The Three Risks You Take By Giving A Boring Presentation

February 16th, 2012 Posted in Blog

While reading my mind Jeffrey Gittomer states, “If I had a dollar for every boring presentation I have been to I would be rich”.

We both attend presentations more than most people. I agree with Jeffrey the bar is set too low.

Why then is it that the most important platform for showcasing ourselves can be so pedestrian and boring? Because it’s human nature to follow in the footsteps of others thinking it is the “right” way.

Status quo is boring and lazy. Have you noticed the number of people who are often plugged into their iPhone or Blackberry during a presentation? Why? Because the presenter was not able to engage her audience.

Each time you default to status quo you risk damaging your credibility, having your competitors leaving you behind, and not standing out.

Do You Stand Out?
Many presenters follow the same old schtick. Out comes the PowerPoint presentation and the speaker lectures from a script. Imagine the impact you would make if you didn’t use PowerPoint and didn’t lecture your audience.

Take the lead from Jeff Hurt over at the Velvet Chainsaw where he shares his insight into audience engagement and effective brain based learning. Audiences are hungry to be informed and inspired – learn how and you will stand out.

Are You At Risk of Becoming Obsolete?
The “same old” may have worked in the past but it is not a plan for the future. When you present like everyone else does, you look tired and old risking a bright young whipper snapper bolting ahead of you.
Learn how to develop your presentation with a strong story arc and understand why it is crucial that slidedecks should be image based rather than text heavy.

Being Ordinary Damages Your Credibility
Audiences crave thought leaders. When you present status quo material you are not viewed as a visionary who can bring thought provoking or creative solutions to the table. Certainly a foundation of knowledge is needed but demands on our workforce change at a rapid rate – those sought after are those who can part the grass and see the track ahead.
Check that your material is relevant to your audience and that it offers opportunity and answers forward thinking questions.

The good news is there is lots of room available on the other side of the bar. Are you going to sneak under the bar or will you be leaping over?

Image: Marcus Hansson

 

Learn advanced presentation skills at our upcoming March 22nd workshop in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

 


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Persuasion – Dragon’s Den – Arlene Dickinson

September 18th, 2011 Posted in Blog

 

Why are you presenting and honing your skills as a public speaker? To persuade.

Not the disingenuous type of salesmanship where you bought in and later feel duped.

I’m just into Arlene Dickinson’s new book “Persuasion” and her words although written for those who are learning the in’s and out’s of business acumen, apply nicely to the presentation arena.

Dickinson says, ” If I can’t understand what you are talking about, I can’t trust you. Real expertise involves the ability to take a complex subject and distill it to the point where it is accessible to everyone”.

Presentation words to live by.

To your voice,

Janice

I did not receive or will I receive compensation for this post.

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If I Had a Dollar for Every Bad Presentation I Have Sat Through

July 30th, 2011 Posted in Blog

Do you know Jeffrey Gitomer of “The Little Red Book of Selling” fame?

If you don’t, you should. Gitomer shares vast knowledge on the art of sales. Not the smarmy, slick type of sales but the relationship building type where people who sell product/service sell to clients who need their service. If you want to learn professional salesmanship best practices – Gitomer is the go to guy.

*Sidebar – I am often amused by people who say they hate sales/salespeople – I simply don’t understand the logic. We live in a consumer age and most days we buy something. Logically there is a saleswoman involved in the process. Don’t you want a well informed person to explain a product/service’s pros and cons when you are considering buying? I do.

Gitomer has written a large array of coloured primers that tackle sales from different aspects. Today I am reading the green book called “Getting Your Way ~ How to Speak, Write, Present, Persuade, Influence, and Sell Your Point of View To Others”.

 

Gitomer’s comment on page 40 made me chuckle (actually choke) over  my morning soy milk latte, “If I had a dollar for every corporate leader, from CEO’s to branch managers, who have lousy presentation skills, I would be a multi-billionaire.”

Which led me to thinking, “Why are so many corporate leaders in need of presentation skill development and why do those who are unskilled continue to remain lousy (as Gitomer states)?”

Is it fear, status quo thinking, lack of time, or perhaps unaware of the need for improvement?

I believe it is all of the above.

  • Fear: It is easy to get trapped by fear and the paralysis that results in improving our weaknesses.
  • Status quo thinking: If everyone else is happy at this level, then It’s okay for me too.
  • Lack of time: My client’s lament and I hear you. But it is about choices, priorities, and the big picture.
  • Unaware: Hmm, retracting here, not so sure.

What do you think?

More tomorrow….

To Your Voice,

Janice

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Slay the Um, Er, and Uh From Your Next Presentation

July 24th, 2011 Posted in Blog

Breathe

just breathe

Yes, simply breathe.

You likely take the life force of breathing for granted. I know that I do.

When you bring your thoughts back to your breathing it forces you to be present.

Ums, ers, and uhs stem from our losing our train of thought and/or lack of confidence in our content.

Get back on track and resuscitate your confidence by using your full breath.

 

 

Next time you are practicing for an upcoming presentation try this when you feel a verbal distraction looming.

Stop. Yes, it is okay to stop. It is a normal part of relaxed conversation.

Take a deep breath right down to the core of your belly.

Exhale the breath slowly.

Now notice how you feel. In control, right? Ready to begin again without the verbal baggage.

Did it seem like it took forever? It didn’t – probably fifteen seconds max!

When you go live with your presentation and you feel the um, er, or uh bubbling think back to your practice – breathe a deep one and carry on. You’ve slayed it.

To your voice,

Janice

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How to Ace Your Next Media Interview

April 29th, 2011 Posted in Blog

Often executives receive a script from their Communication Department with messaging that is convoluted and hard for their audience to listen to.

The point of gaining media exposure is to engage and persuade your audience, not to alienate them with PC talk or messaging that those in the ranks of Mensa can’t tease apart.

Mr. Media Training aka Brad Philips shares his experience on how to write clear messaging that your audience will immediately grasp. When you grasp them, you engage them!

This ever happen to you?

Before I started working with this client, its communications staff had drafted a few messages for their top spokespersons that were almost impossible to speak aloud during a media interview. Brad Phillips ~ Mr Media Training

Those who write and present using convoluted words and terms that are beyond the audience comprehension actually lose rather than impress. They miss their opportunity to connect and gain trust through their executive presentations.

What do you think? If you are a user of “big” words have we changed your mind?

*Strunk and White’s “The Element of Style” is the bible of clear writing – if you haven’t read it, do – it will help you develop invaluable writing and business presention skills. Find a free downloadable copy here on Scribt.


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“Unlavator” Speech / Pitch

June 5th, 2010 Posted in Blog

aka:  Elevator Speech

What do you think…

I’m proposing that we banish the elevator speech and replace the name with Unlavator speech.

Yes, you’re likely asking why, but deep down you know – you’ve been the victim of that 30 second spit and polish; and you’ve even spewed a few yourself.

Now really, do you think that when you have that chance meeting with Richard Branson and you espouse that perfectly polished speech that Richard will not break out into his famous belly laugh – full on – with pearly whites flashing at you?

Sir Richard will be thinking does this bloke or blokess not have any creativity or originality? Insert eye roll here. If this poor nob has to memorize who he is – well enough said.

Now, you want the deliverable. Right?

It is as easy as this:

1) Know who you are!

  • Your core values and beliefs
  • Dig deep – your mother is watching

2) Be excited and share it!

  • Are you not passionate (not my favourite word but scratching my head for a replacement) about who you are and what you do?
  • Crow from rooftops – share that cool thing you do and what you bring to the table

3) Take cues from the person you are meeting! *Hint – find out who they are and what interests them first.

  • Here is where you will need to do some nimble thinking. Yes you can! What would they find interesting about you?
  • How could what you bring to the table align with their needs or how are you a solution to their problem?

When you have the opportunity to introduce yourself – relax – you are who you are. Be proud and be excited to share. Be interested in who you are meeting.

As my colleague Sam says, “It’s the secret sauce”.

*Photo Credit: David Lat, New York

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Awe & Silence

May 17th, 2010 Posted in Blog

This is a sappy story about my vacation and my understanding of the significance of silence. With a home movie too!

I have been preaching, ok I’ll tone that down to lecturing, on the benefits of silence while presenting.

It is all right to stop and allow a good few seconds of silence:

When you feel an um coming
When impact is needed
When you need to take a restorative deep breath

I’ve just returned from Southern Utah, driving home through Monument National Park, and the Sierra Nevadas.


Yes, it is a little shaky. I’m new to recording and loving my new Flip camera.

My driving partner in crime will attest to my awe at the sheer magnificence of red rocks, towering precipices, and gushing or meandering waterways.

They made me quiet. They made me introspective.

I realized that it is all right to be present, in the moment. And I deeply understood what I communicate to my clients. It is ok to stand in front of your audience and allow them to appreciate you and for you to appreciate them.

In a few seconds of silence.


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Listen, No Really Listen

March 21st, 2010 Posted in Blog

Your Ears Won’t Let You Down

Students and clients are surprised when I share the importance of listening as a presenter. It is easy to conclude that as a presenter, your job is orator. Wrong. To be effective at the craft a presentation needs to listen.

Three Keys ~ When to Listen

While constructing the presentation, keep the needs of your target audience in mind, listen rather than speaking is key. Throw your bias out and understand that your perception/history is different than your audiences’.

Listen with your eyes and ears. Is your audience riveted or are they exercising their digits on their Smartphone? If they are squirming now is the time to engage them. Ask questions or move to Plan B. You do have a Plan B…

Q & A – Listen to what you are being asked. Did you cover the point in your presentation? Think about why it did not connect. Or does the question help you realize that you have created engagement and generated deeper level thinking? Strong listening skills at the Q & A stage gives you concrete insight into what worked and what did not. Great ammunition for your next presentation.

I came across this TedTalk presentation, thanks to the SoloTraveler. The power of listening personified by John Frances:


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