Help Your Audience GET IT! Before taking questions and closing my presentations, I often asked the audience to share something they learned from my talk. Occasionally, very few hands were raised. That frustrated me because I knew I had presented a lot of great material. Why weren’t folks raising their hands? I Read More
No Sweat Public Speaking! Podcast
What about QUESTIONS?
When to take questions. How to answer them. Done correctly, having your audience ask questions can be an important part of your presentation. Hearing and answering questions is significant because it is a check on how clearly your presentation was understood and an opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings. When to 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
Let me tell you a . . .
Story! The body of a presentation consists of facts, and stories supporting those facts. A Story, in this context, is a description designed to interest, amuse, or instruct the audience. Narratives are excellent for clarifying messages because those hearing them go into the hard drive of their brains and find files Read More
The Bookends of a Speech Are . . .
The Opening and Closing. The Law of Primacy and Recency says the audience best remembers the first and last things you, the speaker, say and do. This is crucial for the goal of having those attending your presentation GET IT! GETTING IT! is the goal of all communication; verbal, written, or visual. The audience may not Read More
Use THREE Because . . .
It gives COMPLETENESS. Throughout history, the number THREE has been used in a variety of important ways. Three blind mice. Three strikes – you’re out! Ready – Aim – Fire! The third time is the charm. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. I came, I saw, I conquered. Good – Better – Best! Low Read More
A Sales Presentation is a . . .
Speaking Opportunity! "Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities!" Fred E. Miller Make the Most of It! Include the following in your sales presentation. Have someone INTRODUCE you. Your Introduction tells people why you are giving the sales presentation. It is your 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
Dr. Doreen Downing, Essential Speaking, Interviews Me!
I was invited to participate in a showcase on "Public Speaking Anxiety." It included 19 other industry authorities who share strategies to approach anxiety so you can speak with confidence. Transcript: Dr. Doreen Downing And it’s wonderful to welcome you today, Fred, to meet you face to face and say, hello, and have Read More
Great Elevator Speeches Build . . .
Great Elevator Speeches: Build Reputations and Grow Businesses. Specific Criteria For Them: Clear - Concise - Consistent. For similar audiences it must be exactly the same or people will be confused. Mixed messages are eventually ignored. Use Simple, Easily Understood Read More