That question, "WHAT topic should I speak about?" comes up often. Sometimes, it's an easy answer: If it's job-related, the subject matter may have already been chosen by a manager or program director. If that's the case, have a conversation with them and, together, list bullet points you agree should be Read More
Misc.
A DISCLAIMER, early in your Presentation will . . .
Help Your Audience GET IT! If you deliver information an attendee doesn't agree with they may start to view you with a bit of disbelief. If this occurs several times, they might tune you, and your message, out completely. FREE InfoGraph: 17 Nuggets to Lessen The Fear of Public Speaking That's a shame because they might Read More
Great Presentations include a BACKSTORY . . .
It’s All About the Backstory. You have a story, don’t you? Rarely, when asking this to students, seminar attendees, and clients, do I not immediately see a twinkle in their eye. That non-verbal communication is saying things like: If you only knew! or Absolutely, and I need to write a book. and sometimes Read More
Virtual Video Meetings:
Challenges and Opportunities
Many meetings, conferences, and seminars are now on-line. These virtual gatherings are very different from in-person, live events. Attending can be challenging. Presenting can be extremely challenging, but it can lead to New OPPORTUNITIES! Get this ZOOM CHECKLIST for yourself and attendees. The Challenges. Lots Read More
Habits of a TERRIBLE Zoom Presenter
Even to those of us used to presenting to in-person audiences, virtual platforms like ZOOM present challenges. If you’re called on to present virtually and don’t correctly prepare for your "Speaking Opportunity!" I guarantee you will bomb! DON’T DO these things and you could become a TERRIBLE Zoom Presenter! Update Read More
ALWAYS Write Your INTRODUCTION!
The speaker's INTRODUCTION, in person or virtually, is important! It is an integral part of a presentation. It is the presenter's responsibility to write it. The emcee should read it as if they wrote it. Too often, that person will grab your bio from the internet and edit it for introducing you. Usually it has nothing Read More
The Ultimate Leadership Podcast Video Edition: Chris Cebollero Interviews Me!
Chris Cebollero, The Ultimate Leadership Podcast, is the consummate interviewer. This time he asks about improving Video Meetings. This is the new norm and will be with us for the foreseeable future. It is much different than gathering in person. Knowing this and making necessary adjustments is paramount to having great Read More
Virtual Video Meeting Tip: YOU!
Recently, if you’re like me, you’ve attended a Virtual Video Meeting. Maybe, a lot of them. This is the way gatherings, conferences, and events are going to be for the foreseeable future. It might be a one-on-one job interview, a prospect call, a small group meeting, a networking event, or a large conference. As a Read More
With Virtual Video Meetings:
Everyone is in the Front Row!
Accept It. - Understand It. Make It Work! It will be a while, perhaps a long while, before audiences gather in large auditoriums to see and hear a speaker. Now, we meet "virtually." A different mindset and new skills are needed for attending, participating in, or leading one of these events. In a conventional Read More
Three Things NOT to Do with Eye Contact!
Transcript Fred Miller, "NO SWEAT Public Speaking!" Here are three things NOT to do with eye contact. Number One: Don't stare. No one likes to be stared at. It makes them feel very uneasy. Number Two: Don't be a searchlight - going like this. Do not do that. What you want to do is: • Looks at someone, finish a Read More