In my work as a presentation consultant, I always tell my clients is that they must consider the wants and needs of their audience. No matter what the goal of the presentation—whether it's to sell, persuade, inspire or teach—it's important that we tailor our speeches for each audience so that they … [Read more...] about The National Scout Jamboree is no place for a political rally
Six ways to make a presentation more boring
Last month, I attended a session to learn more about a large project. The information the presenter wanted to convey was, by necessity, complicated. Unfortunately, the presenter made a number of gaffes that made the audience experience that much worse. Six ways to make a presentation more … [Read more...] about Six ways to make a presentation more boring
Voicemail 101: Three basic rules for success!
This article is not so much about presenting as it is about presenting one's self to others. I recently suffered through a poorly recorded voicemail that left me more confused than intrigued. So I thought I'd take this opportunity to go over the basics of how to leave a great phone message. #1: … [Read more...] about Voicemail 101: Three basic rules for success!
Never assume things about your audience
When you're speaking to a group of enthusiasts, it's easy to assume that your audience already knows certain things. That's a mistake. A great presentation Last weekend, I went to a presentation about floral design. This is a skill I don't think too much about...that is until I bring a bouquet … [Read more...] about Never assume things about your audience
How to eliminate distracting gestures and movements
When you're speaking in front of an audience, your actions can speak louder than your words. Swaying, hand clasping, pacing, and other unconscious movements can distract people from your main message and communicate quite a different one, such as "I'm unprepared," "I'm nervous," or "I'd rather be … [Read more...] about How to eliminate distracting gestures and movements
The three worst PowerPoint training mistakes
The best way to learn something is to do it. So it makes sense that people learning how to use PowerPoint will do better at it if they're being taught on a computer rather than being lectured to. But there are three mistakes you can make as an instructor that will seriously derail the lesson. … [Read more...] about The three worst PowerPoint training mistakes
How to break four bad speaker habits
I'm sure you've seen some public speakers who really inspired you with their confidence and their messages. I'm equally sure you've seen some cringeworthy performances. Often, it's the speakers' body language and the deliberate way they speak that make all the difference. Bad speaker habit #1: … [Read more...] about How to break four bad speaker habits
I got 99 files & my deck ain’t one!
One great thing about my town's Annual Town Meeting is that it demonstrates democracy in action. And one lousy thing about my town's Annual Town Meeting is that it demonstrates democracy in action. In a forum where even the most unprepared have a say in important matters, things can … [Read more...] about I got 99 files & my deck ain’t one!