Monday, December 5, 2011
SUCCESSFUL PRESENTATIONS for EXECUTIVE AUDIENCES
An executive's time is valuable. These individuals go from meeting to meeting. It is not unusual for them to have as many as 10-15 meetings a day.
For Marvin White, Chief Technologist for Innovation at ESPN, a sports entertainment programming network says, "it's all about ideas and figuring out how to execute them.
An interview with Marvin produced the following suggestions on how to succeed when presenting for an executive audience:
1. Arrive with your ideas well thought out
I don't want to try to figure out what the presenter is proposing. I want to get the point and get it quickly. I have a million things on my plate. Keep your ideas tight and concise.
2. Be ready with the data that supports why your idea is a worth listening to
As the CTO, I am responsible for making correct decisions, investing wisely. If you are going to pitch to me, I need your points well supported. Don't show up without the data. On the other hand, people may give me too many details. It makes it difficult to keep everything straight.
Presenters who offer too much information usually do a bad job and go down a rat hole. Again, come in with your ideas well thought out. Think about what information I need to make a decision. Then, stop!!!
3. Show you understand your audience
In the sports entertainment business, empathy for the viewers is critical. You absolutely have to get into the shoes of the sport fans. You must consider how this would relate or be perceived by a variety of audiences.
4. Don't recite a script
I need to be engaged. Ask for my input, my concerns. I am probably going to interrupt you anyway. It makes a better impression on me if we are having a dialogue. I am not a big fan of monologues.
5. Winging it doesn't usually work, unless you're really, really smart
Be ready for some tough questions. Think about what I might ask ahead of time in order to decide.
6. Consider a "Show and Tell"
It's OK to show me PowerPoint, but I am more excited by video clips or examples of devices, such as a hockey puck with electronics. I don't hate slides, but often, it is just not the best way to present the information. Live demonstrations or animated computer clips really help to focus the discussion.
7. Be truthful
In this business, it is easy to indulge in wishful thinking. Be upfront, clear and honest, and you won't go wrong with me. It is important that I stay on top of people's projects. Tell me the milestones. What's difficult or risky? What are the ramifications of not doing something? Be candid. Show me how your idea fits into the business.
Regardless of your industry, Marvin White offers solid advice for ensuring successful presentations for executive audiences.
Apply his suggestions and you will undoubtedly gain and advantage.
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by effectivecommunication.com.au
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Gain Rave Reviews During Your Next Presentation with A Large Group
What is the difference between your audience and an elephant? An elephant never forgets; an audience occasionally remembers.
You go to a lot of trouble to prepare for a large group presentation. You want it to be a success and people to feel their time was well spent. If you can put a check in front of the following guidelines, you will likely score a win:
1. Know Your Audience
Learn what they are expecting and what they care about. Talk to others who have spoken to this group. Find out titles and functions and make sure you are delivering a listener-focused message.
2. Keep Your Message Simple
The more complicated your ideas seem, the more difficult it is for your listeners to agree. Ahead, know what you want to accomplish.
Start strong with a compelling opening statement. Develop a limited number of key points. Resist the temptation to tell them all the interesting factoids about your topic. Remember, listeners rarely remember more than five (5) main ideas. Three (3) are ideal. End with a bang. Have a strong call to action.
3. Incorporate Stories, Examples, Analogies, & Quotations to Increase Retention + Connect with Your Audience
To keep people's attention, be sure to add plenty of examples and stories. Remember people are moved by their heads and their hearts. If your topic is technical, analogies will help those people with limited knowledge.
Think of the well known visionaries in your field and quote them. For example, if you are speaking about computers, include a pithy comment from Bill Gates or Steve Jobs.
4. Add Humor
In a large group presentation, humor is expected. That doesn't mean you have to be a ‘world class’ comedian. A quick barb or irreverent aside work wonders to wake up your audience. It also builds rapport. Effective speakers sometimes lead with a relevant, humorous story before they jump into the content.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Rehearse with your visual aids / props.
Don't try to memorize all content, but rather, memorize key points; then, stick to these keys to keep you on track. Remember. Effective presenters are conversationalists, not script readers.
The best speaker's have notes, but they never depend on them, nor do they read from their slides.
6. Create Visuals that Aid Audience Comprehension & Engagement
Your visuals should contain clear and relevant titles.
While you don't want it to be gimmicky, your visuals should include pictures where relevant and necessary.
7. Keep Your Eyes On Your Listeners
Watch their body language. It will help you to see how well they are paying attention. If they are walking out the door, you are not doing enough to engage them.
At the beginning, look for a person in the back of the room to talk to first. Your head will be up, and you will look confident. If you look down, you will look unsure.
8. Show You Are A Leader
Don't hide behind a podium. It puts a wall between you and your audience. Purposely move towards various sections of the audience. Avoid meandering or moving aimlessly.
9. Watch Your Pace
Take your time. Don't rush. Give people a chance to digest your ideas. Remember, in order for an audience to truly comprehend and retain your ideas on a visual aid (i.e. PowerPoint slide) might require 2-3 minutes.
10. Be Dynamic
Show passion in your body and voice. Make sure your voice sounds energetic. Utilize big gestures. Small gestures won't be seen in the back of the room.
Don't forget to smile. A tense face will send the wrong message.
11. Dress Up
Regardless of how the audience is dressed, you need to show you are in charge of the room. This is typically an occasion for a suit and tie or a dress and heels.
12. Stick Around Afterwards
Let people know you welcome questions / relevant interaction during your conversation. Plus, be available afterwards to further respond to audience concerns.
When possible, clarify you will respond to unanswered questions via email. Any handouts should have your contact information on each page.
While large group presentations can be daunting, these tips should serve as good reminders of what needs to be done so that your audience give you rave reviews.
Posted in
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by effectivecommunication.com.au
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
10 Tips When Presenting Globally via Virtual Conference
Communicating with any team via teleconference or web session is challenging.
When the team is spread across the globe, your task as a presenter requires real 'global smarts.' Do not overlook the importance of adapting your message and slides to the audience conferencing into your call.
Here are 10 quick tips:
.
1. Simple is better!
Use basic language, without slang or jargon. Recently, I heard of someone who made the mistake of not reviewing their slide deck for language that a global audience might find unclear.
One slide was titled with an expression most would understand, 'Don't be a Sour Puss.' As the presenter said this to the international audience, someone commented, "That sounds awful." Not only did the slide create a distraction, but it took people off task.
2. Create descriptive titles
All slides need titles that make the point of the slide obvious. Global listeners will depend on titles. Complicated slides will frustrate and annoy.
3. Go visual
Add pictures or graphics to your slides. A visual representation of your idea is effective to help people grasp the point of your slide.
4. Send a preview
When possible, send your slides to the audience a day early with a reminder of the agenda. Reviewing the overall content of your slide deck before the meeting will aid comprehension. Additionally, people with English as a second language often read English better than they speak it.
5. Amplify your energy!
A dynamic speaker captivates the audience with an energetic and enthusiastic voice. A virtual audience can't see your body language. Remember to breathe deeply to encourage extra volume.
6. Speak slowly
Particularly as you begin your presentation. It allows listeners to adjust to your accent and the pronunciation of your words. Make sure your thoughts come to a definite end. Do not string ideas together with 'and.' If you speak quickly, the audience will miss much of what you are saying.
7. Sound check
Be sure to ask, "Can everyone hear me well?" When possible, use a headset to alleviate potential issues with people hearing you and to facilitate movement.
8. Smooth transitions
Provide context for the listener when transitioning to the next point. "Slide 5 will display our results for the third quarter. I want to discuss what is in red."
Virtual participants will access slides at different rates of connectivity. Refer to the slide number to ensure everyone has the same view on display.
9. Pause often to check in with your audience
"Now let me take a moment to ask for your thoughts on my proposal. What is the potential benefit for our team members in China?" Regular pauses allow listeners time to digest your ideas and share beneficial feedback.
10. Ask open-ended questions
To engage the virtual audience. 'Yes or No' questions limit interaction. Do not expect your global audience to interrupt you with a question. In some cultures, it is considered rude to interrupt.
With more businesses operating in the global environment, effective virtual communication skills is key to your personal and professional success. Small adjustments in what you say and how you say it, have tremendous impact in building business relationships. Applying 'global smarts' will help teams operate face-to-face in a virtual environment!
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by effectivecommunication.com.au
Monday, October 10, 2011
BE LIKE THE BEST of PRESENTERS
We have all heard speakers who are exceptional - their message is clear and it is delivered in a compelling manner.
People like Steve Jobs, ex CEO of Apple Computers, Steve Ballmer CEO of Microsoft and John Chambers, CEO of Cisco Systems fall into this category. However, these gentlemen would be the first to tell you they weren't born being a gifted speaker. They practiced and practiced and received good coaching along the way.
Malcolm Gladwell, in his book, Outliers, says those who fall into the "Best Category," whether they are musicians, hockey players, surgeons or speakers, practice more than anyone else, a lot more. Gladwell says it takes 10,000 hours of practice to move into the "Elite" grouping.
While you may be thinking, you might as well give up now; stop for a moment and think about how you can practice and be coached to improve your current efficiency and effectiveness.
We all attend business meeting after meeting. In any one day, we may attend three or four meetings. Each meeting is an opportunity to share a well constructed message or idea and to deliver it fluidly. Each meeting is also an opportunity to receive coaching and formal and informal feedback.
Before an important meeting, do a practice session with your mentor, boss or team and elicit their suggestions on content and delivery and make the necessary changes. In a staff meeting where you will be a contributor, tell a colleague to give you informal feedback on something you have been practicing. "Hey Jack/Joan, I have been working at extending my eye contact to a full sentence or thought with people. When my update is over, can you pay attention to whether I am looking at people one at a time for a full sentence or thought each?"
In many organisations, communication has been identified as a key initiative. Everybody needs to work at getting better. Often a checklist is available for a boss or manager to complete on any speaker they may hear. Formal checklists typically highlight areas of strength and areas for improvement. As you improve a skill, move towards conquering another.
Outside of the work, we may belong to professional associations or clubs. These environments are also great places to practice and count toward your 10,000 hours. Over coffee, while socialising at your accounting association's monthly meeting, practice a balanced posture. At your book club, when it is your turn to review this month's selection or offer an opinion, be sure you practice having energy or infection in your voice.
With our friends and family, we can have many opportunities. You can certainly practice eye contact around the dinner table, vocal variety while reading to your toddler, or broader gestures standing in your yard talking to your next door neighbor. You can even practice on your own in front of your bathroom mirror. Many diligent souls use their cell phones to monitor volume, fading or filler words, such as "Ums and Ahs."
If you think about it and are dedicated, you can amass a thousand hours in no time at all. However, you must make the commitment. You must want to be called "Best."
Remember, people identified as strong communicators rise in an organisation. Those with mediocre or poor communication skills eventually stagnate or are asked to leave. The payoff for hard work is well worth the effort it takes to practice.
Go for this!
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by effectivecommunication.com.au
Friday, September 30, 2011
PAUSE when You Present
Pausing is typically the most under-utilised tool that a presenter has.
Most people who use the phone to conduct business only concern themselves with their message. For example, they want to explain a product, fix your software or update you on month-end results. They forget that how you say it matters.
When a voice "sounds" great, the presenter is pausing a lot. If you aren't pausing, here are the risks you take:
People will ask you to repeat
While you may want to move forward with your explanation, the person on the other end may interrupt you constantly to say "I didn't get that. Can you say it again?" It will derail even the most confident speaker.
Articulation will be affected
When you are not pausing enough, the lips, teeth and tongue aren't in the right position to say the words correctly. People may not understand you, particularly if English is their second language and if they can't see your facial expression. It is never a good thing if people mistakenly think you have said something other than what was intended.
Your ideas will not stand out
Without pausing, thoughts blend together. Nothing seems important. Your great idea or solution will be overlooked, leaving you feeling defeated and perhaps, costing your company to lose money or miss an opportunity.
People will respond incorrectly
When you ask a direct question, an individual who didn't hear all of what you said because your voice faded will respond the wrong way. If they are a subordinate, it will be embarrassing to them.
An accent won't be understood
Some native languages, such as Spanish, are spoken at a much faster pace. However, if you have an accent, it will be difficult for others to grasp your meaning. Articulation will be affected, and words will not be said the way listeners learned them.
You will be perceived as lacking confidence
Inevitably, filler or non-words appear when a speaker is not pausing at the end of sentences or thoughts. When there are a lot of "ums and ahs," the presenter will seem hesitant or unsure. People expect to talk to a subject matter expert. They do not want to waste their time with someone who doesn't seem to be confident.
People will be confused
Pausing helps people to decide the right "bucket" in which to place your information. It helps them to follow your argument. If a presenter moves too quickly from point to point, listeners will be confused. Remember, a confused mind always says "NO."
Listeners will become annoyed
They may feel you only want to get them off the phone and be done with them. They may ask to speak to someone other than you.
Pausing is a lifeline for your listeners. It is also a lifeline for you. It will help you to be more successful. When we really want someone to get it, we speak slowly. "I am lost. PAUSE. Where is the airport?"
Help your listeners to get what you are saying by pausing often.
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by effectivecommunication.com.au
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Your Telephone Voice Can Determine Your Business Results
A good portion of anyone business person’s day is spent on the telephone.
Everyone desires to make a good impression, but it's the first few words out of your mouth that determine whether people will perceive you in a positive or negative manner or whether they will trust and believe you. In fact, studies confirm that your impact over the phone is established within four-seven seconds (4-7 sec) through the tone of your voice.
If you capture your listener during your first few words, it was undoubtedly because you sounded friendly, sincere, passionate or interested.
If you made a bad impression, it was probably because your voice sounded flat or lifeless. Sometimes, after making or taking call after call, your voice becomes a monotone. When listeners hear this lack of energy, they often question why they should be excited by your idea or motivated to take action.
Many people speak too quickly at the best of times. What’s worse is speaking too fast over the phone because it is very difficult for listeners to keep up, process information or take notes. It signals that you just want to get them off the phone or are in a hurry. Some may even feel that you are trying to ‘pull a fast one’ on them.
Your telephone audience can quickly read your voice. If there are noticeable filler words, such as "um"," ah," and "you know”, then listeners question the speaker's competence or knowledge on a particular topic. You generate confusion. A confused mind never says "yes."
It is not so much what you say, but how you say it that makes a difference.
To enhance the tone of your voice, you must master the power of the PAUSE. A one or two second pause at strategic places will allow you to emphasize important points and ensure that your ideas are understood. It will help listeners to hear your sincerity and excitement right from the start of your phone conversation. You will sound like you enjoy what you are doing and increase the likelihood of them wanting to talk to you.
Your tone of voice is critical. A pleasant voice makes people want to do business with you. It creates a connection. Make sure you gain your telephone listeners attention when you say, "Hello”.
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by effectivecommunication.com.au
Monday, September 12, 2011
Stories are Essential During Your Presentations
People are moved by their heads and their hearts. Data alone will not convince people.
Knowing this, many companies have adapted a storytelling approach when presenting, especially with prospects and clients. A relevant engaging story helps to deepen the human connection and increase the likelihood of ideas being remembered. Stories also distinguish you as a presenter.
If you would like for your presentations to ‘stand out’, the following story telling checklist will insure your success.
1. Does your story make a single point? Is the point obvious? You should never attempt to re-explain your story.
2. Is your story relevant? Have you chosen the right story for the message and person or business you are speaking with?
3. Does the story have an emotional component? Does it grab attention? A boring story interests no one and wastes time.
4. Does your story have a plot with a beginning, middle or end? Is there a clear resolution to a problem?
5. Have you made your characters interesting? Can your audience picture them? Can your audience see how the characters look, what they are doing, or how the characters feel?
6. Do you know where you will use this story in your presentation? For example, will you deliver your story at the start of your presentation to capture the attention of your audience? Or, will you wait till the end to emphasize the ‘key point’ of your solution / offering etc? Wherever you plan to insert your story it must appear seamless.
7. Have rehearsed your story in your head? You might practice your story by telling your spouse or business colleague.
8. Is passion or energy apparent in your body and voice when you tell your story? A poor storyteller will ruin the best tale when not fully engaged with their own story.
9. Tell your story in under 3 minutes? Any more time could mean unnecessary details and rambling.
10. What do you want your listeners to think, feel or remember from your story?
11. What action do you want listeners to take as a result of your story?
12. What questions might your story evoke? Preparing ahead for any tough questions will prevent you from being caught off guard.
Becoming a good storyteller is a tremendous way to make a salient point. It builds trust and enhances the likelihood that your prospect or client will act on your recommendations.
If you have made a check by each of the twelve questions above, you are ready. The more you use this model, the better you will become.
All the best!
Posted in
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by effectivecommunication.com.au
