Rambling.
Speaking too fast.
Letting the audience keep you off topic.
Are you tired of delivering presentations that never make it within the time alloted? Here are some things to think about the next time you get ready to deliver a powerful punch.
1. Plan For The Time Allocated
As you map out your speaking points, do you note how many minutes you want to spend on each topic? You should have this outlined before you start your presentation so you can note where you want to be about every 10-15 minutes in the conversation so you can check to see if you need to speed up, slow down or cut out a topic to ensure you get to end on a high note.
Also, as you pull together your content, make sure the content you have will allow you to stay on track of the time outline you mapped out.
2. Getting Thrown Off the Presentation Path
How are you going to handle questions during the presentation? You should figure out in advance if you are going to entertain questions during the presentation or at the end. What if you get a question during the presentation that could take you completely off topic - entertain it or ask for the person to come up to you after the presentation? Think about how you want to handle this before begining your delivery. Also try to second guess the questions that may come up so you can have answers prepared.
3. Not Enough "Meat" To Fill The Time?
You don't want to get stuck in a presentation situation where you don't have enough content to have people leaving your session asking themselves "where was the beef?". If you find you are short on content find a few ways to add in interactive components such as a hands on activity, open question for debate, or survey for the audience to go through with you to take up some time.
It's critical to stay on time, on topic and with enough content to keep an audience wanting to come back to you for more.
Showing posts with label public speaking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label public speaking. Show all posts
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Gettin Physical
In preparing to deliver one of your most impactful speeches you need to remember not just what you are saying, but also, the physical parts to the speech. What do I mean by physical? Movement - hand gestures, walking around the stage, eye contact and anything else you do with your body.
Sometimes you can have too much, or, too little physical items built into your speech. Here are some tips:
1. Only walk to a different part on stage when you are changing gears/topics.
2. Use hand gestures that add to the conversation and help you make a point, versus distract from what you are saying.
3. Even though you may want to look "above" the audience, make it a point to make eye contact with different audience members throughout the conversation.
Remember to build in these aspects to your speech so they are rehersed.
Sometimes you can have too much, or, too little physical items built into your speech. Here are some tips:
1. Only walk to a different part on stage when you are changing gears/topics.
2. Use hand gestures that add to the conversation and help you make a point, versus distract from what you are saying.
3. Even though you may want to look "above" the audience, make it a point to make eye contact with different audience members throughout the conversation.
Remember to build in these aspects to your speech so they are rehersed.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Re-use, Re-use, Re-use - Did I Say Re-use?
I love to get infront of clients and help them understand the value and break down the complexity of my world of technology - which on the surface looks to be a bunch of hype, acronyms and other mumbo jumbo, but really does add value and make sense once someone breaks it down logically.
In doing this often, and I guess well, I have become a "go to" for the sales and business development teams to have me come in and speak in front of prospects as an SME on what we do and how my technology world fits into the bigger picture. Unfortunately, I am sometimes called in last minute for these presentations and only have 2-3 business days to prep.
So how do you ensure you aren't creating every presentation from scratch and scrambling to get an impactful presentation delivered in a way that keeps your credibility, and invitations to speak at more events, up?
Build a master, re-usable deck for your business/area of expertise. How? Read on for a few tips to make this reality.
Make it Professional
As I work with more and more colleagues, one word continues to be re-iterated to me on the delivery - "professional". What does that mean? First, it means I deliver a powerful message that quickly communicates
Intro Grabbers
Do you have one or more sets of slides that are "intro grabbers"? For example, I walk through a few slides that explains a "what if" - starting with the complex, chaotic world many of our clients are in today but then walk them through a "what if" we started from ground zero differently and how would that look to change their world.
I've also seen other intro grabbers like "what's in a number" to get people trying to guess what the "2" means on your slide, to many other tid bits and snippets to set up the conversation. These can often be entertaining, or, cause an emotion in the audience to want to listen to more of what you have to say.
If anything, your intro grabber needs to represent you, and is often your first, and only shot, to build instant credibility with a new audience in a matter of seconds.
Generic Agenda
If you think back through the last few presentations you have done, they have probably been similar in flow with some tweaks to the key messages and content for the audience you are talking to. Have it be your general agenda/framework you use for all your presentations and tweak along the way.
Get a Graphic Designer for Key Slides with Changeable Text
Don't use clip art. You most likely have some impactful messages you need to get across, and wouldn't you want the right image that fits your style and message? No matter if you are in a large, small or serve as an independent consultant, you should have a presentation style guide with a consistent font, background and color template to use such that if you need to get a new graphic designer to help they stay consistent within the bounds you already created. Ideally your presentations should have a similar look and feel to other marketing collateral, including your web site.
Testimonials & Case Studies
People already love what you have done for them, don't they? Capture all your testimonials and case studies as you complete projects, not months later in the 9th hour. You can always add new case studies and then select the 2-3 relevant ones to deliver during your next presentation.
Time to Customize - Do Your Homework
In your flow of slides and graphics, you should have slides that you can "customize" to who you are delivering to. So when your graphic designer leaves you their work, you should be able to modify and move around the graphics if needed so you aren't having to pay $$/hour for someone else to do what you can do (and again, what you are probably doing at midnight).
What should you look to customize?
You never know when you finally get that break to be in front of 5000+ people or be invited to a major executive level conversation to present. So, get your "master deck" together now so you aren't scrambling in the 9th hour when the opportunity arises to deliver.
Of course you can't do this alone - you need someone outside of yourself to test the messaging and most likely a graphic design to add some shine. I am fortunate at the day gig to have a wonderful marketing director who coaches me on the messaging. She has a graphic designer that then helps ensure the presentation is polished and professional graphicly.
Do you need assistance with your next presentation? Give me a shout if you do!
In doing this often, and I guess well, I have become a "go to" for the sales and business development teams to have me come in and speak in front of prospects as an SME on what we do and how my technology world fits into the bigger picture. Unfortunately, I am sometimes called in last minute for these presentations and only have 2-3 business days to prep.
So how do you ensure you aren't creating every presentation from scratch and scrambling to get an impactful presentation delivered in a way that keeps your credibility, and invitations to speak at more events, up?
Build a master, re-usable deck for your business/area of expertise. How? Read on for a few tips to make this reality.
Make it Professional
As I work with more and more colleagues, one word continues to be re-iterated to me on the delivery - "professional". What does that mean? First, it means I deliver a powerful message that quickly communicates
- Why Am I Here?
- What Do I/We Do That Would Be Of Interest To You?
- What Is The Value Of What I/We Deliver?
- Showing You How Others In Similar Situations Have Gained Value From What We Do
- Next Steps And/Or Closing Business Case
Intro Grabbers
Do you have one or more sets of slides that are "intro grabbers"? For example, I walk through a few slides that explains a "what if" - starting with the complex, chaotic world many of our clients are in today but then walk them through a "what if" we started from ground zero differently and how would that look to change their world.
I've also seen other intro grabbers like "what's in a number" to get people trying to guess what the "2" means on your slide, to many other tid bits and snippets to set up the conversation. These can often be entertaining, or, cause an emotion in the audience to want to listen to more of what you have to say.
If anything, your intro grabber needs to represent you, and is often your first, and only shot, to build instant credibility with a new audience in a matter of seconds.
Generic Agenda
If you think back through the last few presentations you have done, they have probably been similar in flow with some tweaks to the key messages and content for the audience you are talking to. Have it be your general agenda/framework you use for all your presentations and tweak along the way.
Get a Graphic Designer for Key Slides with Changeable Text
Don't use clip art. You most likely have some impactful messages you need to get across, and wouldn't you want the right image that fits your style and message? No matter if you are in a large, small or serve as an independent consultant, you should have a presentation style guide with a consistent font, background and color template to use such that if you need to get a new graphic designer to help they stay consistent within the bounds you already created. Ideally your presentations should have a similar look and feel to other marketing collateral, including your web site.
Testimonials & Case Studies
People already love what you have done for them, don't they? Capture all your testimonials and case studies as you complete projects, not months later in the 9th hour. You can always add new case studies and then select the 2-3 relevant ones to deliver during your next presentation.
Time to Customize - Do Your Homework
In your flow of slides and graphics, you should have slides that you can "customize" to who you are delivering to. So when your graphic designer leaves you their work, you should be able to modify and move around the graphics if needed so you aren't having to pay $$/hour for someone else to do what you can do (and again, what you are probably doing at midnight).
What should you look to customize?
- Information on your client's environment - in my case its the names of different applications they have inhouse. Or, it could be how their organization is structured.
- Facts and figures on your client and/or the city/state they are in - for example local laws, current news and other related local topics. One speaker notes that she goes to the U.S. Census Bureau Web site for demographic information to weave into her conversations.
You never know when you finally get that break to be in front of 5000+ people or be invited to a major executive level conversation to present. So, get your "master deck" together now so you aren't scrambling in the 9th hour when the opportunity arises to deliver.
Of course you can't do this alone - you need someone outside of yourself to test the messaging and most likely a graphic design to add some shine. I am fortunate at the day gig to have a wonderful marketing director who coaches me on the messaging. She has a graphic designer that then helps ensure the presentation is polished and professional graphicly.
Do you need assistance with your next presentation? Give me a shout if you do!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Top 10 Speaker Faux Pas to Avoid
In Lisa Braithwaite's recent blog post, Lisa highlight a few "no nos" for speakers. I've incorporated her list into my "Top 10 Speaker Faux Pas to Avoid":
1. Fidget
2. Reveal You Made a Mistake
3. Read the Slides
4. Deliver in Monotone
5. Mumble
6. "Like...like....um..um..like...um....."
7. Go Over Your Alloted Time
8. Lack Energy
9. Stare Off Into Space
10. Keep The Bluetooth IN Your Ear!
1. Fidget
2. Reveal You Made a Mistake
3. Read the Slides
4. Deliver in Monotone
5. Mumble
6. "Like...like....um..um..like...um....."
7. Go Over Your Alloted Time
8. Lack Energy
9. Stare Off Into Space
10. Keep The Bluetooth IN Your Ear!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Carmine's Webinar on Presenting Like Steve Jobs
In case you missed the webinar this week, here is a link for your viewing pleasure to it.
If anything, archive this and review before embarking on your next speech!
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/286144831
In case you don't have time, here are some key points:
1. Most presentations are poorly structured, so take the time to structure first versus diving in and creating your presentation. Most presenters fail to plan.
2. "I'm not charismatic like Steve Jobs" - well neither was Steve back in the 80s. You have to start somewhere and practice - charisma can be gained.
3. Jobs' presentations are to inspire, not deliver information and facts.
4. Plan on paper first. Sketch it out versus opening Power Point.
5. What's the story behind what you are speaking about? Problem it solves? How different? What facts and visuals will back up the presentation?
6. Set the theme for the presentation - say a catchy headline and then the very first words delivered. Remember to wow your audience and bring in your own personal enthusiasm.
7. Provide a roadmap.
8. In delivering virtually, boost your energy and deliver like you would live so to show that enthusiasm digitally.
9. Make numbers meaningful - i.e. put the number in perspective and context. Number per day? What it means to the market? What about to the end user, business, etc.?
10. Build up to the "wow" moment - the one key scene for people to walk away and remember. This creates an emotional connection with the audience.
11. Avoid death by Power Point and Clip Art! Keep it simple with little to no text and one image.
12. Reherse. By the way, don't be glued to a script but outline.
13. Lastly, don't sweat the small stuff. The audience expects flaws as we are all human. So if you forget a point, the demo doesn't work or the wrong slide comes up, don't sweat it and keep delivering.
If anything, archive this and review before embarking on your next speech!
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/286144831
In case you don't have time, here are some key points:
1. Most presentations are poorly structured, so take the time to structure first versus diving in and creating your presentation. Most presenters fail to plan.
2. "I'm not charismatic like Steve Jobs" - well neither was Steve back in the 80s. You have to start somewhere and practice - charisma can be gained.
3. Jobs' presentations are to inspire, not deliver information and facts.
4. Plan on paper first. Sketch it out versus opening Power Point.
5. What's the story behind what you are speaking about? Problem it solves? How different? What facts and visuals will back up the presentation?
6. Set the theme for the presentation - say a catchy headline and then the very first words delivered. Remember to wow your audience and bring in your own personal enthusiasm.
7. Provide a roadmap.
8. In delivering virtually, boost your energy and deliver like you would live so to show that enthusiasm digitally.
9. Make numbers meaningful - i.e. put the number in perspective and context. Number per day? What it means to the market? What about to the end user, business, etc.?
10. Build up to the "wow" moment - the one key scene for people to walk away and remember. This creates an emotional connection with the audience.
11. Avoid death by Power Point and Clip Art! Keep it simple with little to no text and one image.
12. Reherse. By the way, don't be glued to a script but outline.
13. Lastly, don't sweat the small stuff. The audience expects flaws as we are all human. So if you forget a point, the demo doesn't work or the wrong slide comes up, don't sweat it and keep delivering.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Nervous?
No script.
Only 3 dress rehersals.
Over 5000 people awaiting you to say just a few things to make or break you for the rest of the conference.
No pressure, right?
After my most recent, and probably largest "live" audience I have been in front of yet, I thought it would be great to reflect on tips to help you get through your next "big" presentation, no matter how big or small your audience or speech.
1. Butterflies Never Leave
I still remember shaking my knee franticly behind the podium at the White House almost 10 years ago, though I stay focused on delivering influencial words as no one would notice the leg.
This time, my heart raced. It raced until I said the first few words and then calmed. But it raced again a few minutes before I knew my next turn to speak was coming.
Butterflies never go away, well, until you are done and hear the audience applaud. You have to hang tight and thing about the conversation you are about to have with the audience and how you are the expert. They are here to hear your advice.
2. Complete Your Script Then Chuck It
You do need to develop a script to figure out the right flow of conversation, especially if you are interacting with a few people on stage. But once you have the flow down pat, kill the script.
By this I mean now focus on key words or concepts you want to relay, but forget about memorizing the exact lines - that will throw you a curve ball if you all of a sudden forget the next line on stage when you only practiced twice.
You are the expert, right? So if you have the essence of your conversation at hand the "script" should come naturally.
3. Roll with the Punches
No one is perfect and something, at least 1 thing, will choke. Be ready to roll with it - either don't highlight you just choked, because the audience won't notice, or, if a colleague on stage bites it, help him or her out by saying some lines that could trigger the continuation of the dialogue to get the conversation back on track.
In the end your audience is expecting to be entertained, taught something, or moved to take on a call to action, or all three.
Show 'em what you got and make them want to hear more from you in the future.
Only 3 dress rehersals.
Over 5000 people awaiting you to say just a few things to make or break you for the rest of the conference.
You are the second presentation, following the Key Note and your CEO.
No pressure, right?
After my most recent, and probably largest "live" audience I have been in front of yet, I thought it would be great to reflect on tips to help you get through your next "big" presentation, no matter how big or small your audience or speech.
1. Butterflies Never Leave
I still remember shaking my knee franticly behind the podium at the White House almost 10 years ago, though I stay focused on delivering influencial words as no one would notice the leg.
This time, my heart raced. It raced until I said the first few words and then calmed. But it raced again a few minutes before I knew my next turn to speak was coming.
Butterflies never go away, well, until you are done and hear the audience applaud. You have to hang tight and thing about the conversation you are about to have with the audience and how you are the expert. They are here to hear your advice.
2. Complete Your Script Then Chuck It
You do need to develop a script to figure out the right flow of conversation, especially if you are interacting with a few people on stage. But once you have the flow down pat, kill the script.
By this I mean now focus on key words or concepts you want to relay, but forget about memorizing the exact lines - that will throw you a curve ball if you all of a sudden forget the next line on stage when you only practiced twice.
You are the expert, right? So if you have the essence of your conversation at hand the "script" should come naturally.
3. Roll with the Punches
No one is perfect and something, at least 1 thing, will choke. Be ready to roll with it - either don't highlight you just choked, because the audience won't notice, or, if a colleague on stage bites it, help him or her out by saying some lines that could trigger the continuation of the dialogue to get the conversation back on track.
In the end your audience is expecting to be entertained, taught something, or moved to take on a call to action, or all three.
Show 'em what you got and make them want to hear more from you in the future.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
More on Getting Over Your Public Speaking Fear
Since I'm in a mad dash to head out to the big week, I'm short cutting my advice to re-post a few good articles from over on public speaking woes:
BNI's "Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking"
Peter LaMotte's Blog Post On Getting Over the Fear
BNI's "Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking"
Peter LaMotte's Blog Post On Getting Over the Fear
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Getting Pysched, and Staying Energetic, for The Big Conference
It's that time again, conference season! It's not just any season, it's when the "big one" occurs - over 8000 higher education administrators, technologists and leaders convene to learn about, this year, measurable performance.
As I get ready to head out on my first flight tomorrow (for a partner conference, not the big one just yet) I thought I'd share some "just before you go" tips to make sure you are ready to deliver a powerful presentation, make new connections and to enjoy the conference experience overall.
1. Review Your Outline/Speaking Notes on Your Flight Out
Before leaving for your flight make a print out of your presentation and speaking notes/out line. While en route you can review the outline and practice by closing your eyes, imagining yourself delivering the speech and mouth the words. You want to make sure you have your main talking points and flow of conversation memorized by now, so the flight out is the time to polish your message.
2. Smile
It really is contagious. Before, during and after speaking remember to smile - it will make you approachable. If you have people presenting with you remind them to smile. It can be as simple as what an executive gave me once to make sure I was ready - a sticky note with a smiley on it while awaiting in the wings to go up on stage.
3. Do Your Daily Routine
Basically make the time to exercise, eat and sleep like you normally do, or better than normal. Don't stay up late or drink a lot if you know you have to be on top of your game the next day.
4. Focus on The Conference
If there is work lurking over your head you are to do while you are at the conference, it can wait (make sure you set that expectation with others). Or, you can delegate it to someone else. Thinking about other items, be it email, the next proposal, etc. will distract you from making the most out of the conference you are at.
5. Spend Time With People
Usually the event you are at only happens one time a year. Make sure you take the time to connect with new colleagues and clients and re-connect with old. Hear what they have to say, not just about what you presented, but other topics, themes or "what they wish they heard about". Be open to constructive (and not so constructive) criticism.
If anything, relax and have fun with it!
As I get ready to head out on my first flight tomorrow (for a partner conference, not the big one just yet) I thought I'd share some "just before you go" tips to make sure you are ready to deliver a powerful presentation, make new connections and to enjoy the conference experience overall.
1. Review Your Outline/Speaking Notes on Your Flight Out
Before leaving for your flight make a print out of your presentation and speaking notes/out line. While en route you can review the outline and practice by closing your eyes, imagining yourself delivering the speech and mouth the words. You want to make sure you have your main talking points and flow of conversation memorized by now, so the flight out is the time to polish your message.
2. Smile
It really is contagious. Before, during and after speaking remember to smile - it will make you approachable. If you have people presenting with you remind them to smile. It can be as simple as what an executive gave me once to make sure I was ready - a sticky note with a smiley on it while awaiting in the wings to go up on stage.
3. Do Your Daily Routine
Basically make the time to exercise, eat and sleep like you normally do, or better than normal. Don't stay up late or drink a lot if you know you have to be on top of your game the next day.
4. Focus on The Conference
If there is work lurking over your head you are to do while you are at the conference, it can wait (make sure you set that expectation with others). Or, you can delegate it to someone else. Thinking about other items, be it email, the next proposal, etc. will distract you from making the most out of the conference you are at.
5. Spend Time With People
Usually the event you are at only happens one time a year. Make sure you take the time to connect with new colleagues and clients and re-connect with old. Hear what they have to say, not just about what you presented, but other topics, themes or "what they wish they heard about". Be open to constructive (and not so constructive) criticism.
If anything, relax and have fun with it!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
From Fear to Failure, In Public Speaking
Looks like this is the month of failure. Or shall we say fear turning into failure.
So, here are more tips and tricks on getting over that fear to be a grand success:
From Al Coddington:
PS - If you happen to have a speech you feel like you failed at, do not worry. A few days later reflect on what needs to improve and steps to take next time around, and then find the things that went great - what represents you - to do next time. Remember to be yourself when you speak in public, not someone else.
So, here are more tips and tricks on getting over that fear to be a grand success:
From Al Coddington:
- "Possess the Venue" - own the room, move around and run this show
- Determine the need your audience has and answer it during your delivery
From Dr. Ivan Misner:
- Prepare
- Talk about the things you know best
- Use visuals
- Remember you are the expert
- Be creative
PS - If you happen to have a speech you feel like you failed at, do not worry. A few days later reflect on what needs to improve and steps to take next time around, and then find the things that went great - what represents you - to do next time. Remember to be yourself when you speak in public, not someone else.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
April 23 - Present Like Steve Jobs Webinar with Carmine Gallo
I thought I would share information on an upcoming webinar you should consider attending:
How to Deliver a Presentation Like Steve Jobs
With Carmine Gallo & James Hilliard
Apr 23, 20081:00 p.m.
Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
PS - Don't forget to check out my blog rendition of Carmine Gallo's 10 tips to speak like Mr. Jobs.
PPS - This is a wonderful example of leveraging a hot topic for further marketing/promotion.
How to Deliver a Presentation Like Steve Jobs
With Carmine Gallo & James Hilliard
Apr 23, 20081:00 p.m.
Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific
PS - Don't forget to check out my blog rendition of Carmine Gallo's 10 tips to speak like Mr. Jobs.
PPS - This is a wonderful example of leveraging a hot topic for further marketing/promotion.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Rhetoric and Speaking Style - What's Yours?
Since campaign season involves lots of great, and not so great, orations, it's time to take a brief look at speeches this season so to learn some tips to apply to your own speeches.
After reading the article on how Obama changed up his speaking style and rhetoric between different events, and that the "style" had more impact on the listener then the words themself, have you ever paid attention to your style and thought about changing the style of delivery based on who you are talking to?
1. Know Your Audience
Remember, I blogged about figuring out your audience recently, so click here for a refresher. Knowing your audience is key in determining what kind of speaking they will be receptive to.
2. Match Your Speaking Style to Your Purpose
Are you trying to inspire the audience? Tell them you are the person or company they can rely on? Or? The purpose behind the speech will help drive you to "how" you will deliver the words behind the purpose. Dr. Kevin Fleming post a great article that dives into this topic further.
3. Who's Speeches Do You Like?
Do you even know who you like to listen to speak in public? It doesn't have to be someone famous, but could be your boss, your company's CEO, a mentor, etc. What do you like about his or her speaking style? Can you detect changing styles based on who he or she is delivering to? Could you incorporate it into how you deliver? If you have a connection with them maybe you can ask him or her for a few tips to help improve your own delivery.
So how are you going to deliver your next speech differently?
After reading the article on how Obama changed up his speaking style and rhetoric between different events, and that the "style" had more impact on the listener then the words themself, have you ever paid attention to your style and thought about changing the style of delivery based on who you are talking to?
1. Know Your Audience
Remember, I blogged about figuring out your audience recently, so click here for a refresher. Knowing your audience is key in determining what kind of speaking they will be receptive to.
2. Match Your Speaking Style to Your Purpose
Are you trying to inspire the audience? Tell them you are the person or company they can rely on? Or? The purpose behind the speech will help drive you to "how" you will deliver the words behind the purpose. Dr. Kevin Fleming post a great article that dives into this topic further.
3. Who's Speeches Do You Like?
Do you even know who you like to listen to speak in public? It doesn't have to be someone famous, but could be your boss, your company's CEO, a mentor, etc. What do you like about his or her speaking style? Can you detect changing styles based on who he or she is delivering to? Could you incorporate it into how you deliver? If you have a connection with them maybe you can ask him or her for a few tips to help improve your own delivery.
So how are you going to deliver your next speech differently?
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Engaging Presentations = Great Story Telling
You may or may not know that I've embarked on yet another "American Dream" and started to write my first novel.
I typically teach myself new skills, but I decided this time I would seek appropriate advice on how to write a novel (you can learn more about the wonderful program at SMU here - yes, I've lowered my standard in going to the "Harvard of the South" for once, but this program in particular is worth it).
So why am I telling you this? How does this relate to you and presenting? Well, even though one goal of taking the class is to get published, another underlying goal is to apply the tools of novel story telling to something I do on the day job - presenting.
So while we may not have 20 hours, let alone one hour, to captivate the audience with the hero, introduce the mentor, hit a low, find the climax and have a compelling epilogue, there are some basic novel components to think about applying in creating your next award winning presentation:
1. Know Your "Hero"
C'mon, I present on concepts, products or services, right? But do you really know "the hero" behind what you are presenting. Basically, do you have your own "reference" - content, examples, etc. you can reference as background material in talking passionately about what you are presenting?
What are the 12 events that got that concept or product to where it is today? What are the pros, cons? Who are the people behind making the great "thing" you are describing to your audience? You'll never use this content in slideware or talking note, but is good information to have in the back of your mind as you put your presentation together.
2. Deliver In Acts
Most stories are delivered in 3 acts - beginning (setup of location/characters), middle (confrontation with the problem at hand) and end (resolution of the problem). So in your next presentation prep, break your script down into three acts to help develop more intriguing content to engage your audience.
For example, in "act 1" do you tell any compelling industry facts or figures? Trends? Where you or your company has been - the world we have been or are in today? Presenters often forget the criticality of setting up the story to hook in the audience.
In act 2, confront the problem your product, service, concept, whatever, is going to solve, but confront the problem head on. Why is it an issue for your audience? What are the things that could help solve it? I believe many presenters don't engage the audience enough in understanding the problem and root causes up front to keep them interested in hearing the solution 10 to 30 minutes later.
In act 3, solve the problem. But don't just give the answer - unravel it like a story teller. What is all the hard work and effort to reach the solution? How do we get back to our "home base"? How is this going to improve things for the audience listening to us?
3. Tell It From the Heart
Again, it's about being passionate about what you do - steer clear of presentations your not bought into and focus on talking about what you love. It may be the people you represent, a technology you sell or a great concept your pitching. But make sure you love it to convince others to love it with you. Otherwise, don't bother.
You can learn more about the structure of a story via the book I am currently reading, The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler.
Since I'm only in Novel 1 expect to learn more on how to apply story telling to your next presentation to "wow" your audience.
I typically teach myself new skills, but I decided this time I would seek appropriate advice on how to write a novel (you can learn more about the wonderful program at SMU here - yes, I've lowered my standard in going to the "Harvard of the South" for once, but this program in particular is worth it).
So why am I telling you this? How does this relate to you and presenting? Well, even though one goal of taking the class is to get published, another underlying goal is to apply the tools of novel story telling to something I do on the day job - presenting.
So while we may not have 20 hours, let alone one hour, to captivate the audience with the hero, introduce the mentor, hit a low, find the climax and have a compelling epilogue, there are some basic novel components to think about applying in creating your next award winning presentation:
1. Know Your "Hero"
C'mon, I present on concepts, products or services, right? But do you really know "the hero" behind what you are presenting. Basically, do you have your own "reference" - content, examples, etc. you can reference as background material in talking passionately about what you are presenting?
What are the 12 events that got that concept or product to where it is today? What are the pros, cons? Who are the people behind making the great "thing" you are describing to your audience? You'll never use this content in slideware or talking note, but is good information to have in the back of your mind as you put your presentation together.
2. Deliver In Acts
Most stories are delivered in 3 acts - beginning (setup of location/characters), middle (confrontation with the problem at hand) and end (resolution of the problem). So in your next presentation prep, break your script down into three acts to help develop more intriguing content to engage your audience.
For example, in "act 1" do you tell any compelling industry facts or figures? Trends? Where you or your company has been - the world we have been or are in today? Presenters often forget the criticality of setting up the story to hook in the audience.
In act 2, confront the problem your product, service, concept, whatever, is going to solve, but confront the problem head on. Why is it an issue for your audience? What are the things that could help solve it? I believe many presenters don't engage the audience enough in understanding the problem and root causes up front to keep them interested in hearing the solution 10 to 30 minutes later.
In act 3, solve the problem. But don't just give the answer - unravel it like a story teller. What is all the hard work and effort to reach the solution? How do we get back to our "home base"? How is this going to improve things for the audience listening to us?
3. Tell It From the Heart
Again, it's about being passionate about what you do - steer clear of presentations your not bought into and focus on talking about what you love. It may be the people you represent, a technology you sell or a great concept your pitching. But make sure you love it to convince others to love it with you. Otherwise, don't bother.
You can learn more about the structure of a story via the book I am currently reading, The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler.
Since I'm only in Novel 1 expect to learn more on how to apply story telling to your next presentation to "wow" your audience.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Presenting Step 1 - Do You Know Your Audience?
In reflecting on my public speaking career, when I heard about the opportunity to either submit a proposal or was asked to present, I often jumped right into documenting "here's what I know and can deliver" and started outlining the overview. In recent years, however, I've realized that my "marketing" hat needs to come on first and foremost before dumping my knowledge into Microsoft.
In a nutshell, I needed to understand my audience - where they are in their career, expectations, why bother coming to see me, etc. - before finalizing a title and description.
Below is a simple questionaire you can use as a tool to research who you are about to meet to help better focus what it is you will present to an audience you have probably never met in your life.
You probably do not have all the answers to the below yourself, so do your homework with event organizers, who asked you to speak, colleagues who have presented to this audience before, a potential attendee or two and internet surfing.
1. Who is the target audience?
3. What are the top three things the audience is expected to leave with (knowledge, call to action, handouts etc.)?
4. What 10 words related to this presentation would "resonate" with the target audience (this is to encourage them to attend if they saw the word in the title or description of the presentation)?
5. What are 5 words to avoid?
6. What 2-3 things matter most to the target audience in terms of speaker credibility?
7. How will this session be marketed?
8. How good/bad were previous speakers/presentations to this target audience on this or similar topics - did the speaker/conversation meet or surpass expectations?
Have any other questions or thoughts on tuning into your audience? Feel free to email me or add a comment below.
In a nutshell, I needed to understand my audience - where they are in their career, expectations, why bother coming to see me, etc. - before finalizing a title and description.
Below is a simple questionaire you can use as a tool to research who you are about to meet to help better focus what it is you will present to an audience you have probably never met in your life.
You probably do not have all the answers to the below yourself, so do your homework with event organizers, who asked you to speak, colleagues who have presented to this audience before, a potential attendee or two and internet surfing.
1. Who is the target audience?
- estimate age range
- estimate career level/experience
- particular geographic area
- particular career field
- general title(s) at companies
- general responsibilities at work
3. What are the top three things the audience is expected to leave with (knowledge, call to action, handouts etc.)?
4. What 10 words related to this presentation would "resonate" with the target audience (this is to encourage them to attend if they saw the word in the title or description of the presentation)?
5. What are 5 words to avoid?
6. What 2-3 things matter most to the target audience in terms of speaker credibility?
7. How will this session be marketed?
8. How good/bad were previous speakers/presentations to this target audience on this or similar topics - did the speaker/conversation meet or surpass expectations?
Have any other questions or thoughts on tuning into your audience? Feel free to email me or add a comment below.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Present Like Steve Jobs, and Then Some!
So first, I love communication coach Carmine Gallo's recent Business Week article that distilled Steve Job's opening "show" at Macworld into 10 key elements. Let me take a moment to review those 10 elements and point out further ways to expand and incorporate these elements into your presentations:
1. Set the tone
Ever start a presentation with a video clip that loosens up the audience with something funny or grabs their attention with something moving? Have a marketing campaign leading up to the event that helps to set the tone?
2. Demonstrate enthusiasm
The best way to do this is to be yourself. How do you typically show you are enthusiastic about something?
3. Provide an outline
I remember my early days of public speaking - the rigid "here are the three things I am going to talk with you about today" <...content content content...> "to recap, here are the three things I just talked with you about today". Ok, things aren't so rigid in the real world. But it is very important to bring home what got them hooked in the beginning.
4. Make numbers meaningful
So another way I have seen, and started my own, presentations is to throw up a bunch of random numbers to have the audience "guess" at what the heck those numbers mean before you explain to them what they are. Make em relevant. Make em interesting. And those numbers will stick in the audience's heads for a while.
5. Try for an unforgettable moment
Again, video clips, they are wonderful. What about a snippet from a movie? TV Show? YouTube? Also, see "Give 'em a show" below.
6. Create visual slides
This is definitely the hardest elements of them all to get used to. You're used to bullet point slides, some fun Microsoft clip art and if you're like an architecture diagram (ICK!). Typically you need others to help you here because you are an "expert" in what you are presenting on, right, not a graphic designer or illustrator. The best coaching I've received in this area to date, especially for complex topics to communicate, is to list out all the attributes and ideas you want to communicate - in one slide - and then begin to sketch with a theme how you can relay those ideas and concepts via an image, vs., a bulleted list of stuff (bor-ing).
7. Give 'em a show
Back to videos. They can be great, especially if you are not a great actor but know someone else who can leave an impression. For example, in presenting to a sales team once to try to convince them to "sell things differently", I decided that I was not going to be the center of the video. Instead, it was going to be one of their leaders that they respected (and who, by the way just happens to be funny). What was the end result? People remembering the red and blue pills I sold them on for months to come.
8. Don't sweat the small stuff
Remember the bigger reason why you are delivering, and why, people are there to listen to you.
9. Sell the benefit
Why am I sitting here to listen to you for 10, 20, 30, 60, or even, 90 minutes? Sell me often, and sell me up front, on why I am going to give up this time to hear what you have to say. And always end the conversation with a compelling "call to action" - though don't always close a presentation with "now buy our X" but instead have the audience think about why they need X.
10. Reherse, reherse, reherse
Sound familiar?
By the way, it is very valuable to have a presentation coach or mentor to help you, especially for conversations that are critical to have with a huge audience.
At the day gig I am very lucky to have a marketing director where one of her responsibilities is coaching us executives on polishing our presentations - from reducing complexity to the flow of the message to the graphics and more.
Lastly, it is good to find and follow presenters you admire so to incorporate their techniques into your delivery. For example, I also work with some amazing senior executives that I observe their presentation often so to incorporate some of what I like of their presentations into my own delivery. Flattery, eh?
If you are a technologist or engineer by education, you are used to, if not love, diving into the detail to explain how something works. But let's face it, not everyone wants the detail, nor, will they get it like you. You need to simplify and, more importantly, know what your audience wants and focus on delivering to that need.
So where are you in getting ready for your next presentation?
Make it a tidal wave of a presentation! Need help? Drop me a line.
1. Set the tone
Ever start a presentation with a video clip that loosens up the audience with something funny or grabs their attention with something moving? Have a marketing campaign leading up to the event that helps to set the tone?
2. Demonstrate enthusiasm
The best way to do this is to be yourself. How do you typically show you are enthusiastic about something?
3. Provide an outline
I remember my early days of public speaking - the rigid "here are the three things I am going to talk with you about today" <...content content content...> "to recap, here are the three things I just talked with you about today". Ok, things aren't so rigid in the real world. But it is very important to bring home what got them hooked in the beginning.
4. Make numbers meaningful
So another way I have seen, and started my own, presentations is to throw up a bunch of random numbers to have the audience "guess" at what the heck those numbers mean before you explain to them what they are. Make em relevant. Make em interesting. And those numbers will stick in the audience's heads for a while.
5. Try for an unforgettable moment
Again, video clips, they are wonderful. What about a snippet from a movie? TV Show? YouTube? Also, see "Give 'em a show" below.
6. Create visual slides
This is definitely the hardest elements of them all to get used to. You're used to bullet point slides, some fun Microsoft clip art and if you're like an architecture diagram (ICK!). Typically you need others to help you here because you are an "expert" in what you are presenting on, right, not a graphic designer or illustrator. The best coaching I've received in this area to date, especially for complex topics to communicate, is to list out all the attributes and ideas you want to communicate - in one slide - and then begin to sketch with a theme how you can relay those ideas and concepts via an image, vs., a bulleted list of stuff (bor-ing).
7. Give 'em a show
Back to videos. They can be great, especially if you are not a great actor but know someone else who can leave an impression. For example, in presenting to a sales team once to try to convince them to "sell things differently", I decided that I was not going to be the center of the video. Instead, it was going to be one of their leaders that they respected (and who, by the way just happens to be funny). What was the end result? People remembering the red and blue pills I sold them on for months to come.
8. Don't sweat the small stuff
Remember the bigger reason why you are delivering, and why, people are there to listen to you.
9. Sell the benefit
Why am I sitting here to listen to you for 10, 20, 30, 60, or even, 90 minutes? Sell me often, and sell me up front, on why I am going to give up this time to hear what you have to say. And always end the conversation with a compelling "call to action" - though don't always close a presentation with "now buy our X" but instead have the audience think about why they need X.
10. Reherse, reherse, reherse
Sound familiar?
By the way, it is very valuable to have a presentation coach or mentor to help you, especially for conversations that are critical to have with a huge audience.
At the day gig I am very lucky to have a marketing director where one of her responsibilities is coaching us executives on polishing our presentations - from reducing complexity to the flow of the message to the graphics and more.
Lastly, it is good to find and follow presenters you admire so to incorporate their techniques into your delivery. For example, I also work with some amazing senior executives that I observe their presentation often so to incorporate some of what I like of their presentations into my own delivery. Flattery, eh?
If you are a technologist or engineer by education, you are used to, if not love, diving into the detail to explain how something works. But let's face it, not everyone wants the detail, nor, will they get it like you. You need to simplify and, more importantly, know what your audience wants and focus on delivering to that need.
So where are you in getting ready for your next presentation?
Make it a tidal wave of a presentation! Need help? Drop me a line.
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