Sunday, January 1, 2012

Segues

-Here is a suggestion that can slow down a presentation and add a smoother transition from one thought to another when speaking, the well planned SEGUES.
         85% of the world does not use appropriate SEGUES, instead they  use filler words (eh, er, um) or minor or irrelevant words  (so, OK, and) instead of using phrases that directly relate to what has been said and leads to the next thought,  next point or story. Here are three examples 1- Speaking of _____, 2- Pondering this question of ______,  3-That reminds me________.         
         The ultimate SEGUE is the PERIOD. Punctuate your idea with the MEANINGFUL PAUSE. In writing it is the period. Hold the space for the audience to consume your last idea and use that idea to lead to the next idea.
Example:
         “The Fall is one of my four favorite seasons.  It is a time to reflect upon our personal harvest.
         Speaking of harvest there are few items we can gather during all the season, and one of them is gratitude.
         Gathering our harvest of gratitude can easily be done by using the Five Friends-Who, What, Where, When and Why. These are friends that act as SEGUES, and also help control the internal, eternal often infernal Private Speaking of our inner chatter by asking questions. Using questions to control our mind is the basis for education and my favorite tool to handle the resistance we have to creating life as we wish and curing Seriousitis.
         Who I am grateful for are my children and the joy they bring.         
         Speaking of joy the Church Choir rehearsal have been a joy to me and the children. I invite you to join us for our public presentation.
         When I think of a public presentation I think of speaking coach Gary C Smith. We are working together to keep our enthusiasm about life and slow our speaking so we can all feel the excitement of harvesting our gratitude. J
         Where are you most grateful?
         What has your enthusiasm?
         Why not get excited about the wonders of life before our act is closed?
         In closing, it is how we SEGUE from one idea to the next that connects all of us together as one people, seeking peace and happiness this fall season.”
         Recapping:
         A SEGUE is a transition from one idea to another. Using a pause we can move past the ums, so, and, and use verbs to connect to the next idea. Often it is a case of repeating the last phrase, the next idea connects to the last.
         SEGUES are what makes an ARIA powerful, an essay make sense, a reason to pause to honor our audience.
            SEGUES keep our audience paying attention.