The Rhythmic Flow of the words . . . A natural partner of inflection is our next element, Cadence. It’s the rhythmic flow of the words used when speaking. Other terms used for this element are: meter, beat, measure and pulse Usually, and largely because of nervousness, presenters speak too quickly. Some speakers Read More
Presentation Tips
Verbal Communication Element #4 –
Verbal Communication Element #3 – Inflection
Did you ever hear a presenter speak in Mon-O-Tone? Did I hear some say, "R2D2 of Star Wars fame? If you did, you probably couldn't wait for the talk to end, and it's doubtful you remember anything from the speech. Inflection, or Voice Modulation, is “change in the pitch or tone of the voice.” Varying your tone Read More
Non-Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Eye Contact
Eyes are the 'Windows to the Soul'. We make eye contact! The eyes are the first things we use for non-verbal communication when we meet someone. The same applies when speaking to a group of people. 'Look me in the eye!' 'The eyes have it!' The first thing to do, after taking the lectern, and before beginning Read More
The Law of Primacy and Recency
First and Last - If you want it to Last! For any presentation, people are more likely to remember the first and last parts. This is one reason it is so important to give lots and lots of consideration to your Speech Opening and Speech Closing. This is what your audience will remember, so it best be something very Read More
Make Your Quotes – Quotable!
Quotable Quotes We remember great quotes. Wouldn’t you like to be the person who is ‘quoted’? How cool would it be to have other people repeating your words to others, and crediting you! Well, coming up with that memorable line that people are repeating is not as hard as it might at first seem. Here are some Read More
Buzz Words
NO Buzz Words! Buzz Words are composed of jargon that is usually specific to a particular industry. Often we think of the tech industry or medical profession having buzz words, acronyms and jargon that many non-techs can’t understand. The truth is that many occupations, generations of people, industries, clubs, Read More
Toastmasters – A great place to learn!
Join Toastmasters! Toastmasters is an international organization. The latest figures I found show they have a membership approaching 250,000 in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries. One of the most valuable benefits of being a member is the nurturing environment where everyone truly wants to help the other Read More
Sometimes the Best Prop is – None!
Props, as I've stated before, can be a great addition to a speech. If I were to take a coffee cup, and put it on a lectern, and say, "I'm going to speak about coffee today," your eyes would look at the cup, hear my words, and wait for the next verbiage. But if I said, "Picture you favorite coffee cup," your mind Read More
Handouts – Hand them out Later!
If you 'hand out' Handouts as the audience is getting seated, they'll be looking at your brochure, fact sheet, contact information, etc., while you're giving your presentation. This can be as bad as having the door to a noisy kitchen open or the the lights go out as you're demonstrating something. A speech is always Read More
The Fear of Public Speaking & Giving Presentations
If just the thought of speaking in front of a group gets you nervous - You are not alone! Survey after survey says many people would rather die than give a speech. It's the Fear of Public Speaking! Actually, some nervous energy is good to have! Harness it, and turn it into enthusiasm for your subject. In Read More