I used to be the Poster Boy for very b-a-a-a-d PowerPoint Presentations. If there were 20 slide transitions available - I'd use 19 of them. If there were 15 build-ins and build-outs within those slides available - I'd use 14 of them. I would use 8 different fonts and put them into all different colors, plus make some Read More
Communications
Time to Hit the Refresh Button?
Your Introduction, Opening, Speech, Closing - Is it time to Update Them? One of the only things in life that's certain is - Change. And if you're not continually updating and changing your Introduction, Opening, The Body of your Speech and Closing on a regular basis, they will get stale and lose the impact it Read More
Presentation Tip # 2
Use a Mind Map!
Ever looked at your notes when giving a presentation and everything is a BIG BLUR? Not much fun when this happens, is it? Nervous or not, reading notes at the lectern is often a tough thing to do. Reading black text on a white background doesn't stimulate our minds as quickly as looking at images do. This is one Read More
Practice Tip #1 – Read Aloud!
Reading Aloud Will Improve Your Delivery. Practice -Practice -Practice We've all heard that mantra, and it's true. And one of the best ways to improve your voice is to: Read Aloud - Read Aloud - Read Aloud Hearing yourself as you speak, and listening to a recording of yourself, are two of the quickest ways to Read More
I Ask for Questions, but No Hands are Raised –
Now What?
My Presentation Was So Good, There Are No Questions - Correct? Don't bet on it! Many people are shy, and your audience may be full of people who want to ask something, but don't want to be the first to raise their hand. Some are concerned about asking a question that you covered well, and they Read More
Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Pronunciation and Enunciation
If You Don't Do This, You Might as Well be a Mime - And you better be a Very Good One! The first element of verbal communication is Pronunciation and Enunciation: Pronounce all words correctly and enunciate clearly and distinctly! Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Unfortunately, it’s one of the verbal elements that Read More
How Do You Know Your Audience “Gets It!”?
Constantly, Take Their Temperature! The Goal of all Communications; written, spoken or visual, is the same. We want the recipient(s), as quickly as possible to 'Get It!' They may not agree with all of our message They may not agree with any of our message. But unless they 'Get It!' we can't have a meaningful Read More
Content Part #4
The Formula for the Body of the Speech
Make a Point – Tell a Story
IMPORTANT: Make it a Personal Story! Here's the time tested Formula for the Body of your Speech. Make a Point - Tell a Story Make a Point - Tell a Story Make a Point - Tell a Story Do this three to five times. Each Point, and the accompanying Story, should support your main theme. Stories are a great Read More
Speech Competition
There's really only one person you need to compete with . . . Toastmasters, and other speaking clubs, sometimes have speech competition called Speech Contests. When I was a Toastie, I entered several. I'm sure I won a few, but know I lost more than I won. I hate to disagree with the famous coach Vince Lombardi, but Read More
Non-Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Eye Contact
Eyes are the 'Windows to the Soul'. They 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 your talk, is to find a Read More