FE: Spark Creativity with Words

“A snapshot of the journey from starving artist to mentorship and a filmmaker giving back!” ~Akasha Lin Garnier

 



I started doing more speaking engagements after I my first film was produced and my second book was published, so I’ve gotten many requests to continue mentoring and share what I’ve learned. I’m currently prepping for speaking at a European writer’s conference, working with a paid branding client and polishing my next book/film. [Check out the clip from one of my readings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nt-cf0gpcR0 ]



 



I’m happy to share wisdom as we go into our third year of “Future Entrepreneurs” on The Wishwall.

ICYMI, we went into detail on prep and confident communication for our readers:

https://thewishwallfoundation.org/desideri/future-entrepreneurs-confident-communication



 



Have you been invited to present or sit on a panel of experts? (Congrats!)

I wish to help creatives get ready for their next big pitch, presentation or panel.



 



Grab your workbook and jot down ideas with us:



 



> Think of your message in buckets and ideas

> What are 2-3 actions you want in the audience to take?

> Remember: It’s not about me, it’s about the audience

> Show your strengths and you’ll shine through as you get your ideas across

> Stay present and have fun!

> Spark life in your message with SHARP:

• Stories

• Humor

• Analogies

• References & Quotes

• Pictures & Visuals



…

Dos and Don’ts for Panelists



 



Do

Show energy! Our energy levels tend to dip when seated, so pay attention to your smile, projecting your voice, and using gestures to let your energy shine through. Audience members are more apt to pay attention when we look like we care about what we’re saying, obviously!

Listen carefully to your fellow panelists. By listening to others’ answers, you’ll be able to play off their remarks and add value of your own. If you’re solely thinking of what you’re going to say next, you may miss an opportunity.

Keep it simple. Yes, you have a lot of knowledge to share. Yes, you want to prove you know what you’re talking about. But, no data dumping! Your audience won’t absorb all of it. It’s your responsibility to prioritize the most important and relevant information.

Use SHARPs throughout. Stories, humor, analogies, references/quotes lend themselves best to panelists. Instead of just giving a flat answer, do you have an example or story that could explain it better? Have some stories in your back pocket ready to go. Not only might you be more clear, but your audience will likely remember your point long after the panel is over.



 



Write on!



 



Need to get a blog post going or write notes for your next presentation? If you’re overwhelmed with the idea of outlines, writing, editing, more editing, and finding the perfect references…take a deep breath and try this:

Instead of getting bogged down into the too-much-to-do-too-little-time vortex, slice off 10 minutes before lunch and write a short synopsis for the blog post or presentation (lunch welcome at your side as enticement). Discover how this works: https://blog.trello.com/swiss-cheese-salami-methods?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=trello-jan2020-newsletter1



 



Thanks for reading and we welcome your comments below.



 



Akasha Lin

Akasha Garnier for #TheWishwall

Author, Brand Expert, Filmmaker

http://www.akashagarnier.com

#ShineThroughtheNoise