in the media. Because of the training, my clients are better on stage, during job interviews, and presenting in front of small groups at work.

Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn.

Lessons from The Crown: When You Shouldn’t Listen to People Around You

January 7, 2018/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

You must do anything you can to find out how you look and sound to your audience. NOT how people around you say you look and sound. Here is an example as shown in The Crown on Netflix.

I’ve been watching The Crown.
Have you seen any of the series? It’s on Netflix and follows Queen Elizabeth’s rise and rule.

In season 2, episode 5, Queen Elizabeth is criticized by a lord who’s the editor of a newspaper. He points out that her recent speech was tone-deaf.

The monarchy was stuck in the past.

The speech was not written by the queen, but by a bunch of old men who were not in touch with their audience.

Eventually, the queen reluctantly listens to the lord’s feedback.
It’s painful for her. She’s not used to this kind of help.

In the end, his notes made it easier for her to guide the monarchy in relating more to its audience (the people).

It was difficult for her to sit there and listen to the criticism, but she did.

She had to swallow her pride and for a moment, not take the counsel of the people surrounding her.

This is difficult for many leaders. But it’s key to building a business.

You must do anything you can to find out how you look and sound to your audience.
NOT how people around you say you look and sound.

It’s critical to take that information and see if you can alter your presence and image to reach more people, and keep your current audience.

In the Queen’s case, the advice originated from criticism written in newspaper articles.

She could have prevented that in the first place by listening to more forward-thinking advisors.

Sometimes your staff — the people you trust the most — are too afraid to tell you what you need to hear.

It’s not that they don’t care. It’s hard to tell your boss they’re boring, not transparent enough, has an outdated look, doesn’t do a great job on stage… and whatever else you should be hearing.

Many times, it takes an outside voice to break through and convince you of the tweaks that will help you become a more effective leader.

I would have loved to have been there to help guide Elizabeth II. Of course, I’m honored to help all my clients. Here’s a little more on why public speaking is the most important skill you need.

Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn!

Chris Farley & How to Avoid the Media Mistakes I Made

December 19, 2017/1 Comment/in Blog, Uncategorized /by Kathryn Janicek

Most of the time, you don’t know when your media opportunity is coming. Here’s an inside look at the media mistakes I made, to help you prepare for your own moment in the spotlight.

Comedian and actor, Chris Farley, died 20-years ago. He was a superstar in the 90s at the time I was in college. He died after a long battle with addiction. He was only thirty-three and was already the greatest physical comedian of my generation. He didn’t survive — but he left behind many stories. This is mine.

“Kathryn! You’re on TV… call me!”

“Kathryn, I just saw you on E!”

“Kathryn! I didn’t know you dated….. Chris Farley?!?”

Ten messages on my answering machine.

It was 1999… and I was just months out of college and at my first full-time TV job.

I heard the messages right after walking in the door after producing the news all night at WCIA in Champaign, Illinois. I was so tired, I had to listen to them again to understand what was going on. Then I called someone to get the scoop.

The “E! True Hollywood Story” on Chris Farley premiered the night before. It described Chris’ time at Saturday Night Live, at Marquette University, his drug abuse… and my picture came up in the show over and over. It was not flattering. Because of how I looked… and what the announcer track was saying while my pictures were coming up. Here’s a clip.

Chris Farley died during my senior year of college. The dean of my college called me over Christmas break and asked me to head back to school early so I could plan the memorial Mass at Marquette University. I was the president of my college and Chris went to Marquette.

The year prior, Chris came back to campus to accept an award. This is also the last time I wore a dress this low-cut. THIS is the event where my pictures were taken along with dozens of other students with Chris. After Chris died, producers from E! went to Marquette to collect pictures. The dean handed them over… and the producers didn’t keep track — so editors used pictures of me in places that the track was not referring to me. I clearly did not date Chris, nor was I part of his downward spiral into drinking… as the E! story said.

On the day of the memorial Mass — I had Chris’ family there, bagpipers and Pat Finn to give the eulogy. (You’ve probably seen Pat in The Middle, Friends and Seinfeld… he’s great.) His eulogy was hilarious and loving. He told stories that illustrated Chris as a student… to us, a chapel full of students. I wish I had video of it in its entirety. He also told stories of how Chris would make regular trips to the Joan of Arc chapel on campus to pray… talk to God… and just be alone.

After the service, the local stations wanted to interview me.

I didn’t even think about this possibility.

I was unprepared. (I know much better now… I was 20 then.)

As a young broadcast journalism student who wanted to be a reporter (as I thought at the time)… I blew my chance. I gave the all-time lamest soundbite. It’s here if you want to see it:

Between the low-cut dress at the awards event the year before and the soundbite at the service — these are the first two mistakes I made when it comes to media and public speaking.

But I learned a lot.

When the story on E! aired, I was a young TV producer. This taught me to be very careful when writing to pictures and video. Make sure the track matches the visuals. A mistake can hurt someone’s reputation.
Be ready for anything.
Watch the makeup. Don’t let it be a distraction.
Dress how you would want to be portrayed in pictures or on video — especially if you’re going to a high-profile event. You never know who may see the picture.
Have your elevator speech ready. What will you say if the media shows up? How will you answer if someone at that wedding asks you what you do, or why you’re “in between jobs,” or what you’re looking for in your next role? What will you say when they ask you what your company does? Remember — quick responses that stick with your audience.

I coach clients so they’re ready when their opportunity comes.
Most times – you don’t even know your opportunity’s coming.
You need to be ready now.

Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn!

Knowing your audience when speaking in public

October 8, 2017/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

We experienced a family medical emergency a few weeks ago and had to spend time in a hospital.

You pay close attention to the mannerisms and language of doctors when it’s important. You want to know what they’re really saying when they’re talking.

It was mostly good… the normal, “I’m sorry we’re meeting in this situation” and “I’m sorry to be meeting you today…”

They’re normally so careful in what they say.

One doctor was different.

Before he popped in a BIG needle – he turned away from me and asked his team of two younger female doctors, “Do you play darts?”

They answered, “No.”

While I was thinking how odd of a question that was for two young women who probably had no time for bars during med school and residency… he said:

“That’s what this is like.”

Then:

He stabbed.

Not the communication I was looking for at that moment.

Not something that made me feel better.

Are you miscommunicating, confusing or causing unneeded fear in those you think is your audience?

Do you even know who your audience is when it comes to your messages online or in person?

Have you defined your best audience?

The audience that will bring you more business, growth and $$$$$$?

Click here and we’ll talk.

It’s important to know how you sound and what you look like to your audience whether you’re live on TV, speaking to a small workgroup, interviewing for a new job or addressing a large live audience.

This doctor thought his audience was made up of the other two doctors.

But the patient was his real audience.

Imagine if you heard those words before someone stuck you with a needle.

Imagine the confusion in the message.

Do you have your own language barriers in your industry?

Is your audience getting lost in lingo, jargon on your website, in your marketing – or in how you communicate in person?

I’ll show you how to make sure your message:

sticks with your audience
attracts new clients
brings you new opportunities
and helps you move up in your career.

I’m here to help you.

How to save face in an interview and deflect like Jane Fonda

September 29, 2017/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

You’re interviewing for a job.

You’re getting ready for a media interview.

But you’re afraid — what if they ask you a question that you don’t want to answer? Or can’t answer?

I’m going to show you exactly what Jane Fonda did this week – and how you can do the same when you don’t want to answer a question during a media interview or in a job interview.

First, some background…

————-

She tried.

It blew up.

She looked dumb.

I’m talking about Megyn Kelly.

Did you see this video? Watch starting at 1:30 in:

Jane Fonda was on Megyn Kelly’s new hour of NBC’s TODAY show to promote Fonda’s new Netflix movie, Our Souls at Night, with Robert Redford.

During the interview, the former Fox News host asked about Fonda’s plastic surgery, “I read that you said you’re not proud to admit you’ve had work done. Why not?”

Fonda stared at Kelly and then answered: “We really want to talk about that right now?”

Kelly quickly replied, “One of the things people think about you when they look at you is how amazing you look.”

Fonda credited her “good attitude, good posture,” and then turned the segment subject back to Our Souls at Night. “But let me tell you why I love this movie that we did, Our Souls at Night, rather than plastic surgery,” Fonda said.

Brilliant.

This is what we call art, deflecting and professionalism.

I’m going to teach you how to do this, but first…

Here are some lessons learned from this interview if you’re in the media:

Even female members of the media fall into sexist traps. Don’t let yourself.
Jane Fonda has never liked discussing the procedures she’s undergone to age gracefully. You know this. Do not ask sexist and unimportant questions. The female race is not made up of idiots. We know she’s had work. We can see it. Why not just ask her about Vietnam too right in the middle of an interview about her new movie with Robert Redford?
If you’re going to ask a woman about her plastic surgery, do not ask in front of a man she’s been in love with for decades. It’s tacky. Would you do this in person, at a party?

At the end of the day, I wish I knew who her doctor is – I have several clients who would love to look as good as Jane Fonda when they’re her age. Me too.

————————————————————–

Now for you, my fellow business professionals… there’s a wonderful lesson for us in how Fonda answered this question.

Fonda has spent her career answering difficult questions especially after her comments on the Vietnam War that infuriated much of the United States.

Whether or not you believe in what she fights for – she’s an expert in interviewing.

YOU can learn from her.

Politicians, like President Donald Trump, have mastered the art of deflection. I want you to be just as prepared when you need to change the subject during an interview.

Here’s how to deflect like the pros and deal with the tough questions:

Acknowledge the question, but don’t answer it. “Great question, but what we should be looking at is…”
Question the question. Question the question when it’s based on false information or factually inaccurate. You can also question the question when it’s too personal. Also, try asking for more information: “I’d love to answer that… but I need clarification.” “I’d love to answer that… but please let me know what you mean by those numbers.” Turn the question onto the interviewer: “Why do you ask me that?” This is what Fonda did during the interview on TODAY. Kelly asked the question and Fonda replied, “We really want to talk about that right now?”
Refuse to answer. Not your area of responsibility? Refuse to answer and give the name of the person who can.
Partially answer. Start to answer but then change the subject right away. This is what Fonda did in this example: Fonda: “We really want to talk about that right now?” Kelly: “One of the things people think about you when they look at you is how amazing you look.” Fonda: “good attitude, good posture… But let me tell you why I love this movie that we did, Our Souls at Night, rather than plastic surgery.”
Explain that the question has already been answered. “We’ve addressed this.” “I’m not going to go over old ground.”

I know there are examples in your head now that you’d seen the strategy. If not, you’re going to notice this all the time going forward. Learn from the good and bad examples during live interviews.

Is there an interview that you’ve seen that’s a great example of deflecting? Share the links below so we can all learn from them.

It’s Not Fair | The Melania Trump Edition

August 31, 2017/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

She was judged for what she wore.
She was ripped apart online.
She was called out of touch.

We only saw a picture.
We didn’t know her itinerary.
Yet she was judged for what she wore.

Every detail was outlined and ridiculed from her stilettos to her sunglasses.
She was never intending to get on a boat and help rescue stranded Houstonians. We also didn’t know if she had a change of clothes inside the chopper.

Yet we, the audience, judged her for how she looked. For what she wore. Twitter BLEW UP.

It’s not fair.
When I was a kid, I said it a lot.
“Life’s not fair,” is how my mom and dad would respond over and over. It didn’t make me feel any better. But, it’s true.

Life’s not fair.

I hear it from clients when I first tell them how much hair, makeup, wardrobe, jewelry, and facial hair count. We may want what’s inside of us to be the only thing that matters — but so much more creates the image an audience sees.

When we’re on stage or presenting in front of a small work group – we expect our expertise to be heard and seen…. and not the fact that we have two inches of roots and haven’t been able to get a haircut in months.
Life’s not fair.

We see it all. And we judge. Most times, we don’t even know we’re doing it. But what we see definitely adds to how we feel about a person.

What you wear is as important as what you say. You could have a doctorate in your field – but if what you look like is distracting – it’s hard to gain the trust of your audience.

Melania didn’t choose her role. Her husband chose it for her. What we can learn from her choices this week is that we all need people around us that we can trust to speak the truth. To tell us when we’re making a big mistake. To guide us on how an audience may perceive us in our decisions.

We can and should judge her team. And maybe that annoying FLOTUS baseball cap she wore too.

Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn!

Why public speaking is the most important skill you need

August 25, 2017/in Blog /by Kathryn Janicek

The skill is public speaking.

When Warren Buffett went to college, he avoided all classes that would require public speaking. He was terrified of it! When he graduated, he realized his fear of public speaking was killing his ability to move up in his career.

My public speaking course was arguably the best investment I made in my life. – Warren Buffett

In an Inc.com article, the billionaire investor was quoted as saying:

“Now, you can improve your value by 50 percent just by learning communication skills–public speaking.” – Warren Buffett

Richard Branson agrees. In a Virgin blog post, he said:

“Communication is the most important skill any leader can possess.”

“Today, if you want to succeed as an entrepreneur, you also have to be a storyteller… It is not enough to create a great product; you also have to work out how to let people know about it.”

Why are these skills so sought after?

1: Professional Growth:

Public speaking and knowing how to communicate help professionals motivate change, influence decisions, and form connections.

Great public speakers master the art of influence and leadership. This is a classic guide that all public speakers should read. You must be able to effectively communicate with not only your boss – but your colleagues and employees.

2: Gaining Trust:

Leaders who INSPIRE are trusted by their employees. Leaders with communication and public speaking skills have a much easier time influencing their co-workers. This will also help make projects run seamlessly.

3: Personal Growth:

Public speaking will help you increase your confidence level. If you can get up in front of a crowd – you can ask for a raise, inspire your employees, have more successful dates – even be more successful and happy at home.

Ryan Laverty is the Founder and CEO at SpeakOut. He smartly teaches his clients that, “Confidence helps everyone meet new people, manage stress, and stand up to even the harshest of criticism.”

This new confidence will help you meet new people, manage stress better, and stand up for yourself!to even the harshest of criticism.

Public speaking and communication abilities are an incredible asset even for professionals not in leadership roles.

If you feel like you have big reasons that are holding you back – don’t be afraid.

If you just have PASSION about your job, story, message, background, or the reason you want to help others – I can help you.

MY passion is helping others. I teach my clients how to improve their self-confidence and speak on stage, in front of small groups or in the media.

If you would like help, please book a free consultation with me here. Also, join our Facebook community for lots of free public speaking and media tips.

It’s never too late.

Kathryn Janicek is a three-time Emmy Award-winning television producer with 20 years of experience working in newsrooms across the country. Kathryn coached talent, producers, and writers before switching her focus on helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives. Now, based in her home city of Chicago, she is a much sought-after media coach and public speaking trainer who will help you produce the best YOU. Click HERE now to book a complimentary 30-minute consultation with Kathryn!