Interacting with your participants generally increases their learning, holds their attention, helps you make your points, and possibly provides for new information to be shared. Technical presentations hold some different challenges because most of the participants will be writing and taking notes throughout the program. Interactive processes must enhance the learning process and not just provide a break or entertainment. There are lots of proven techniques, but the introduction seems to work best of all and will, as a general rule, get most if not all of the attendees to participate:
Attendees at a technical session generally have a specific need in mind when they sign up for the program. By getting them to open up and share their needs, all the participants stand to benefit from the applications and concerns of someone else. In other words, there is a sharing of goals, concerns, and needs which may become as relevant and valuable to the participants as the materials you present.
Participant introductions serve two useful purposes. First, getting people to say anything at the beginning of a session gets them involved and is a way to establish interest in what you will say afterward. And second, if the participants do not know each other they may find it useful to know who is in the room. On the other hand, introductions can take up a lot of time. People can insert many irrelevant comments and take up valuable time talking about themselves.
If your session is part of a larger program, like a conference, introductions may not fit into the workshop format. The critical consideration in whether to have participants introduce themselves is time. For instance, if there were 15 people in the room for a three-hour session, introductions might be helpful. If there are 60 people in the room for a one-hour program, the time constraint would eliminate the possibility of adequate introductions.
Learn more about professional introductions!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Public Speaking - Using Participant Introductions
Friday, May 27, 2011
Presentation Skills - Old Humor Is Good Humor
Humor is only old if your audience has heard it before and if they remember it. Most people don't remember the exact details of jokes, one-liners, and stories. This is not contradictory to the fact that one of the uses of humor is to make your points more memorable.
One of the reasons people don't remember jokes and other pieces of humor is that the humor is usually heard out of context. The humor was not used in conjunction with a point which is the way you should use it in a professional presentation. The humor was used for entertainment value only and was enjoyed and quickly forgotten.
When you bring back some of this old humor, you will be tying it to your point which makes it acceptable to use in the first place. In the second place, even if some audience members recognize the humor, they probably don't remember the punch line. If you tell it well, even these people will enjoy hearing it again.
The technique to tell a very old joke or story is to tell the audience it is old. This is the one time when you should tell the audience you have a joke or story coming. If you don't tell them that you know it is old, they will likely think you are out of touch. If you tell them you are going to tell an old story or joke, you are telling them you know it's old, but it makes the point so well that you think it is worth telling again.
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Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Public Speaking - Stand Up and Be Counted
You've heard of stand-up comics, right? There's evidence from a study done by The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania that you should be a stand-up presenter. These results came from a controlled study of a situation where the presenters tried to persuade people to invest in a new business venture.
For the first group, the presenter sat down and talked across a table. For the second group, all the facts and figures were identical, but the presenter stood up and used visual aids. Can you guess the results? In the first group, 58 percent of the people agreed to invest in the new business. Not bad, right? It's not too bad unless you compare it with the second group where 79 percent of the people agreed to invest.
Another study at the University of Minnesota found that a stand-up presentation using visual aids will cause your customers to be willing to pay 26 percent more money for your exact same product or service.
When you stand up, you instantly command authority, attention, and interest. People know it's time to listen. When you are standing, you can move about, which also keeps attention. Rigid, feet-glued-to-the-floor presenters will elicit loud snoring in short order. People also love visual aids, and you are the best and most reliable one in your presentation.
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Monday, May 02, 2011
Public Speaking - Stand Up and Be Counted
You've heard of stand-up comics, right? There's evidence from a study done by The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania that you should be a stand-up presenter. These results came from a controlled study of a situation where the presenters tried to persuade people to invest in a new business venture.
For the first group, the presenter sat down and talked across a table. For the second group, all the facts and figures were identical, but the presenter stood up and used visual aids. Can you guess the results? In the first group, 58 percent of the people agreed to invest in the new business. Not bad, right? It's not too bad unless you compare it with the second group where 79 percent of the people agreed to invest.
Another study at the University of Minnesota found that a stand-up presentation using visual aids will cause your customers to be willing to pay 26 percent more money for your exact same product or service. When you stand up, you instantly command authority, attention, and interest. People know it's time to listen. When you are standing, you can move about, which also keeps attention. Rigid, feet-glued-to-the-floor presenters will elicit loud snoring in short order. People also love visual aids, and you are the best and most reliable one in your presentation.
Learn more tips that will make you more money speaking!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Public Speaking Practice - Use Your Friends . . . Carefully
The best test for humorous material is to deliver it to the company sourpuss. If he or she laughs, you know you've got a winner. Also, be careful to recognize that some people laugh at anything. Don't let them convince you you've got a good joke or story until it's been tested on many different people. While you are in the testing phase, try out different deliveries. Only change one element of the joke or story at a time and watch closely the reactions you get. If you make too many changes at one time, you will never know which change was the one that got the better response.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Presentation Skills - Clothing
Fun presenters can wear fun clothing but within the limits of your industry. I'm not going to pretend to be Mr. Clothes Horse (I've been accused of looking too corporate), but I will offer a few tips that should help you out.
* When presenting, don't wear clothes that are uncomfortable even if they look great.
* Wear clothes somewhere in the upper fringe of the limits for your industry, i.e., stand out, but not way out.
* If you really want to be remembered, consider trademark clothing, i.e., you are known for wearing funny ties, glasses, hats, etc.
* Don't wear loose jewelry or anything that is a distraction. Be especially careful of this if you are being videotaped.
* Double check and double sew all critical buttons and catches.
* Consider where your microphone and transmitter could be attached when purchasing presentation clothing. You may want to buy the clothing slightly large to decrease transmitter pack bulge (or if you gain weight).
* Take just about everything out of your pockets to reduce bulges.
* If you are much older than your audience, dress in your most stylish outfit (don't go overboard).
* If you are much younger than your audience dress in your most conservative
outfit (don't go overboard).
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Elaine Wright Testimonial for the Great Internet Marketing Retreat Center
Elaine Giftos Wright came to Tom's Retreat Center and loved it. Listen to her explain all that she learned there.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Public Speaking - Certified Speaking Professional
CSP stands for certified speaking professional. This is an earned designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA) located in Tempe Arizona. http://www.AmazingPublicSpeaking.com 350 public and professional speaking videos.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Public Speaking - Visuals
Regardless of one's nationality and culture, cartoons and comic strips are the most universally accepted format for humor. These pieces of visual humor are seen in newspapers and magazines in most areas of the world. They may be found in newsstands in large cities or in large libraries.
It might be fun to collect cartoons and comic strips when you travel so you have a ready supply when you need one for a presentation. Be careful to avoid cartoons that have political overtones. If you are presenting to a small group, you can show the periodical or pass it around. If you want to use the cartoon or comic strip in a visual, you may need permission from the artist or copyright owner. Always read the caption for a foreign audience and give them time to mentally translate what you say. It may take what seems to be forever (4-6 seconds) for the idea to sink in.
Another good resource for cartoons is Witty World International Cartoon Magazine by Creators Syndicate. Other forms of visual humor that transcend most cultural barriers are juggling and magic. Good resource materials are available on both topics. Speaking With Magic is a book by Michael Jeffreys that not only teaches you simple tricks, but gives you the points you can relate to the trick.
Two good magic videos for speakers by master magician Tom Ogden are Teaching and Training with Magic and The Magic of Creativity. I got Michael's book and the two videos from Royal Publishing. For juggling and other magic books, call or write for a Morris Costume's Catalog. There is a small charge for the catalog, but it's worth it.
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Monday, March 28, 2011
Public Speaking - Creating a Favorable Learning Situation
With the world of technology changing at such a rapid pace, it's not surprising that more and more presentations are being geared towards the technological side of learning, or the "hard skills" types of programs. The nature and content of these programs has to be different from the "soft skills" or motivational programs because the needs and the expectations of the audience are different. The attendees look upon the time spent as a learning investment. They expect high content to be delivered in an understandable and usable manner during the allocated times.
Humor, as an end in itself, will not be appreciated. It's best to use humor that is specific to the discipline and that will probably only be understood and/or appreciated by the attendees who have an intimate knowledge of the topic. (General humor will be considered as time wasting and not relevant to the topic.) Stories are another good type of humor. Stories to which the attendees can directly relate, and ones that demonstrate practical methodologies of what to do or what to avoid, will assist the attendees in empathizing with the information being taught. On the other hand, typical "shaggy dog" stories and tales that would normally bring the audience to tears or result in a standing ovation will fall flat when addressing a technical audience.
Most technical session attendees are used to receiving information through a highly structured and organized means. They generally appreciate a bulleted outline of what is to be covered and expect the presenter to cover all of the points promised in a timely and expeditious manner. Time will become critical because of the volume of information to be delivered without leaving out anything important. Always evaluate your material for flow and time allocation and remember that the audience has no idea of what you leave out, as long as you address each point promised to some degree.
If you are concerned about having too much material for the time allocated, seriously consider creating a detailed handout with all of the relevant information and only address the spots of critical concern in the presentation. Technical audiences always appreciate having a written document with lots of details that they can refer to later.
As with every other learning situation, your presentation should be geared to the needs of the participants. The most important characteristic to consider for a one-to-three-hour session is the demographics of your participants. Demographics are not just age, sex, income, and education, although these may be very important to know. You also want to know the learners' level of knowledge about the subject, their problems and needs, and how they are going to use the information you are giving them.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Presentation Skills - What to Do After Identifying a Story?
When you come across a story in a book, or when you have a personal incident you think will make a good story, ask yourself the following questions:
* Is it clean?
* Can I use it in a professional presentation to make a point?
* What point does it illustrate?
* What other points does it illustrate?
* How many categories should I file it in so I can find it when I need it
* What should I say to lead into the story?
* What should I say following the story?
* Where should I put it in my presentation?
* Is it better than something I am already using?
Just thinking about the answers to the above questions will make your storytelling better. Many presenters just slap any old story into their presentation, any old place, because they like the story. That is not the way to do it.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Presentation Skills - Stage
background. I beg for this all the time because it's the only way a guy like me is ever going to get a halo.
Also check to see that any risers and stairs to the risers don't squeak and are sturdy. You may fall down on purpose some time for fun, but you don't want to accidentally fall if you can help it. If you do fall, use a pre-planned ad-lib like: "Give me an inch and I'll take a fall."
Monday, March 21, 2011
Public Speaking - Too Much To Drink
An audience that has been at a cocktail event of one hour or longer usually means you will have some boisterous audience members to deal with. You could be faced with hecklers, disruptive and loud people, loud snoring sleepers, etc.
Unless you are a comic who is very good at mild insult humor, you SHOULD NOT use heckler lines like: "Hey, buddy. There's only one Mic. and I've got it. Or, If I'm going to make an ass of myself up here, I want to do it myself."
When you suspect you may have a problem because of a long cocktail hour, let the meeting planner know in advance that he or she should be prepared to tell the heckler that there is a phone call waiting. This gets the person out of the room where the meeting planner can try to calm them.
Request in advance that the bar be shut down when you are speaking, or people who really like to drink will be getting up and down during your presentation distracting everyone.
Many professional speakers guarantee their work EXCEPT when the audience is drunk or too tired. Patricia Fripp, C.P.A.E, told me about a time she was booked to speak to a vegetable company. They had the meeting in a winery. The entire group including the president were pickled. The meeting planner forced her to go on. Patricia said, "Half the crowd missed me completely and the other half saw two of me. I guess it evened out."
Remember, you are the one standing up there looking foolish. Take every precaution you can when alcohol is flowing.
Great presentation tips learned over time....
Friday, March 18, 2011
Public Speaking - Connecting With The Audience
Connecting with the audience
Audience members assimilate information in three different ways. Some people hear the information, some see the information, and some feel the information.
Although most individuals switch their emphasis frequently, one style usually predominates for a given individual. The styles of information transfer are called
respectively auditory, visual, and kinesthetic.
For you to connect with the most audience members, you should include information throughout your program that appeals to all three of these styles.
People that are primarily visual assimilators may be daydreaming throughout the portions of your presentation where you are using only words to convey your
information. They will perk-up when you use a visual aid such as an overhead, flipchart, or prop.
People that are kinesthetically oriented are looking for those words that describe feelings and that evoke emotions. They will also wake up and come to
attention if you have them come up on stage with you and you shake hands with them or put your hand on their shoulder (not in Asia). Auditory assimilators
might just love to hear you talk or they might like to hear a recording of JFK or some type of music.
When you plan your program so that auditory, kinesthetic, and visual elements are interspersed throughout, this will increase your chances of
connecting with all the audience members and decrease the chance that old Mr. Sandman will come knocking on their heads.
More Tips to be a Better Presenter!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Public Speaking - Costumes
No, you don't have to go on-stage in a gorilla suit, although you could if you wanted to. A costume can be anything from a flashy tie, to a feathered hat, to a full blown shiny Marca Polina outfit (the feminine Marco Polo) complete with an illuminated magic wand, that my friend Sally Walton wears when she talks about the magic art of "Communicating Across Cultures." Costumes add a flare and excitement to your presentations and certainly help to make them more memorable.
If you don't like to wear costumes, get the audience members to wear them. Better yet, get the "big shots" to wear them and you will probably be the hit of the meeting. I was doing a customer service talk for a pizza franchise and I had one of the senior managers march into the meeting wearing a filthy, doctor's lab coat with ketchup all over it (fake blood). I had another senior manager come in with a crisp, new lab coat. I asked a simple question, Which manager would you like operating on you? Of course, all the junior managers yelled out that they wouldn't let either one of these people operate on them. Everyone was laughing and joking around, but the point was made. They must keep their employees looking clean and neat because nice customers won't want to be served by grungy food service workers.
Costume characters can be hired to hand out fliers at your event, entertain, and generally create an air of fun and excitement. The local heart association has a "blood drop" costume they use when they are soliciting funds. There are literally hundreds of costumes available through costume shops or mail order. Just make sure, as always, the theme of the costume matches the theme of your presentation or event.
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Monday, March 14, 2011
Public Speaking - International Best Foot Forward
Put Your Best Foot Forward Mexico/Canada
Put Your Best Foot Forward Europe
Friday, March 11, 2011
Public Speaking - Bloopers
A while back I heard about a DJ on WIOD in Miami, Florida who said, "This is Alan Courtney speaking. Don't forget, tonight at nine, our special guest . . . (pause) . . .will be . . . I forgot." Well, I haven't forgotten why we are here today . . . or (For an introducer) I couldn't possibly forget who is here with us today.
Mayor Daley of Chicago was being interviewed on TV following the riots during the Democratic convention. The mayor stated, "The police in Chicago are not here to create disorder, they are here to preserve it." I hope I don't create or preserve any disorder in my presentation today.
From The San Leandro, CA News: I saw a notice in the newspaper the other day. It said, "Industrial Boulevard is empty because it is a road to nowhere. Work is underway to extend it." If we keep developing the obsolete widget. We will be on the road to nowhere too.
Use humor in your presentation to make more money!
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Public Speaking - 5 More Reasons For Humor
a simple speaking course knows that you must hit your audience on the head
with your point over and over before they get it. Humor is one of the hammers
you can use.
DISARMS HOSTILITY. Nonfrivolous humor can be used to take the edge
off audiences that are clearly against you.
REDUCES RELATIVE STATUS. Many of you are what I call the "big-shots" of your
organization. Your position as boss creates a big barrier to
listening. Don't forget, "BOSS" spelled backwards is double-SOB and that's
the way your audience will look at you if lord your status over them. Making
a little fun of yourself (self-effacing humor) will do wonders for opening lines
of communication.
Introducers come in all quality levels. If you get one that makes you sound like
God, it will create expectations in the audience that you couldn't possibly live
up to. Humor can neutralize that problem instantly.
GETS YOUR POINT ACROSS WITHOUT CREATING HOSTILITY.
Sometimes you have to deliver tough negative messages. The careful use of
humor can help you do your dastardly deed without creating unnecessary
anger.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Public Speaking - Juxtapositions
Juxtaposition
Juxtaposition is the placing, side by side, of two ideas or items usually for the purpose of comparison or contrast. I staged an event at Washington National Airport where I had a huge 450-pound man and a very small man (three feet eleven inches) dressed as chauffeurs. They were waiting at the gate for a man from Japan arriving for his first visit to the United States.
To take the comical juxtaposition one step further, the small man was holding a gigantic sign with the Japanese man's name on it and the extra large man was holding a similar sign, except it was about the size of a business card. Believe me, we had the attention of everyone in the gate area. What a visual! Now let's look at two specialized types of juxtaposition:
Oxymorons
Warren S. Blumenfeld, Ph.D., in his book Pretty Ugly states, "I {passively tried} to warn you oxymorons had {almost absolutely} no socially redeeming quality except that they make people {smile out loud} and are addictive." His first book on the subject was called Jumbo Shrimp.
According to Dr. Blumenfeld, "An oxymoron is two concepts {usually two words} that do not go together, but are used together. It is a bringing together of contradictory expressions."
Terms like old news, extensive briefing, direct circumvention and random order are oxymorons. Also concepts like an advanced state of decline and expecting a surprise are oxymorons.
Pleonasm
A pleonasm is the bringing together of two concepts or words that are redundant. A pleonasm is the bringing together of two concepts or words that are redundant. How many times do I have to tell you? I stole that from Dr. Blumenfeld, but I've already credited him a couple times and Art Buchwald says that's enough. Combinations like frozen ice, sharp point, killed dead, sandy beach, young child, positive praise, and angry rage are pleonasms.
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Friday, March 04, 2011
Public Speaking - Pre-Planned Ad-Libs 1
Some humorous things to say when things go wrong during your presentation:
SOMETHING IS BROKEN
*Humor can't fix everything.
* I would fix this, but the only thing I learned in shop class was how to call
for estimates.
* That's what I get for buying this at a flea market.
* I'll fix this right up. Just give me a hammer.
* Does anyone have some SuperGlue?
* Does anyone have a dollar bill on them? [If possible, go into the audience
in search of a dollar bill apparently to fix the broken item.] It won't fix this,
but maybe I can bribe someone to get me another one.
* We really didn't need that [with sarcasm] MAJOR PORTION OF MY
PRESENTATION did we? All great speakers have a plan. Unfortunately,
I don't. No. I'm just kidding [go to alternate plan and you had better have
one!]
* I know it's time for a BREAK, but this is ridiculous.
* This item just took a break so why don't we take one too. Let's resume at....
* Just when I was smokin,' this darn thing gets broken. Let's [take a break,
alternate plan, etc.]
LIGHTS GO OUT
* I guess I'll have to donate a portion of my fee to the electric company.
* The caterer will be here shortly with carrots for everyone.
* I guess God tried to hit me with a lightning bolt, but hit your electric box
instead.
* I hope my talk hasn't left you in the dark.
* It appears that I need to shed some more light on this subject.
* Since you're all sleeping anyway, I decided to turn off the lights.
* This is carrying energy conservation too far.