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public speaking

What happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas

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I was in Vegas last weekend. My husband and I wanted to get away for some pool time before a busy June hit. (It was also my birthday weekend.)

I dumped a few hundred down some slots and he made a hefty deposit while playing the tables. Thank you, Steve Wynn.

We flew in Thursday and didn’t hear about the terror threat until we landed that afternoon. Law enforcement was already boosted by the time we hit the ground. Vegas was a target because an ISIS propaganda video called for lone wolf attacks showed several Las Vegas Strip properties.

No one was really talking about it inside the casinos. Possibly because they were on vacation and drinking too many of these tasty little watermelon and vodka punches. I do know security was ramped up. Kathy Griffin also talked about it during her show. (This was three days before the President Trump beheading video.)

In my head – I was prepared for anything.

I wore sandals at dinners and shows instead of the heels that remained in my luggage. I kept my bag packed and my phone charged. (Speaking of purses… take a look at the tiny little chair waiters bring you for your bag during dinner? They’re really looking out for the girl who doesn’t want to place her handbag on the floor.)

It might be the news producer in me or because I spent three years in law enforcement… or was it all those years in Girl Scouts? I was ready.

My husband? He thought I was being a little ridiculous. But – you never can be too ready.

It’s a little like the bag I bring along on shoots for my clients. I have makeup for men and women. Deodorant, tape, body tape, things to stick in your bra to make your clothing look better, hair ties, blotters, eye cream, my favorite all-natural throat lozenges (ask me about them, they’re amazing)… you name it. You never know what your client will need. My job is to be ready and make them look and sound as best as possible.

Are you ready for your next emergency?

Ready for when the media calls?

Ready to perform?

Ready for your next boardroom pitch/interview/meeting/public speaking event/Facebook Live?

Here are some quick tips on how to prepare that I recently shared live on Facebook (please don’t mind the random thoughts and special appearance by my dog Mariel – when we’re live on Facebook, anything goes!):

I have an entire summer of ways you can get in the media or improve your public speaking — so make sure I’m making it into your inbox and not your spam! Not signed up for my free tips yet? Head on over to this page to start learning how you can get yourself noticed (and make more money).

PS: If you’re going to be in Vegas anytime soon… make sure to catch the Fogerty show. Worth every cent and more. Here’s just a taste of him performing with his sons. What a moment.

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How public speaking skills can propel your career

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Remember debate team in high school?

I wish I had joined.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved being an editor of my school’s paper, concert choir, DECA, acting in high school musicals and plays… but I didn’t really understand the value of debate team until later.

Preparing and delivering an argument has to be one of the skills we most need in life – no matter what we do for a living.

I think back now and wish debate team was required in schools. What’s a more valuable skill to learn?

Public speaking skills like being able to think on your feet, deliver an argument, defend your worth… these are all strengths that can propel your career.

My husband and I started watching the show, The Grinder, last night on Netflix. Have you seen it?

The show aired on Fox but was canceled in May 2016. It’s clever… it just never achieved high ratings.

The series follows actor Dean Sanderson, Jr. (Rob Lowe), who returns to his hometown of Boise, Idaho after his long-running television series ends. Though Rob Lowe’s character is not a lawyer, he thinks his experience playing one on TV qualifies him to practice law. He joins his family’s law firm much to the chagrin of his younger brother played by Fred Savage (who’s still as cute as he was as a kid), who’s a real-life lawyer.

Fred Savage’s character has the law degree and the real knowledge. He studies. He’s prepared.

But, over and over — people are attracted to the brother played by Rob Lowe who has NO legal knowledge or degree. They want HIM to represent them in court. Why? Besides for the fact that he’s Rob Lowe…

Because he looks and sounds like he knows what he’s talking about. He’s eloquent… convincing… and a little suave. He carries himself with confidence, makes eye contact, smiles … while Fred Savage’s character has all the real facts of each case… but reads with his nose stuck in his notes. No eye contact. Just awkward body language… and stern looks.

So imagine the power of knowing what you’re talking about AND having the delivery that attracts your audience? Imagine drawing people to you naturally without having to sell to them.

What could you do at work with that kind of power?

Whether you’re an electrician or an electrical engineer – you interact with clients – selling yourself each and every day.

Leaders speak calmly and clearly in an emergency. They stand out and more easily move up.

If you want to advance in your career, communicating effectively is essential. You must sum up your ideas and solutions faster than the others. If your job (or your dream job) requires any kind of presentations or just mingling – you need public speaking skills.

Some companies offer classes on this because they know it’s that important. If your company doesn’t, look for a local class in public speaking. I can help you too.

If you think colleagues would be interested, let’s talk about presenting the idea of holding a class at work to your company. You’ll get bonus points for organization and initiative.

Are you touching yourself?

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It’s a very important question.

You could be doing it – and have NO idea.

Most people don’t.

They do it in meetings, at their desk, in interviews, even on stage!

It’s really not a good thing.

I had a client who did it at the beginning of his media training with me yesterday… and with my help, he stopped. You can too.

Do YOU touch your face? At work, in meetings, during interviews or on stage? You shouldn’t.

Not only is it gross because you’re transferring bacteria, allergens and viruses to your face — but it’s also a dead giveaway that you’re uncomfortable with the situation.

When you rub your face, you’re calming yourself down because there are nerve endings there. Giving yourself a good temple rub in the bathroom is okay… but don’t do it in public IF you care what others think.

People absorb all the things you do PHYSICALLY while you’re speaking to them. They take that in as content. Not just what you SAY.

If you don’t really care what people think of you – then rub away. If you’re in sales, have a leadership role, looking to move up or own a company… you DO care… and it’s definitely something to work on.

This is why I record my clients on video. Sometimes they have no idea what they look like while they’re talking until they see what I shoot. It’s much easier to fix issues when you’re aware of them.

Try shooting video of yourself.

Positive body language could definitely help you become a more effective leader.

Would you like help? Click here for a free strategy session on the phone or on Skype.

Did You Know this Investment in Yourself is a Tax Write-Off?

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We’re just days away from tax day. You have three extra days this year to file your returns. The deadline is Tuesday, April 18, 2017.

If your business has anything to do with taxes… I’d be reaching out to your local media with different angles for TV, newspaper, radio and digital audiences. It’s not too late. Journalists need these stories now and it’s free advertising for you.

It’s also a good time to think about how to save money this year. Did you know there are many job-related costs that are tax write-offs?

Recruiters tell the Graduate Management Admission Council that the top skills MBAs need are oral communication, listening and writing.

If you have a customer-facing or board-facing job, invest in your personal appearance, market yourself with a personal website showing the advantages that come with you and create a LinkedIn page that reflects you best.

It’s also important to work on your public speaking and storytelling skills.

Hiring a media coach or a public speaking trainer benefits your career greatly, and if your company doesn’t reimburse you for the expense, it’s a tax write-off.

“The expenses don’t have to be required by your employer to be considered necessary. You make the call about whether an expense is necessary to do your job,” says Laura Adams, MBA, Money Girl.

Here are some other ways you can pay less taxes and save money legally from Laura Adams, MBA, Money Girl. (I was a TV producer for 20 years – and specifically the “money producer” at FOX Detroit for several years – so giving tax tips is in my blood.)

  1. Adjust your tax withholding. If you get excited about receiving a big tax refund each year, that may be a sign that you need to adjust your tax withholding. Getting a refund means you overpaid tax during the previous year by giving too much money to the IRS.
  2.  Start a business. No matter if you want to create a tech startup that revolutionizes the world or just do a little freelancing work on the side, having a business is a great way to shelter more of your money from taxes. If you start building websites, selling skincare or offering services as a virtual assistant, business expenses might include the cost of a computer, accounting software, and office furniture. If you’re an Uber or Lyft driver you could deduct a portion of your car payment, insurance, and cell phone bills. I have two businesses. Let me know if you need help with this one… I have gone through the startup process and can help you.
  3. Take the home office deduction. If you operate a business from home, you’re eligible for even more money-saving tax deductions. You can claim a home office deduction whether you rent or own your home and no matter if it’s a full- or part-time venture.
  4. Contribute to retirement accounts. One of the best ways to protect your income from taxes and accumulate wealth for the future at the same time is to contribute to one or more retirement accounts.
  5. Contribute to medical savings accounts.  A flexible spending arrangement (FSA) can only be offered by employers. Anyone who has a qualified high deductible health plan, through an employer or on your own, is eligible for a health savings account (HSA). It’s like an FSA, except that it doesn’t have a spending deadline. Both accounts shelter your out-of-pocket medical expenses from taxes. Check out IRS Publication 969 for more information.

Many traits in demand by companies, like public speaking, storytelling and personal branding, are not taught in school or by your company.

Do you get stuck when writing about yourself on LinkedIn? Are you having trouble telling the story of what you did for each company?

Do you freeze a little when you need to speak in front of larger or even small groups?

You can learn how to be better at public speaking.

You can learn how to tell the story of your career online, in your resume – or during a job interview.

I can help you.

I’m the media coach and public speaking trainer who helps people present at a higher level, tell their story to attract dream clients or to gain media attention.

Confidentiality is everything.

I am discreet. Most clients don’t talk about me… but you’ll notice a change in them after I work with them. Book your free consultation with me here.

By the way… if you still need help with your taxes, this is my guy. He’s great.

Speaking of NCAA Basketball Schools… Go Marquette!

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Picture courtesy of Marquette University 

Is your college in the big dance?

Mine is!

The Marquette Golden Eagles play University of South Carolina Friday, March 17.

While we’re talking about college… I just stumbled upon this on my Mac today.

Tim Cigelske is a Marquette University graduate and teacher. He teaches in the College of Communication.

Here’s a beautiful piece Tim wrote about me in Marquette Magazine a few years ago. Thank you, Tim.

The article was written when I was an executive producer at NBC. Since then, I created my own company. I am now a media coach and a public speaking trainer.

Tim also freelances on the side for some blogs and websites… so if you’re looking for a good writer with an awesome sense of humor… it’s him.

Go Marquette!

Screenshot 2016-09-14 16.14.05

ALUMNI PROFILE: KATHRYN JANICEK

By: Tim Cigelske

Kathryn Janicek does more by 4 a.m. than many people accomplish all day.

As executive producer for NBC Chicago’s morning TV show, her workday starts shortly after midnight

, when she opens her email and begins planning the news for more than 200,000 daily viewers.

No longer does breaking news start on the air. Now, she has to make sure stories are tweeted, posted on Facebook, and followed up on and updated on the website. That’s in addition to deciding where her reporters will travel and what items her writers will craft.

She doesn’t mind the relentless pace. In fact, she thrives on it.

“This really is a lifestyle,”she says. “Not just a job.”

Few in the news media have adapted faster to this rapidly changing landscape than Janicek, Comm ’98. She received an Emmy for outstanding achievement for interactivity and the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s Silver Dome Award for best use of new media.

Taking risks and blazing trails is nothing new for Janicek, who displayed these same characteristics at Marquette. She wanted to be hands-on from the beginning, which is why she chose Marquette’s broadcasting program and Milwaukee’s internship potential after being accepted into prestigious journalism programs at schools such as the University of Missouri.

“The moment I met her, I could see her exhibition of curiosity,” says Dr. Michael Havice, professor of broadcast and electronic communication in the Diederich College. “She wanted to achieve everything at once.”

Havice noticed that Janicek sought out new or challenging ways to tell stories, as well as opportunities for personal and professional development. This included interning at WISN Channel 12 during her freshman year and working as an overnight associate producer at WITI Channel 6 during her junior year. She also was the College of Communication’s president and responsible for organizing a memorial for Chris Farley when he died during Christmas break in 1997.

Ï really wanted to be in charge,: Janicek says. “I definitely went toward the producing and management role.”

Her experience paid off immediately after graduation, when she landed a job as a morning producer for the CBS affiliate in Champaign, Ill. Janicek was destined for bigger markets and arrived in Chicago 3 1/2 years ago as a producer at WGN, which led to her current role at NBC as executive producer of the morning show.

Today, Janicek relishes the responsibility of preparing her viewers for the day. She admits she has little downtime, but that’s just fine with her.

“The newsroom is an incredible place,” she said. “I can’t wait for Mondays.”

It’s Not Only What You Say, It’s How You Say It

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Public speaking isn’t just when you get on stage. You’re using public speaking skills (or not using them) when you’re in front of any customer, employee or team. When we practice our public speaking – it’s rarely on a stage in front of thousands.

Hiring managers – and managers who train employees – don’t always take this skill into consideration. Just as important as it is for your employees to know the company culture, history, menu, services, software, offerings, sales, new promotions — they must know the company’s “voice” and how to use it in public when around clients, vendors, potential donors and customers.

The way your employees speak to customers is very important. It’s not just the content — but it’s also in the delivery.

They may know the menu – and all the ingredients… but how does your wait staff talk to your customers? How do they greet them? How do they handle (in their voice reflection) when there is an issue?

I witnessed really good public speaking training during my honeymoon. We stayed at Lauberge de Sedona. The hotel is a spa resort … and the staff’s delivery matched the tone of the resort. This is so important.

It was at the front desk where I noticed this first… then at dinner that night.

Along the creek, the service staff spoke in hushed tones while they intricately described each dish, asked what kind of water we wanted, or brought new silverware. The sound and delivery was seamless. This was definitely their intention.

I would have ordered pretty much anything from our waiter that Saturday night. His delivery made you imagine that each dish was that smooth and tasty — and that the ingredients would make you feel as velvety and calm as his words were as they fell upon your ears.

And that’s the point. Sales, marketing – developing content. In order to do this and get the most bang for your buck – you need to make sure your delivery is perfected.

Their speaking voices didn’t detract from the sound of the creek running next to the tables… instead, their voices amplified the feeling of nature that surrounded us.

When at the bar inside, there was no clanking of glasses or raised voices calling attention to another staff member. They always walked to the employee to speak to them – never shouting.

The valets never honked, whistled or raised their voices when trying to get the attention of another valet. They still softly jogged (sometimes ran) to get cars — but their voices never interrupted the sound of the birds in the trees. It was so perfectly orchestrated. They were highly efficient, but without loud noises accompanying the efficiency.

We were supposed to stay just three nights and fly to LA next, but we stayed. We stayed there because of the feeling we had… and that feeling was created by their people. Their well trained people.

It’s something you can’t always tell about a company by reading their website. We didn’t know how much we’d enjoy the resort until we arrived. Their location and offerings attract customers — but I found out while there, that many people are return guests. That’s where their staff and training comes in. I’ve left or not done repeat business with companies because of unfortunate training of staffs. Lauberge’s people make customers want to become repeat guests.

Do you need help with public speaking? Your staff’s public speaking? I teach how to tell your story online, on video, on stage and in the media. I work on your messaging, delivery, body language, and appearance. Let me know how I can help. Click here to book time with me.

 

 

 

Producing the Best You

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You’re an expert in your industry.

You’re smart and you worked hard to get where you are right now.

You’ve seen other people in your industry used as an expert in the media.

You’ve seen the interviews on TV. You know, with the right training – you could be on TV or quoted in a magazine article.

 Portrait Session

You have a story to tell – but you don’t know how to get the attention from the media.

You want to learn how to present better in public – how to tell your company’s story – and keep the interest of your audience.

You need someone to show you what to wear, how to speak more passionately and how to deliver your message in a way that will stay with your audience. Maybe even call a few TV stations to land you appearances.

That’s exactly what I do.

Kathryn interviewing World War II veteran, Delton “Wally” Walling, at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii (2015)

Kathryn interviewing a World War II veteran at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii (2015)

 I’m Kathryn Janicek. I’m the media coach and public speaking trainer people reach out to when they want help presenting at a higher level, telling their story to attract dream clients – or to gain media attention.

I spent 18 years in media across the United States, coaching talent, producers and writers before switching my focus to helping entrepreneurs and corporate executives move up in their careers – and how to sound and look like the expert that’s inside of them.

HOW CAN I HELP YOU?

63ddb859-0af7-4a51-98d0-ceb078536384 I use my experience in media, coaching talent and writing stories that make people take action — and use it all to produce the best YOU.

I interview you to dig up your story, find out what about you will turn on the media – and give you a strategy on how to achieve your media and public speaking goals.
LET ME PRODUCE THE BEST YOU.

Email me, tweet me, Facebook me… let’s start working together.

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