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Create. Inspire. Serve!
June, 2014 |
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A Note from Andrea Beaulieu
This comes under that "wish I'd known this then" category. When I first began speaking professionally, I did what most people do -- spoke in my own language. I don't mean my literal language -- English -- although I did that, too! I mean my preferred "learning language." I was great at addressing relevant, bigger picture information and motivation, telling entertaining and emotionally engaging stories, and providing specific calls to action. I wasn't so great at providing data, research and references. And, for those people who needed that, I lost them. I lost their interest and their trust. Because, after all, if I'm not speaking their language, how can I hope to gain their trust? Fortunately I learned, and today I'm sharing that information with you! Scroll down to the Tales of Transformation and Artistry section and learn five key speaking elements to ensure you don't lose your audience.
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"I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship."
Louisa May Alcott |
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What's Happening
Keynote Speaker "This Would Be Really Funny If It Weren't Happening To Me! The Three Essential Truths of Leadership" Southwest Food Service Excellence Scottsdale, AZ September 7, 2014
Featured Performing Artist Creative Living Fellowship Phoenix, AZ December 5, 2014 Story Performance Coaching Boot Camp ASU Lodestar Center Phoenix, AZ A Question for You . . . I'm considering offering How to Move From Stage Fright to Stage Presence, Power and Purpose! in an online group format this fall and would like to know what would be most important to you. Here's the link to a survey -- only five questions to get your feedback. I would deeply appreciate it if you'd take a few moments to give me your opinion. Thank you!
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A couple of weeks ago I took a course to become a practitioner of Neuro Linguistic Programming, or NLP, knowing I would learn some techniques to help my clients overcome stage fright.
Dr. Matt James with the Empowerment Partnership taught this course. He began by telling the group of 60 plus people that he would be using several learning styles during the four days, and proceeded to tell us what they were. I loved the fact that he was sharing these, because it would help people who didn't appreciate one or more of the styles to understand that others do. As he went through the styles, I realized I use all of these styles as well, and for good reason! I'll never forget it. I was presenting to a group of highly educated, academically oriented professionals on the importance of stories. I had planned this training carefully. I had connected my content to the theme of their meeting. I'd passed everything by the CEO so there would be no surprises. I knew the material was good, and I was comfortable with it. What I didn't know was that I was missing something very important -- the academic references for the importance of stories in communicating value and inspiring action. In my mind, that was a given. But not in the minds of everyone in my audience. About a third of the way through my presentation, one individual decided to voice his concerns quite strongly. He clearly did not agree with my premise. I was completely surprised. Hadn't I done everything possible to ensure my audience would be able to engage this material, and the process? No.
What I didn't know was how important it was to address his particular learning needs -- academic references. This was a painful lesson, but one I took to heart. As a result, I make sure to include those references whenever I'm speaking because I don't want to leave anyone out. In fact, I make sure to include all the learning styles as part of my speeches, trainings, presentations -- you name it! They have become key speech elements that I also coach my clients to use.
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As an executive speech coach, story performance and presentation skills coach, and strategic brand messaging consultant, Andrea Beaulieu combines her abilities as a speaker, writer and performer to coach her clients to be powerful presenters and tell their stories with enthusiasm and passion, and to speak from their authentic voice.
She has graced numerous stages as a professional speaker, singer and actress. She knows the ins and outs of working with an audience and brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her clients, helping them capitalize on the power of the platform and avoid the pitfalls.
Andrea has trained hundreds of individuals and groups in speaking and presentations skills. She has worked with numerous C-level individuals at international and national organizations over the course of her career, crafting speeches and other communications materials including editorial, branding and marketing communications. She assists individuals and organizations to get to the essence of their purpose, values, and goals and deliver them powerfully and authentically in the world.
As a professional speaker, Andrea has shared her expertise and inspirational stories with diverse audiences including the Women in Intel Network, Scottsdale Healthcare, the American Academy of Family Physicians Women's Health and Physician Wellness Conference, Northern Trust Bank, and the Association for Financial Professionals of Arizona, among others. Additionally, she has performed on hundreds of stages in various venues, and traveled with the international organization, Up With People, singing and dancing at Super Bowl Halftime, the Indianapolis 500, and Bob Hope's Birthday Party.
Prior to starting her business, she served as director of public relations for Ramada, Inc., as the executive director of two nonprofits, and in management and creative positions with a public relations agency, a national retail company, and an emergency medical standards organization. She is the recipient of numerous awards including The Art of the Show First Place from the International Association of Exhibition Management and the Copper Quill Award of Excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators.
Andrea has received certificates from the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA) in Facilitation Training and from the Chemical Awareness Training Institute in Student Assistance and Support Group Facilitator Training. She is an Advanced Communicator Silver with Toastmasters International. She has a certificate in Transformational Life Coaching from the nationally accredited Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Tempe, Ariz., completing an intensive 100-hour course. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Mass Communications from Arizona State University, Tempe, Ariz. |