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Create. Inspire. Serve!
August, 2013 |
| A Note from Andrea Beaulieu Hello and Welcome! Starting with this issue, I'm introducing some changes to my newsletter I hope you'll find valuable. I look forward to hearing from you with comments, suggestions, or compliments!
What does getting personal in your presentations have in common with the life of a little doggie?
Sadly, I recently had to put my little 16-year-old doggie, Molly, to sleep. She had been suffering from a number of physical problems, and I finally knew it was time. If you've had to do this, you know how difficult it is. No matter how much they are suffering, it's hard to be the one to make that decision.What does this have to do with getting personal in your presentations? Please bear with me while I share my tale. The week before this event, I was at my Toastmasters meeting. The theme was "What's stressing you out?" (You might ask, what's a speaking coach doing at Toastmasters? My club is a great place to try out new ideas, develop new material, and keep in shape. Kind of like continuing to go to the gym even after you've met your fitness goals!) That morning I was selected to do Table Topics. These are one-to-two minute, extemporaneous speeches. I stood up and said, "I have this little being. She has brown fur and weighs about 12 pounds. She's 16 years old, and every morning at 5 a.m., I hear 'ARF!' She waits about 30 seconds, and I hear, once more, 'ARF!' Secretly, under my breath, I'm saying to myself, "shut up!!" But alas, this will go on until I get up and let her out of her crate and feed her, so I do. She has me well trained. That's the start of my day, and it's the biggest stress in my life right now. Here's why: My little Molly isn't well, and soon, actually next week, I will need to let her go. I need to release her from her pain and put her to sleep." At this point, I kind of lost it. I started choking up. Tears started to come. The members of my club watched as I continued to talk about Molly through my tears -- the love, the pain and the powerlessness of it all. I ended my speech by saying, "And you know what I have to say to you, Miss Molly? ARF!" That humor was a welcome relief to everyone, I can tell you. In the past, I would have felt embarrassed to be so emotional in front of my audience, but I didn't, for a couple of reasons. One, I'm much more comfortable being vulnerable in front of group than I used to be, and two, I know being authentic is everything when it comes to connecting with your audience. That's not to say we have to break down -- not at all! But if by chance it does happen, in the words of the founder of the National Speakers Association, Cavett Robert, "it's better." After the meeting, one person I didn't feel connected to shared kind words. I followed up by email to express my appreciation and we connected even more deeply. Showing my vulnerability opened the door for a more meaningful connection. So, what does the life of a little doggie have in common with getting personal in your presentations? Getting personal, being authentic, being emotionally available -- these brought understanding, connection, and a desire to help -- all things we want to create when we speak. And for me, in that moment, my Toastmaster friends helped me say goodbye to my sweet little girl. |
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"What makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful."
Brene Brown, Ph.D. |
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Connect with Andrea
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September 11, 2013 "Your Story and Your Brand Walk Hand in Hand!" NAWBO Phoenix Phoenix, AZ
September 25, 2013 "Your Story and Your Brand Walk Hand in Hand!" YNPN Phoenix, AZ
October 13, 2013 Featured Vocalist West Valley Center for Spiritual Living Peoria AZ
November 7, 2013 "Tell Your Story for Impact and Investment!" 21st Annual Nonprofit Conference on Sustainability Strategies ASU Lodestar Center Phoenix, AZ
New! "Your Story and Your Brand Walk Hand in Hand!"
Does your team know the meaning, value and reason for your work? Can your audience articulate that clearly? Does it reflect the truth?
Make sure your team is communicating what really matters. My new new coaching, training and consulting program delivers concrete results so you can experience greater opportunity and prosperity.
"Andrea's program on branding was a huge success! Andrea helped our members take a deep and focused look at the language they use to differentiate themselves, how they back that up with their introductory speech, and how to create engagement with potential customers in an enjoyable and meaningful way. I highly recommend her." Micki Lang, Assistant Executive Officer, Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS®
Contact me to schedule a Strategy Session so you can cut through the confusion and deliver clear, powerful messages. I only schedule a few of these per week, so call or email to schedule yours at 602-769-3674 or [email protected]. |
Creativity Tip: Make the Connection -- Three Ways to Get Up Close and Personal in Your Presentations You've heard it said over and over again -- the most important thing you can do when you speak is to be authentic. People can tell a faker a mile away. But, what does it mean to be authentic? It means letting your audience in. It means getting personal. OMG, really?! Yes, really. And this can be the scariest thing to do. Yet, if you want to engage your audience in any meaningful way, it is essential. Click on this photo to watch a video where I share three ways you can get up close and personal in your speaking to create that engagement that is so essential. (You can also find this information on my website at: http://www.andreabeaulieu.com/cc07162013.html) Enjoy! |
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Client Success Story
Marty De Rito, CEO
De Rito Partners, Inc. "I was graduating from Young Presidents' Organization and had to give a speech. To tell you the truth, I wasn't looking forward to it, but I had to if I was going to graduate and be eligible to join World Presidents' Organization. I was busy and didn't want to take the time, so I waited until just a few weeks before the event. I'd learned from another member that he had retained a speaking coach, so I decided to contact her. That speaking coach was Andrea Beaulieu.
At our first session, I was a little skeptical about the whole creative process, but it didn't take long before I saw the brilliance behind it. Over the next few sessions, I was amazed at how Andrea drew ideas, information and stories out of me and helped me put them together into a coherent, entertaining 10-minute speech.
Andrea has a way of working with you to make the whole experience not only a lot less painful, but fun! When I gave my speech in front of 400 of my fellow members, I had them rolling in the aisles with one of the stories we worked on. It was great! And even though I don't get that nervous, being prepared and feeling good about my speech helped me feel even more confident. I got great feedback from the other members - it couldn't have gone better. I was surprised at how much of a difference this made, and I know I will take what I learned into all my future presentations.
I highly recommend Andrea to anyone who wants to deliver a powerful speech that gets the job done. I know I'll be hiring her in the future whenever I have a need. In fact, I had such a great experience, I endorsed her to our Young Presidents' Organization Chapter Administrator so other members could benefit as well."
Marty
To learn more about De Rito Partners, Inc., please visit their website at: http://www.derito.com/
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Andrea Recommends
Andrea's Video Library
Did you know I have dozens of video tips available for your easy viewing on topics ranging from determining your brand archetype to being believable on stage? Well, I do, and you can access this library free! Just click on this link: http://www.andreabeaulieu.com/video-tips.php
If you can't find something you're interested in, please let me know and I'll put it on the list to cover in an upcoming newsletter.
Enjoy!
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Tell Your Story!
In every issue, I focus on an individual or organization that is making a difference in our world. In this issue, I am sharing information on a couple of organizations I work with and value highly. Enjoy!
Gabriel's Angels I sit on the Steering Committee of this wonderful organization. Its mission is to deliver healing pet therapy to at-risk children, nurturing their emotional development and enhancing the quality of their lives forever.
Recently I attended a training for those who wish to be part of a therapy team, or become a helping hand. I realized quickly that I wasn't one of those -- perhaps too many years as a single mom and caring for my elderly pet! But I learned so much about the work of this organization I didn't know, even after four years of involvement. I learned about the depth of the training, the breadth of the knowledge, and the due diligence Gabriel's Angels undertakes to make sure these children are both protected and well-served.
If you'd like to learn more about Gabriel's Angels, you can visit their website here: http://www.gabrielsangels.org/
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Arizona Chapter The mission of this organization is to advance philanthropy by fostering the development and growth of fundraising professionals and promoting ethical and effective fundraising standards.
I sit on the committee for the 29th Annual Philanthropy Leadership Awards. My job has been to chair the award recipient selection committee.
I have had the good fortune to present to this organization twice, and to work with several of the member organizations as a story performance and presentation skills coach and trainer. I can tell you, the commitment of these individuals to do the right thing on behalf of the people they serve and the donors who support their efforts is admirable. We need the nonprofit sector to support our communities in ways the private and government sectors either can't or don't. These folks are instrumental in making our world a better place. To learn more, here's their website: http://afpgreateraz.afpnet.org/index.cfm |
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Looking for a Vocalist?
I'd love to entertain your guests at your next event with your favorite song and a selection of contemporary, light jazz and country favorites!
New Song Release!
by Andrea Beaulieu and Richard PalalayOne Heart, One Mind A moment (actually 5 minutes) of musical delight for only $.99!
Richard and Andrea have come together to create heartfelt and uplifting music that is emotionally and spiritually exciting and reminds us of our connection to one another.
One Heart One Mind is a song for our time. The song begins with Richard's poignant solo piano intro that draws you in with its simple and evocative mood, setting the stage for Andrea's exquisite and stirring vocals. It picks up tempo and takes the listener on a transcendent orchestral and choral journey filled with hope and happiness. Interested in hiring Andrea to wow your audience at your next event? Contact her at [email protected] or 602-769-3674. |
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As an executive speech coach, story performance and presentation skills coach, and strategic brand message 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.
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 certifications 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 Bronze with Toastmasters International. She has a certificate in Transformational Life Coaching from the highly esteemed, 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. |
