Last month’s feature on ‘Message in the Middle’ was a real hit, based on reader comments and questions. As promised, here are some message-related Best Practices to help you make sure your message still doesn’t suck:
Presentations
Does Your Message Suck?
The last two months we’ve discussed powerful audience-centric presentation Introductions and Summaries, as if the two book ends holding your presentation together. So, now let’s focus on what’s left – your powerful Message in the Middle.
Does Your Ending Suck?
(Continuing our popular series, ‘Do Your Presentations Suck?, take a closer look at your ending.)
Your Ending might suck if you don’t End Strong – if you just stop talking. Introductions are critically important because you’re ‘Telling ‘em what you’re gonna tell ‘em.’ Now, we focus on the equally important summary or conclusion, where you’re ‘Telling ‘em what you told ‘em’. While the audience may be influenced most by what they hear first, they remember most what they hear last. So, a powerful ending can ‘close the sale’.
Does Your Intro Suck?
(This month, we continue our popular year-long series, ‘Do Your Presentations Suck? with a closer look at your presentation’s Introduction. Enjoy!)
Your Introduction might suck if you don’t Start Strong – if it doesn’t quickly build rapport, establish credibility, stress audience-centric value and let them know what’s coming. And it might really suck if you start by talking about yourself or telling a joke.
Does Your Main Point Suck?
(We continue our popular year-long ‘Do Your Presentations Suck? series this month with a deep dive into your presentation’s Main Point. So, buckle up for another fast ride.)
Does Your Audience Focus Suck?
Last month’s year-long ‘Do Your Presentations Suck? series overview garnered curious and enthusiastic reader reaction. That’s great. So, we start off this deep dive into Best Practices with a look at Audience Focus.
Do Your Presentations Suck?
Based on the positive reaction to last month’s feature, ‘Does Your Marketing Suck?”, we’ll discuss presentations in the same context and style all year. Rather than assume that they do, I’ll ask lots of diagnostic questions so you can decide for yourself if your presentations do suck and, if so, how much.
Another Helping of Your Questions
A holiday treat for you – simple and useful answers to your presentation skill-orientated questions. This month, you asked …
Brain Food
Enjoy this little treat for your Tool Kit to enjoy after your Thanksgiving feast with my compliments. I’m so pleased that you continue to value this short and simple feature. And this month’s questions are …
Mark Twain on Public Speaking
What can we learn about public speaking from Mark Twain, 19th century American writer, humorist and lecturer? Lots! “It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” “There are only two types of speakers in the world. 1. The nervous and 2. Liars.” “The right word may be effective, but … Read more