[Note: the links to Perfect phrases for Executive Presentations has now been fixed!!]
I know we would all like to feel the mastery that this performer has achieved with his violin. I also know that we would all hope to be able to deal with interruptions just as masterfully - with grace and humour!!
Yes that's a Nokia ring tone!
Using a pertinent activity as an opening gets the audience's attention because it makes them active. It gives them the opportunity to move physically which makes them more alert and comfortable. It lets them learn and participate with one another. Finally, it put you in charge. That's right, when you cede temporary authority to your audience you get larger in their minds. => http://bit.ly/w3bOZG
by Alan M Perlman
Any successful leader will tell you: Giving a strong presentation is the most immediate and powerful way to set goals, form strategies, and sell your vision-to both internal and external audiences. Perfect Phrases for Executive Presentations not only tells you how to plan and deliver your address, but also provides phrases for every part of the speech or presentation. => http://bit.ly/z76FV8
Even the best messages can be ruined by a bad presentation. To get your information across effectively and to generate the right response from your audience, you need to know how to use audiovisual technology to your advantage.
Interested in how to improve your presentation? Read on for some audiovisual presentation dos and don’ts. => http://bit.ly/x1XXQu
"The secret of joy in work is contained in one word - excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it."
Pearl S. Buck
... and it applies as well to public speaking as it does to any other kind of "work". I like to call it mastery and it's a great feeling.
At one time or another, your boss has probably said to you, "Don't get caught sitting down on this one." The problem is, many sales presentations are made while you're doing exactly that - sitting down.
It's more difficult to be impressive and in control when making a seated presentation than when standing, say Judy Stein and Marya Holcombe, principals of Strategic Communications, Inc., a consulting firm in New Haven, Conn. They believe sales people who don't adjust their delivery style inadvertently put themselves in the hot seat.
Fortunately, the problem is easily remedied with a few simple modifications. Here's what Stein and Holcombe suggest: => http://bit.ly/wY36qK
Have you ever seen a speaker run out of time because he or she spent too much time answering very basic or very advanced questions that were irrelevant to most of the audience?
For example, a few years ago, I attended a presentation on using LinkedIn. The program description promised an overview plus a few specific steps to improve success using LinkedIn. The speaker got about ten minutes into her presentation to an audience of more than one hundred, when she was interrupted by a few people who asked very specific questions.
She answered each question thoroughly, but the problem was that most of the questions were either irrelevant to the rest of the audience (for example, "what do I do when I get this error when I try to log into my account?") or too advanced ("can you walk us through the specific steps to create and moderate groups?") or took up too much time.
With less than ten minutes to go before the end of her time limit, she had only made it through one third of her presentation and handouts. I spoke with many people afterwards who were frustrated and disappointed by how she had let the presentation get out of control without delivering on what she had promised.
While questions usually signal that the questioner is interested in what you have to say, you also have an obligation to cover the material that the audience expected, based on the description of your presentation or how it was advertised. And especially with a large audience, not all questions are relevant enough to everyone else to make it worthwhile for you to spend time away from your planned presentation.
Here are five strategies to ensure that those very specific or largely irrelevant questions don't take up all of your presentation time:
1. In the description about your presentation, set the expectations as to the level that you will focus on - beginner, intermediate, advanced - and then stick to it. Remember that you are in control of the presentation and timing and it usually can't get out of control without your involvement.
2. At the start of the presentation, let the audience know if, how and when you will handle questions.
3. If the situation allows, ask people to write their questions on index cards or sticky notes during your presentation, then collect and review them and choose some that are most relevant to answer.
4. When someone asks a question, request that they save it to ask again near the end of your presentation, if you haven't answered it in the course of your regular material.
5. Don't be afraid to NOT answer the question - explain that your answer might be too specific or not applicable to enough other people in the audience and request that the person take the question "off-line," by asking you one-on-one during a break or after your presentation.
While it's good to be responsive to questions, you also have to avoid letting them derail you from covering your message within the time limit.
To get more tips you can use immediately to improve your presentation skills, sign up for Gilda Bonanno's free twice-monthly e-newsletter by visiting http://gildabonanno.com/newsletter.aspx and entering your email address.
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Gilda Bonanno is a speaker, trainer and coach who helps people from all walks of life improve their communication and presentation skills. Copyright (c) 2011
The will to win is important. But the will to prepare is vital.
— Joe Paterno
I saw this quote somewhere else and thought it was good. I'm not American or into sport here in my own country, let alone in other countries, so didn't realise who I was quoting. Thanks for the comment, Richard. In no way do I support Joe, the man, but I have to leave the quote there because it is so true. As I said ... "And sometimes, in public speaking, (as, no doubt, in sport, we need to be reminded of the vital connection!!)"
This book is not for beginners. It’s not filled with tips on how to be an effective speaker. It has nothing to do with how to project your voice, how to organize a speech, or how to overcome shyness. This book is for the public speaker ready to take it to the next level, the speaker who is ready to go out and speak professionally to organizations and make large sums of money, starting at $2,500. If you’re that person, read this book. If you’re shy, read another book first. If you’re still learning to be a public speaker, but you’re passionate about it, read this book so you can take your career to the next level. This is the book every public speaker should use as a roadmap toward career success.
“Here is a thought that is eccentric and divine, and that one day might save your life: happiness needs no reason!”
- Robert Holden, Ph.D.
