The Hidden Value of Your Stories

Do you have a secret stash of dinner party stories, or stories you tell friends in a bar, or to entertain a date? I'm talking about those stories that you know inside and out; the really good ones that people beg you to tell over and over. And after you pretend to NOT want to - you turn a tale loose and leave people laughing, crying -- or sitting in amazement. All good storytellers have these -- but what many don't realize is all the hidden value that a collection of stories with a common theme can have. My speaking students are often amazed to find out that their crazy boss stories, the drunken family vacation stories, or the story of how they survived an illness (or their childhood) often have a message that goes much deeper than just entertaining a few friends. And, when they harness that message, and frame it properly, it can be a message that businesses will pay a lot to hear. In the speaking class I'm teaching now, I have a student who works in the transit system. She has hilarious stories about nightmare bus riders. And now she's putting a collection of them together to create a fabulous speech about using humor to deal with difficult people. Her speech is not only hysterical, but it's got great on the nose content that would be of value not just to bus drivers -- but to ANYONE who has to deal with the public. So her potential audience would be ...hmm, let me see...everyone? Another student is an actress, with wonderful stories about auditioning for commercials. Appearing in over 200 commercials has made her an expert on how to interview to win and wow all the audiences of your life. Once we framed what she knew with that "just right" wording in that last sentence, she realized how valuable her experience is -- not only for actors - but also for anyone who wants to get a job, land a promotion, win over a jury, or just impress a date. (That would again be... everyone!) We've all learned something from our years on this planet. Even small day-to-day struggles of overcoming obstacles and having success often have hidden treasure in them that can be of value to others -- and that corporations and organizations will pay to hear. I call that the "Message of You," and when we share that message (whether we get paid or not), we all can make a difference in someone else's life. Are you ready to find your message? Here's a quick exercise from my new book, "The Speaker's Bible: Make a Career Out of the Message of You" (St. Martin's Press, 2013): EXERCISE: Discover Your Message by Asking Your Tribe In this exercise, I want you to ask your closest friends, your family members, and your co-workers two questions: "What have you learned from me?" and "What are the stories I tell over and over again?" When you ask the people in your life these questions, you're going to be very surprised by the responses you get. Try it and find the theme - and the value -- of "The Message of You." I invite those of you living in LA to come to our first showcase - "A performance of kick-butt motivation." Admission is free (two item purchase). Come by and say hi and watch a very unique show. Where:  Flappers Comedy Club 102 East Magnolia Boulevard, Burbank, CA  When: Sunday, March 4th at 5:00pm    -Judy Carter Author of The Comedy Bible, Motivational-Humorist, and Comedy Coach

The Heart of a Good Speech

I just completed the second week of my corporate speaking workshop.  This is my first time teaching a 7-week workshop that ends in a showcase I call, “A Night of Kick Butt Inspiration.” Right now, my students are focused on finding their ideal topic to speak about (their “core premise”). To help them, I came up with this formula: “You know how people have trouble with insert problem?  Well, I’m going to show you how you can insert solution.” I was pretty excited with the results, because the students who’ve completed this exercise all came up with fairly solid premises on which to build a speech.  But what was even more exciting for all of us was the NEXT exercise - because it did more than just help them use their head to come up with a topic.  It opened up their hearts -- and they discovered why they have a burning desire to share their stories. The question to start the exercise was: “When in your life were you at a place when you were so down that you really needed inspiration?” After a little time to ponder, everybody started talking about those certain moments in their lives: the day they got fired, when they were bullied, the time when they were too broke to buy food -- and other things way too personal too mention in a public blog.   When each student revealed that most trying time -- it became obvious that how they dealt with it was their most authentic premise - because it came from the heart.   To build on those insights, I told each person in the class to imagine a specific person, maybe someone going through the same difficulties - or worse -- who really needed to hear their message in the audience.  This person could be a parent, a boss, or for many, even a younger version of themselves.   Something about the realization of how what they had to share could change the life of someone close - or could have changed their own life - made material start to flow freely -- along with tears. And that’s where I learned something.  We speakers find that we speak most effectively -- about what we need to learn ourselves. -Judy Carter Author of The Comedy Bible, Motivational-Humorist, and Comedy Coach

Breaking Into Reality Show TV TeleSeminar

As a performer, I have a scornful dislike of reality shows and the "personality" stars that are hatched from these shows.  Call me crazy, but I prefer my celebrities to have talent.  That being said, I'll come out and admit that I'm hooked on "Dance Moms," which I watch with the same guilty pleasure of slowing down to watch the remnants of an auto accident. Every time I find myself watching one of these reality shows, I think of all the funny and talented people I know who are working really hard at building a career, and who would love even the smallest of breaks.  Why are they having so little luck - while people with much less to offer are starring in shows that millions watch? Well - if you can't beat 'em - join 'em! Actors and comics, it's time to stop complaining about reality shows wiping out juicy acting roles and take some action to help your career. If you think that your life might translate to a reality show, if your personality is perfect to be a contestant on a show, or if your talent as a stand-up comic can translate to hosting a show, then you need to check out my next free TeleSeminar, "Breaking Into Reality Show TV." In this 90 minute seminar, you'll get a chance to learn from people who've been on all sides of the camera -- from show hosts to the agents and producers who create and package these shows. You can sit on your couch and be intrigued by the characters on reality shows any night of the week - and wonder why these people are getting paid.  Or -- you can learn how to turn the tables and get PAID. Spots are limited. More information here.     -Judy Carter Author of The Comedy Bible, Motivational-Humorist, and Comedy Coach