From being picked last for a team in gym class to not being invited to an after-work get-together, it feels bad not to be included. I recently experienced that sensation firsthand. And I didn't like it one bit. Could you be creating that same feeling of exclusion during your own presentations and … [Read more...] about How inclusive are your presentations?
The top 3 presentation tips for researchers and scientists
Recently, one of my newsletter subscribers asked me a question on behalf of his son, who's working on a Master's degree in genetics. By his own admission, he needs to make "better, more impactful presentations." I'm glad he asked, because knowing one has a problem is the first step in solving … [Read more...] about The top 3 presentation tips for researchers and scientists
Features vs. Benefits: What’s the difference and why should you care?
Last week, I was teaching a workshop about how to write effectively for presentations. In one of the exercises, I showed the group a slide that they had created about the benefits to potential clients of choosing their company. Trouble was, it was actually a features list, which isn't nearly as … [Read more...] about Features vs. Benefits: What’s the difference and why should you care?
What language are you speaking?
Last week I had a choice. Either I could accompany my sons on a Scout cabin-camping trip where I could experience them and their little buddies burping, farting, swearing and all the other things that teenage boys like to do, or I could take a solo trip to Montreal. Guess which one I did? I … [Read more...] about What language are you speaking?
Want your audience to love you? Give ’em a break.
This summer, I went on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the American Southwest with my son's Boy Scout troop. I didn't think I'd be learning anything about PowerPoint and presenting on that trip, but as it turned I learned a valuable lesson on the very first day. Scheduled breaks are very … [Read more...] about Want your audience to love you? Give ’em a break.
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
Do you show the forest or the trees?
Last night, my husband Mike and I had a wonderful time at a painting party. Although we hadn't received the unwritten memo about BYOB (or in this case BYOW), we managed to have fun following along with the instructor while he re-created a landscape painting of a beach. About halfway through, … [Read more...] about Do you show the forest or the trees?
Body language: Why it’s important
Many times, we presenters practice our speeches by memorizing our scripts. We think that by getting all of the words right, we'll be clearly communicating to our audience. But actually, your words are but one component of your presentation. You also need to be aware of your nonverbal communication. … [Read more...] about Body language: Why it’s important