Recent News
Ayoub to Speak at 4th Annual SAAM Tops & Bottoms Luncheon supporting The Rape Crisis Center
The Rape Crisis Center announces its fourth annual SAAM Tops & Bottoms Luncheon to mark Sexual Assault Awareness...
Read more...Amy Ayoub Appointed to National Commission to Eliminate Child Abuse and Neglect Fatalities
Las Vegas, NV - Amy Ayoub, a Las Vegas-based public speaking and presentation skills coach, has been appointed...
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The Standing 'O' Award
The "Standing O" Award
Public speaking can be a daunting task that leaves many feeling anxious and overwhelmed. It is through speeches and presentations delivered calmly, confidently, and compellingly that audiences are moved to their feet and inspired to action. For these inspiring moments, Amy Ayoub, President of The Zen Speaker, has created the “Standing O” Award. This award recognizes speakers from around the country who put their time and effort into preparing presentations in a way that leaves the audience convinced of the speaker’s passion and commitment.
A Standing O Award will be presented monthly for powerful presentations through the nomination process. For those who have seen a notable speech or presentation that is worthy of a Standing O, nominations may be submitted via the online form. Nominations must be received by the 10th of the month following the month the speech was delivered.
CLICK HERE to complete the nomination form.
Senator Richard H Bryan Receives a Standing O
One great speech does not make a great speaker… 
The Standing O recipient this month was chosen because—from his time as Student Council President to his tenure as US Senator—he has communicated calmly, confidently, and compellingly. The great care he has always taken in preparing and delivering his speeches reflects his lifelong commitment to public service.
What you say and how you say it demonstrates who you are. Senator Richard H. Bryan is someone who always cares about his audience whether it’s one person or 1,000 people.
Scheid Recognized for Outstanding Speaking with the Standing O Award
The Zen Speaker is proud to award this month’s Standing O to Jeff Scheid, photographer for the Las Vegas Review Journal. After years of resisting speaking in public because of his lack of confidence and fear of standing in front of a group, Jeff delivered a moving speech for his brother, Norm Clarke, during Clarke’s recent wedding to Cara Roberts. Just a few months earlier, Scheid found himself frozen in fear when asked to say a few words at Norm’s birthday party. He left there disappointed with himself and knew that he desperately wanted to conquer his fear. Plus, he had some thoughts he had long wanted to share with his brother and didn’t want another opportunity to pass.
Read more: Scheid Recognized for Outstanding Speaking with the Standing O Award
The Zen Speaker Announces Recipient of the First Standing O Award
The first Standing O Award is presented to Caroline Ciocca, Director of Community Relations for SuperPawn, for her outstanding acceptance speech at Spread the Word Nevada’s annual event. Having witnessed Ciocca’s moving speech, Ayoub is proud to rise and give her a Standing O. “Caroline set the bar high for future award winners—her speech not only merited a standing ovation from the audience but cemented her place as the first recipient of The Zen Speaker’s Standing O Award,” said Ayoub.
Read more: The Zen Speaker Announces Recipient of the First Standing O Award
Successful athletes, entertainers and salespeople have used visualization for decades.
If you can see yourself accomplishing your goal in your mind, it will be easier to manifest in reality.
As a candidate with a competitive primary election, I knew that I had to make the most of every opportunity I was given to speak. Using the tools and techniques I learned in the public speaking for political campaigns program, I was able to make a few minor adjustments and experienced an immediate difference in the response of the audience at my next presentation. Particularly helpful were the techniques I learned to keep the different audiences engaged. Too often, while listening to speaker after speaker, your audience will tune you out. With Amy advising me, I was much more effective in getting our message out. I would recommend the program to any candidate who wants to motivate their constituents and gain additional support in the community.
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