Strong and STRONGER! The Law of Primacy and Recency says your audience will best remember the first and last things you say and do. This is why Q&A, if you have it in your talk, should be before your Closing. In your Opening, give the Menu of your talk. Letting the audience know when you'll be taking questions: Read More
Speaking/Presenting
Speakers: Write a Book Because . . .
It MATTERS! Authoring a book gives you HUGE Credibility. Just as we perceive really good speakers as Experts, people have the same perception of those who have published books. Whether true or not, they are seen as very knowledgeable on their topic. "The Learning is in the Doing!" Every chapter of each book I've written Read More
Your Audience Wants to Know: WHY. . .
YOU? People attending speaking events are "Investing:" Time. Money. Opportunity cost. They could be doing a number of different things rather than attending your talk. Being at your event better have more value than being somewhere else! An event planner or committee chairperson may have chosen and booked Read More
Business Networking Basics: P-I-F
Plan Implement Followup Business Networking is meeting people at events, social functions, and seminars. The goal is to develop sales opportunities and contacts, based on those you meet through your own efforts and introductions. Business Networking doesn't work unless you P-I-F P = Plan What events will you attend Read More
Best Speaking Tip Ever!
Speak! Speak! Speak! The Learning is in the Doing! You can think about it, watch videos, read books, and attend seminars about public speaking. Those activities will give information, but real progress can't be done unless you Do It! (Get a measure of your present skills HERE.) Take and Make LOTS of "Speaking Read More
WHY Do People Fear Public Speaking?
Why Not! Is my usual first response. Think about it. Most of our conversations are one-on-one. Many are through phones where we don't see the other person. Increasingly, discussions are conducted by text and email where we don't see or hear the other individual. It's easy to understand that standing in front Read More
If You Don’t Like the Phrase, “HIRE ME,” . . .
DON'T Use It! I love the phrase “HIRE ME,” and use it in my Elevator Speech like this: “Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations HIRE ME because they want to improve their networking, public speaking, and presentation skills.” “HIRE ME,” says: “I'm good at what I do. I’m proud of it. And, if you want to do business Read More
Great Elevator Speeches . . .
DIS-Qualify Prospects! When you hear Elevator Speeches do you purchase all the products and services being pitched? Of course not, and don't expect everyone hearing your Elevator Speech, either in front of a group (Elevator Speech Template and Worksheet), or One-On-One (EXPRESS Elevator Speech Template), to be a potential Read More
You Don’t Have a Personal Story?
Really?
Try This! The Body of Your Speech has a formula: Make a Point. Tell a Story that reinforces the point. (Speaker's Template HERE.) There should be three to five points, supported by a story or two reinforcing each point. Make them personal stories. Personal stories because no one else, unless given Read More
“Be a Sponge!” Follows . . .
"My Way is Not the Only Way." In a previous post, I proposed telling your audience, early in your presentation, you are NOT the only authority on your topic. Inform them you are going to deliver great information, but others have points of view to be considered, also. Immediately that 'admission' gives you credibility. Read More