Monday, March 7, 2016
Be Like A Tour Guide When You Present
Following a recent visit to Cancun, Mexico, our Mayan tour guide was a local born and bred man named Henry.
Yes, heads were scratched amongst our group as we were in Mayan territory with a man visually possessing Mayan genetics named Henry!
Other than his very British name, Henry was positively striking & impressive because of his extraordinary communication skills.
Henry presented Mayan history to our group wisely using the same fine tuned skills you should use during all your business communications including presentations to ensure our ideas are heard.
Here is just a short list of the fine tuned communication skills Henry used to ensure out experience with him was enjoyable and his message(s) memorable:
Spoke slowly
Obviously, English is not Henry's first language and so, to compensate for any differences in pronunciation, he spoke slowly.
Henry tried to carefully enunciate, even though some letters and words were difficult for him.
Wouldn't it make your ideas sink in if you spoke slowly instead of rushing? Wouldn't speaking at a slower pace be enormously helpful your varied audiences who are not necessarily native to your language?
Framed up what we would be seeing
If our group were about to go to a specific place or land mark, before we would arrive, Henry shared why the next place was significant and what we were about to see. Maybe it had to do with the age of the place/land mark or the intricacy of the carvings, etc.
In your environment, do you give a short overview of why the meeting or presentation is important and what actions you will be requesting as you conclude?
So often, we skip the overview and jump right into the details.
Looked us in the eye
To make sure explanations were resonating, Henry watched our facial expressions, looking for any indicators that said, "Not understood." Many of us think we are looking people in the eye, but mostly, we scan the room.
Without strong eye contact, we cannot read the reactions of our listeners. Do you scan or engage people one at a time with sustained eye contact?
Took ownership
If Henry could see by the look on the faces of our group we didn't understand, he would re-explain. Henry would automatically apologise for not being clear or for his poor English or unclear explanation.
Do you pay attention to whether people seem to be understanding? Do you routinely pause and ask if an explanation is clear to everyone? Do you re-explain in simpler words? Do you apologise for not being clear?
Exuded passion
Henry was demonstrably proud of his nation and people's monuments, whether they were temples, waterfalls or scenic vistas.
Henry's enthusiasm came across in his voice and in the descriptive words he chose.
When you speak and present, do your listeners hear your passion? Would they be able to picture what you said through the colourful language you used?
Shared stories
To highlight points Henry predominantly shared stories
Many business presenters sacrifice the need for stories, analogies, examples, case studies, metaphors etc and instead populate their messages with heavy, dry and non memorable data.
History and now biological science has proven that the most attractive, interesting, engaging and memorable communications include a positive balance between data and visual imagery. What do you do to make your ideas and message vivid?
Gave abridged versions
Being of non Mayan decent, our international group could not relate to many of the historic places and themes Henry presented. Yet, Henry typically gave us three (3) important things to remember about any place or land mark.
Henry was very sensitive to boring his audience with too many details. Only when asked would Henry go deeper by providing more information, but he would always wait for an invite.
As you think about your own presentations, how simple are your explanations?
When ideas are simply explained, audience decisions are easier!
Retaining what our group learned isn't easy. Yet, Henry made all the difference. Therefore, think of yourself as a tour guide during your presentations and messages by carefully guiding people through your ideas.
By paying attention to Henry's fine tuned skills listed above, you will enhance your ability to communicate and present successfully!
All the best with your presentations!
Posted in
Business presentations Conference presentations Facilitating meetings Presentation skills training Public speaking Sales presentations
by effectivecommunication.com.au
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Unknown August 12, 2016 at 4:18 AM