For most typical workplace presentation situations, no one expects you to memorize the message. Learn it – of course. But, memorizing takes way too much time and creates the illusion of a canned performance rather than an interactive dialogue or conversation from the platform. So, effective speaker notes are a must:
Phil Stella
Networking with a Comfortable Handshake
You can begin making the very best first impression you can on the strangers you meet with a winning smile and good eye contact. Then, continue that positive image with a comfortable handshake.
That’s a great question …
By now, you probably realize how much I love to rant about communication habits that lack uncommon sense or uncommon courtesy … or both. One such habit involves what people say when they get a question during a presentation, a meeting or even during a conversation.
The Fear Factor
A recurring theme in my presentation training and executive coaching engagements is dealing with stage fright, the jitters, nervousness or the overall fear of public speaking. Presentation Anxiety (PA) – the clinical term for it – is a perfectly normal human response. But, don’t think you have to overcome it and become more confident and comfortable when presenting. Just appear that way. With the audience, perception is reality.
More Bookshelf
Read any good books on communications, business or management lately? I have, and I’m happy to share them with you.
Full Disclosure here – I haven’t actually read these books … I’ve listened to them. Thanks to the encouragement and positive example of my wife, Nonie, a voracious reader herself, I’ve begun harnessing the power of audio books while driving.
Business Card Finesse
One of your most effective networking tools is your simple, low-tech business card. Since you only get a few moments to make the best possible positive first impression on a stranger, what you do – and don’t do – with your business card can make a significant difference. Consider these simple Finesse Strategies.
Don’t be a LinkedIn Loser
LinkedIn is increasing in popularity and use, especially with all the buzz about its IPO. But, don’t be a ‘LinkedIn Loser’. When you do invite someone to link with you, avoid the system-generated generic ‘I’d like to add you to my professional network … ‘ Comes off like junk mail sent to ‘Occupant’. Instead, take … Read more
What’s Your Point?
Once you’ve defined your objects and analyzed your audience, the next step on your journey towards Audience-Centricity is to Develop Your Content. So, what’s your point? Really – what’s the key message you’ll be delivering that you want the audience to understand, remember and agree with after the presentation?
Taking the Pain Out of Sales Pitches
Do you experience pain when you pitch business? Do you cause some pain for your customers as a result of those pitches? If you answered yes to either question, then read these 10 Best Practices for creating confident sales pitches.
Quote-ables
Using quotes from experts, authors or famous people is a great technique for adding interest and credibility to what you write, say or present. Just be sure to indicate who the author is when not a commonly recognized person.