Jerry Seinfeld got a big laugh when he joked about a survey that found that the fear of public speaking ranks higher in most people’s minds than the fear of death. “In other words,” he deadpanned, “at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.”
So if fear of public speaking surpasses the fear of illness, fear of flying, fear of terrorism, and even fear of death itself – how can we find inner peace before making an important presentation? Yikes!
Here are three simple tips to set you up for serenity in front of the room.
First … remember the Boy Scout’s motto, “Be prepared.” Clarity is power. Know these answers, “Who are you speaking to? What is your outcome? What do you want your audience to walk away with?”
Second … practice, practice, practice. It’s especially useful to know your “opening” and “closing.” And, give special attention to “transitioning” between key points. Rehearsing helps. But, don’t get too caught up in scripting every word – ultimately, speaking from the heart earns you more kudos and connection.
And finally … the single biggest key to finding inner peace during a presentation – CONNECT with your audience. This means, shift your attention from your sweaty palms, rapid heart rate and anxiety-filled body – and FOCUS on connecting heart to heart with your audience, one person at a time.
By focusing outside yourself … you’ll quickly discover presentations and public speaking aren’t much different than one-on-one conversations.
Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Moments, Inner Peace Practices | Comment (0)Over 59 Million people have seen this video…have you? Just spoke with three colleagues who hadn’t! It warms my heart every time I see it…ENJOY!
Five weeks ago, John and I were in Times Square in New York City for my Awakening Beyond Achievement event — and a big smile came across my face when I saw these young boys continuing the legacy. Here’s a short video of them!
Filed under Inner Peace Moments, Inner Peace Videos | Comment (1)Your OWN Show is a new reality TV show where “contestants” compete for the opportunity to host their OWN Talk Show. 9504 people auditioned by submitting a 3 minute video online. Thousands more auditioned in person…including me. Of course, having your OWN TV Show is one of those “dream jobs,” isn’t it? You’re only on stage for ONE hour a day. Easy, right? Everyone LOVES you. And, you get to interview celebrities and interesting folks — being the glue tying it all together. It’s a powerful vehicle for inspiring people and affecting change…maybe even about Everyday Inner Peace! (That’s right up my alley!)
Given my minimal prep time — I desperately needed the time to craft and polish the “perfect pitch.” I must have printed it out 15 different times — as I tweaked it again and again.
Here’s a little video right before I dashed off for my audition. (You can’t tell so much here, but I was SUPER nervous!)
The time came…and our group entered Billy’s tent. One by one, each candidate stood and delivered a 30+ second pitch…and sat down. Clapping after each person. We were in the tent maybe 25 minutes.
And, that was that.
Here’s the video I shot right after I got home…
Filed under Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Moments, Inner Peace Videos | Comment (0)Meeting Arjuna Ardagh and Magic Moments in Nevada City
I remember listening to Arjuna Ardagh on a live teleconference back in October. Moments after the call finished, I emailed Arjuna with three requests. First, I asked if I could interview him for my Conversations with the Masters series. He said “yes.” Secondly, I asked if he’d be willing to be one of my guest speakers for my Inner Peace Immersion Retreat – October 20-24, 2010. He said “yes.” Third, I asked if did one-on-one coaching and was there a way to hire him. He said “yes.”
So for many months, I’ve listened to hours of Arjuna’s English accent as he offered wisdom and guidance — often causing me to laugh out loud. We’ve exchanged countless emails.
The day came when I put a face with a name! Here we are at the celebration dinner after the 5 day retreat I attended two weeks ago.
Arjuna Ardagh and Mary
Lunch Buddies – Julaine, Leslie (my Roommate on Retreat and Me
Jeanine Mancusi (Mary’s 1st Coach)
Share a Magic Moment email: mary@lifecoachmary.com
Filed under Conversations with the Masters, Inner Peace Moments, SPECIAL OFFERS | Comment (0)You set big goals for yourself. Yet, you’re equally committed to a peaceful inner world. Is it possible to have BOTH? And, if it is…what allows you to keep inspiration and productivity high along the way?
There are several keys…however,
Simply put…INNER PEACE TIMEOUTS.
An Inner Peace Timeout is a fancy way of saying — refueling your soul. It’s more than a mindless coffee break, zoning out in front of the boob tube or reading a trashy novel (though these activities have their place). It’s not about disconnecting from your busy world, but rather about CONNECTING to your inner being…that inner peace reservoir you have access to any time you choose.
There are lots of ways to take an inner peace timeout. Some inner peace timeouts refuel your soul in minutes. Depending on how “burned-out” you’ve let yourself become, you may need a much longer inner peace timeout…like an entire day or week.
But, more important than taking TIME away from work is the consciousness and presence you bring to this precious time.
For some examples of some of my favorite inner peace timeouts,
If you can start the day without caffeine,
If you can always be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,
If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,
If you can eat the same food every day and be grateful for it,
If you can understand when your loved ones are too busy to give you any time,
If you can take criticism and blame without resentment ,
If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,
If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,
Then You Are Probably “The Family Dog”!
And … you thought I was going to get all spiritual …
Filed under Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Moments | Comment (0)
Perhaps you’re anticipating a brilliant article about how to find inner peace when the harsh vibrations of weed-eaters, chainsaws and tree shredders invade your neighborhood…and your eardrums.
Well, America’s Inner Peace Coach cries “Uncle” in a sigh of defeat. I am humbled. Helpless in my human reaction. In the face of THIS “inner peace culprit,” I got whooped!!!
Maybe you can relate…
I live in a condo complex here in Southern California. Every week, without fail, the lawn maintenance team comes with their trusty weed-eaters and grass grooming devices. Each Thursday, I find myself mildly annoyed by the revving up and down of this “helpful” invention. But, it’s typically only a FEW hours each week, so I hadn’t given it TOO much attention.
But, being as passionate about inner peace as I am, and more importantly, committed to reducing suffering where ever possible…I decided to buy noise-canceling headphones as a Christmas present to myself.
I THOUGHT this would help.
And, it did…a little.
But, a big “Inner Peace Test” was coming my way.
For some reason, our Homeowners Association thinks it’s a good idea to trim trees. Why purposely scalp a perfectly beautiful tree? Seems silly. Not to mention… NOISY!!!
So, I geared up for Day 1…
Filed under Inner Peace Culprits, Inner Peace Moments | Comment (0)
Living Life to the FULLEST
Honoring…Our Friend
Vytas Pazemenas
1938 – 2009
On November 15, 2009, we gathered for Vytas Pazemenas’ Memorial at Balboa Yacht Club in Newport Beach. I found myself even more honored to know this unique man.
Born in Lithuania in 1938, as a child Vytas was smack in the middle of World War II, between the German Army and Red Army of Russia. His family once hid under a train, protecting themselves from gun-fire. His father was captured by the Russians…and later escaped. They finally fled Lithuania. Vytas was a refugee.
As a young man, Vytas came to the USA to attend college, graduating from Penn State with a degree in engineering. He chose the medical device industry, and steadily worked his way into management in Silicon Valley. He had a knack for recognizing and developing talent. In 1999, Vytas was invited to southern California to lead a company in distress. As CEO, he turned it around! When that company sold, Vytas decided it was time to start his own medical device company. Vytas was an avid sailor, and a fan of the book series about Jack Aubrey, a man of high character and integrity…hence the company name: The Aubrey Group. Vytas was a leader.
Vytas built a top notch engineering team through his somewhat unusual interviewing techniques. Nearly every man who spoke at the Memorial chuckled as they remembered how Vytas presented a “puzzle” for them to solve in that initial interview. It quickly revealed one’s “on-the-spot” thinking skills. Apparently these “puzzles” were Vytas’ secret for culling talent. Vytas was discerning.
Collectively, this talent has saved countless lives and silently impacted the world in a myriad of ways. The first time I visited Aubrey Group, tears came to my eyes as I learned about project after project.
Filed under Emotional Muscles, Fulfilling Lives, Inner Peace 101, Inner Peace Moments, Inner Peace Strategies | Comment (1)
Everyday Inner Peace is about maximizing YOUR inner peace. Whatever is interfering with your inner peace is temporary, unnecessary suffering. Here you’ll find tips, strategies and inspiration to return to relaxed bliss … in minutes. Everything is better in life with an abundance of "inner peace."
