Holiday shopping list for your favorite speaker

I've updated my annual shopping list again this year to help you find the best gifts for your favorite speaker -- who might just be you! Updates are marked with two asterisks (**) for readers who want to jump right to the new stuff.

Technology

Record and analyze your presentation with a digital voice recorder.

** Or, you can turn your smart phone into a voice recorder by purchasing a cool adapter that turns the headset jack into a microphone jack! All you need is one of these handy adapters and a wired lapel microphone. Then download the appropriate recording application for your phone (mine was free), and there's no need to buy a voice recorder at all!

Videotape yourself (and -- why not? -- your audience) with this tiny Flip Mino camcorder.

Unhitch yourself from the laptop with a wireless presentation remote.

If you don't want to leave your technology to chance, invest in your own portable Super-Slim Data Projector.

** I take a portable 4-port USB hub like this one to every presentation. I never know when I will need more ports (for example, ports on the host's computer are too close together for more than one of my USB drives to fit).

** The best investment I made all year was on this tiny, lightweight netbook to replace my monolithic laptop computer for travel. Now the laptop stays on my desk and the netbook goes with me to presentations. Save your back - get a netbook!

Visuals

Make your audience notes portable when you carry a lightweight table top easel pad.

Or if you're in the market for a reusable flip chart, try this table top dry erase easel pad (I've never tried this one but I love the idea!).

I like these scented colored markers, but if you prefer unscented bullet tip markers, try these instead.

Fun and Useful Tools

Document stand for your speaker notes.

To keep your audience engaged and stimulated, bring toys, toys, and more toys.

Use this hand pointer to poke some fun at the audience.

** Need a way to haul all your tools and materials around? I've got a rolling craft cart similar to this one. Holds everything I need!

Reading Recommendations

Still my favorite book out there: Learn how to make your message memorable with Chip and Dan Heath's Made to Stick.

Dump the boring templates and bullets and create engaging support materials with Beyond Bullet Points.

** Titles a bore? Not any more! Get Sam Horn's POP! Create the Perfect Pitch, Title, and Tagline For Anything, and give your presentation and blog titles that extra WOW factor.

Get the inside scoop on handling media like a pro with Media Training A-Z.

An interesting sneak peek behind the scenes of the motivational speaking industry Yes You Can! Behind the Hype and Hustle of the Motivation Biz.

If you'd like an alternative to the usual Martin Luther King/Lincoln/Churchill "famous speeches" books, how about one that shines the spotlight on historical speeches by women? Women at the Podium : Memorable Speeches in History.

Packed full of useful tips based on real professional speakers' experiences, National Speakers Association "Speaker Magazine" is a must-have to build your skills.

** And if you don't like lugging books around with you, maybe it's time to invest in a Kindle. Once you buy your Kindle, then you can download this blog and my 101 Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking to take with you!

Whew! The list grows every year, and I hope you find something here to make your presentations smoother and more effective, or a gift for that special speaker in your life. Happy Holidays!

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On The Everything Page you'll find everything you need to build visibility, credibility and influence through engaging presentations that move your participants into action: freebies, low-cost products and courses, and 1:1 coaching!