'No Sweat' Public Speaking!» Developing A Presentation/Speech

Have a Spare Tire in Case Murphy Shows Up!

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:01:34 +0000

H Murphy, of Murphy’s Law,

always seems to be lurking around the corner, waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting victim. That casualty could be you!

Always be prepared for anything and everything you can control.

If the computer crashes, projector dies, or sound system goes silent, you must still present your material! There are people in the audience who came to learn something. It’s your presentation and your responsibility they don’t leave disappointed.

Be sure your “trunk” is well equipped for all contingencies.
If I’m using slides, I backup my presentation on a USB flash drive. Because I use a mac, my slideshows are made with iWork Keynote software. I export copies to PowerPoint and convert, also, to PDFs. The PDF conversion is done because they work when versions of PowerPoint and Keynote are not the versions on a backup computer.

I also print a copy of my slideshow in Light Table view, which allows me to see a large number of my slides on one piece of paper. More about this in a moment!

If you use slides, I recommend you do the same. If those slides contain bullet points with text, print out a copy with the text large enough you’ll be able to read it. In stressful moments, that text can get very fuzzy!

Having a spare tire is not enough! You must know if the tire is inflated, have a working car jack, and a lug wrench. Even if you have “all that in your trunk” it doesn’t mean you know how to use it and change a tire.

Here’s my real life example:
I was presenting to a local Chamber at their monthly luncheon meeting and was on slide number eight of a thirty-six slide presentation. Suddenly the screen went BLANK! My computer was working fine, as, it seemed, was the projector. Because the schedule was tight, there was no time to reboot and see if that would fix the problem.

As a “Plan B” I always print out my slides in Light Table View. This allows me to place thirty-plus, very small images of my slides, on one sheet of paper. Thankfully, I use mostly images in slides rather than text. (This is something you’ll definitely want to investigate in my book and website!) I’m able to look at the image, and know my material well enough, that I can continue the presentation.

However, having the “Spare Tire” and needing to switch to it instantly is not always easy. Luckily, I was able to grab my paper, present the remainder of my presentation, and finish to a thankful round of applause. (It was almost Big Sweat instead of No Sweat!)

My Lesson Learned is obvious. Before going into the desert, practice, just in case of a blowout, changing that tire!

I now practice, not only my presentation, but the “Backup Plan.” Knowing what can happen, and confident I can handle things if Murphy pounces, is a great stress reliever. Follow my lead, and Practice “Plan B,” also!

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

They also know:
Speaking Opportunities are Business Opportunities.
Speaking Opportunities are Career Opportunities.
Speaking Opportunities are Leadership Opportunities.
He shows them how to
Develop, Practice, and Deliver ‘Knock Your Socks Off Presentations!’ with -
No Sweat!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
Connect/Follow me:
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The Elevator Speech Booklet – CLICK to Open!

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:01:12 +0000

YourYour Elevator Speech is a Mini-Presentation

CLICK to Open Booklet

**Use this as a Template for Your Elevator Speech!**

An Elevator Speech is what we deliver when introducing ourselves at networking events, business meetings, or when meeting anyone for the first time.

The term, Elevator Speech, implies it’s something that won’t take very long to deliver. If someone’s only going to be in an elevator with you till the next floor, it may be less than a minute. It’s not an exercise to take casually.

Just as an Elevator goes up one floor at a time, the Elevator Speech should be delivered “by the floor.”

At each stop, the verbal and/or nonverbal signal to look for is, “Tell me more.”

Everyone doesn’t want to go to the Top Floor with you. Some don’t want to leave the lobby! There is no need to waste time and energy taking them all the way up.

The Elevator Speech can be a good tool for Qualifying and DisQualifying prospects.

The Elevator Speech starts simple. As interest and time permit, it is expanded.

Again, not everyone wants to go with you to the Top Floor and you don’t want to take everyone there.

Let’s get in the Elevator and start going up!

1st Floor - Describes Who You Are
Hello! My Name is Fred Miller.
That may be all someone wants to know about you – Your Name.

2nd Floor - Describes What You Do
I’m a Speaker, a Coach and an Author.
That’s what I do.
Hopefully, they want to know:
What I speak about.
What I coach.
What have I authored.

On this floor, very briefly, tell them what you do. Don’t give a lot of details.

3rd Floor - Describes Your Expertise
The Title of my Book is, “No Sweat Public Speaking!”
How to Develop, Practice, and Deliver a ‘Knock Your Socks Off!’ Presentation with -
No Sweat!

This is where you tell something about why you have expertise in what you do.

4th Floor - Why They Hire Me
Businesses and Individuals Hire Me Because they want to improve their Public Speaking and Presentation Skills.

I prefer the words Hire Me rather than:
“I work with people who. . .
“I help people. . .
Hire Me lets them know I get Paid to do this.
Hire Me can be an excellent Dis-Qualifier.

The word “because” is important. It has a positive psychological impact on the recipient.

5th Floor - More Why They Hire Me
They do this because:
We perceive really good speakers as Experts.
Perception is reality.
We like to work with Experts.

Here, expand on why they hire you.

6th Floor - More Information
They know:
Speaking Opportunities are Business Opportunities.
Speaking Opportunities are Career Opportunities.
Speaking Opportunities are Leadership Opportunities.

You may not have time or need to deliver more information, but it’s good
to have it as an option.

I could follow this up with,
“Are You Taking and Making Speaking Opportunities?”

That could continue the conversation.
This is an Elevator Speech, not a Sales Presentation.
If this leads to a meeting and a conversation, I’ll ask it at that time.

7th Floor - I Deliver
I show them how to Develop, Practice, and Deliver a ‘Knock Your Socks Off!’ Presentation with – No Sweat!

The “No Sweat!” is part of my Branding. If you have a “Brand” it’s this is a great place to use it!

8th Floor - ASK!
“You probably don’t know any companies or people who could use the services I offer,
Do You?

Asking the question this way will catch them a bit off guard and usually get them thinking.
Their answer could be a prospect.

Somewhere on the ride up, the person you’re delivering to, is curious enough to tell you they want to know more and have a conversation in the future.
If not, ASKING them is the next best thing to do. What have you got to lose?

Be aware that an Elevator Speech, just like any presentation, consists of two Components:
Content and Delivery.

Plan your Content.
• Read The Elevator Speech Booklet.
• Very little, but pertinent information, for each “floor.”
• Continually refresh it. Change is constant.
• You learn new skills and have new experiences that can be
valuable to mention.

Delivery is Verbal and NonVerbal.
Verbal: The way the words are spoken.
• Speak clearly and distinctly.
NonVerbal, Everything else.
• Smile. It’s universal and gets a positive response.
• Make eye contact to show honesty and sincerity.
• Stand tall and lean in slightly to listen and/or shake hands.
• If appropriate to shake hands, give a firm handshake.

Now, work on Your Elevator Speech.
Then, if you’re inclined, go to the Comments Section, please, and
share Your Elevator Speech!

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
Connect/Follow me:
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314-517-8772

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Speakers, My 2012 New Year’s Resolutions are. . .

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 06:01:25 +0000

2012It’s That Time of the Year!
Here are My 2012 Resolutions.
What are Yours?

#1. Prepare and Practice for each Presentation
even if I’ve given it 100+ times.

It might be the umpteenth time I’ve delivered it, but it’s the first time most of the audience have heard it.
The size of the audience doesn’t matter. I should always give my best.
“Practice makes perfect.” No!
“Perfect Practice makes Perfect.” – No such thing!
The one I subscribe to is: “The road to perfection never ends!”

#2. Regularly Refresh and Update my Content and Delivery.

The only constant is Change. I’ll continue to practice Kaizen, the Japanese word that means continuous improvement.

#3. Get Out of my Comfort Zone with Content and Delivery.

When we Get Out of our Comfort Zone – our Comfort Zone becomes Larger!

#4. Study, Study, and Study more about my subject of Expertise,
the Art & Science of Public Speaking/Presenting.

I always learn new things from the blogs, articles, books and videos I seek out on public speaking/presentations.

#5. Continue to regularly Write a New Post with great Content
and to place the Audio in each Post.

The combination of Written Post + Audio Post has made me a better writer and a better speaker.

#6. Take just about every opportunity I can to Speak. Paid and Fee Waived.

Walk my talk, “Speaking Opportunities are Business Opportunities.
It’s the only real way to better my craft because, “The Learning is in the Doing!”

#7. Always remember to be Audience Centered.

It’s ALL about the Audience and not about me!
Focusing on the Audience raises the level of my presentations and lowers my anxiety.

#8. Always write my own Introduction.

Let the emcee know it’s my job to write it and their job to present it as if they wrote it. My writing it is to make their job easier.
Inform them the Introduction is an integral part of the speech, and review it with them.

Just to be safe, always bring an extra copy to the event!

#9. When teaching and coaching others in the Art and Science of
Public Speaking/Presenting, respect the investment they are
making in time and money.

Do my best to help them accomplish what they want.
Realize that some are really out of their comfort zone, and the call to me was not without a great deal of thought and trepidation.

#10. Continually go Back to the Basics.
This is an important concept for accomplishing much in life.

Sometimes I, and others, stray from the Basics – and our presentations suffer.
The Components, Parts, and Elements of a Presentation have stood
the test of time.
They don’t change!

Two Components to a Presentation: Content and Delivery
The Parts of Content include:

Introduction

Always write my own, and have it answer three questions:

Why this Subject?
Why this Speaker?
Why Now?

Opening

Have a Strong Opening that grabs the audience’s attention.
Tell them what I’m going to tell them.

Body

Make a Point – Tell a Personal Story that reinforces the point.
Do this three to five times.

Conclusion

Tell them what I told them.
Have a Strong Closing, a “Call to Action!”

The Parts of Delivery include Verbal and NonVerbal Elements:

Verbal Elements include:

Pronunciation and Enunciation

Speak clearly and distinctly.

Sometimes I don’t do this. Being aware is the first step.

Projection

Talk to the person in the back of the room.
Don’t yell!

Inflection

The correct inflection can change the entire meaning of a sentence.

Work on this and I’ll better my presenting!

Cadence

Not too quickly, which I sometimes do.
Varying the pace helps keep the audience engaged.

Pause

Tough, but I believe, the most powerful element of Verbal Communication.

NonVebal Elements include:

Eye Contact

First thing, find a friendly face and make eye contact.

Next, find another friendly face!

Facial Expressions

Smile! Remember, it’s universal. Give one, and I usually get one right back!

Gestures

Make them in sync with my message.

Make them larger for larger audiences and for emphasis.

Posture

Stand tall and straight. No slouching!

Body Movement

Make them deliberate and return to several “anchor points.”
I need to work on this. My nervous energy needs to be harnessed!

Those are My 2012 Resolutions.

What are Yours?

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
Connect/Follow me:
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Photo Credit: Billy Alexander

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Speakers, There’s NO App for That!

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:01:53 +0000

AP You Gotta Do It Yourself!. . .and
**You Should Want To!**

There’s NO App to download that will make you a Great Speaker and lessen the Fear of Public Speaking.

Because of the Fear of Public Speaking, many in leadership positions pass on taking and making Speaking Opportunities and delegate the task to others. That’s Nuts!

You should not hand a Speaking Opportunity off to someone else. Steve Jobs never did, and it’s one of the reasons Apple grew to be one of the most successful and innovative companies ever.

What would you think of a President, Prime Minister, or any leader of a country handing
off their annual “State of the Union Address’ to others? It would not be seen as a positive move, would it?

Leadership is executed through superb communications!

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know My Mantra:
Speaking Opportunities are Business Opportunities!
Speaking Opportunities are Career Opportunities!
Speaking Opportunities are Leadership Opportunities!

Those who present well are perceived as Experts. Perception is reality, and we like to work with Experts. (Experts can command higher prices for their products and services, also.)

People who take and make Speaking Opportunities grow the perception they are Experts. They grow their Businesses, advance their Careers, and increase their Leadership Roles.

We expect leaders to be good presenters. Some are; many are not. If the leader is not comfortable delivering presentations, make it a goal to learn how!

Public Speaking/Giving a Presentation is a skill that is learned. Just as no one is born knowing how to ride a bike, work with a computer, or drive a car, no one is born a public speaker.

There are many things a person can do to learn these skills:

Take Public Speaking Courses.
Join Toastmasters
Read blogs and books on Public Speaking and Presentation Skills.
Observe professional speakers.
Listen to great speeches.
Watch videos on Presentation Skills.
Hire a personal coach.
PRACTICE delivering presentations.
SPEAK!

Two activities stand above the others:

Practice! – Practice! – Practice!

Would any serious athlete just “Show Up”
for the big game, match or meet? – NO!

Spring Training, Summer Camp, Winter Camp,
Workout – Workout – Workout!

Would any serious musician, singer or actress just “Show Up”
for the big concert, show, or play? – NO!

Rehearsal – Practice – Rehearsal!

Why would someone think they can just “Show Up” for a presentation and “wing it?” – NO!

Practice! – Practice! – Practice!

Steve Jobs was the consumate presenter.
If he had a 90 minute Keynote Presentation scheduled to introduce a new Apple product
or service he would practice for weeks!

That’s the amount of time someone who was the best-of the-best would spend on preparing for a speech. How much prep time should you and I spend developing and practicing a presentation?

Do it! Present!

“The Learning is in the Doing!”
You can do all the intellectualizing you want about being a Public Speaker, but the real Learning is in the Doing!

There’s no other way!
Jump into the deep end of the pool (get in front of an audience) and start swimming (presenting).

What’s the worse that could happen?

You bomb!

BIG DEAL! Who Cares?

It’s a drop in the ocean of your life. It’s nothing!
You really have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Jump in and Do It!

I GUARANTEE:
“The worst speech you’ll ever give -
will be far better than the one you never give!”
Let me know how it works out!

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
Connect/Follow me:
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314-517-8772

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Remember: NonVerbal Communication Trumps. . .

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 06:01:54 +0000

Verb Verbal Communication

Have you ever watched a Professional Mime? They speak no words, but communicate very well, don’t they!

If they were to use their voice, their NonVerbal Communication: eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, posture, and body movements, would outweigh their spoken words.

Our NonVerbal Communication carries more weight than the words we say and how we say them.

Example: The speaker on the podium says, “I’m very excited to be speaking to this group today.” At the same time, he is yawning, not giving eye contact to anyone in the audience, and continually looking at his watch. What’s the message he’s sending?

Everything in the Delivery of our presentation must be in sync, else the audience will believe what they “See.”

While we can consciously use our NonVerbal Communication Skills to emphasize parts of our presentation, it’s important to remember that we exhibit involuntary NonVerbal Communication, also. (If you saw Simon Cowell’s eyebrows rise when Susan Boyle started singing her first song, “I Dreamed a Dream,” on Britain Has Talent, you know what I mean. Here’s a Link.)

Facial expressions like: raised eyebrows, rolling eyes, smirks, yawns, snickers and other expressions are often exhibited before we are conscious of them happening. Yet the audience sees them and immediately an impression is made. If not in sync with the words they were hearing, and carries a different meaning, the audience will believe the involuntary NonVerbal Communication they see.

The same holds true of gestures and body language. If we’re talking about something we are ‘passionate about’, but not ‘showing’ that emotion with gestures, posture and body language, the ‘disconnect’ tells our audience the ‘passion’ may not be as real as we’re telling them!

If using slides in a presentation, it is critical to either insert Blank Slides or use the “B” Blank Button at points in your presentation. This will shift the audiences’ eyes to you, the presenter. They will the see your important NonVerbal Communication.

Use NonVerbal Communication to reinforce the words you speak and enhance your Presentation:

Make Eye Contact with individuals in the audience.

It demonstrates honesty, self-confidence, and sincerity.

Use Facial Expressions.

Smile, when appropriate.

A smile is universal. I call it a non-physical hug because when you give one, you usually get one right back!

Other Facial Expressions are also universal and ‘seen’ the same by people all over the globe. They include expressions for:

Fear, Anger, Surprise, Disgust, Happiness, and being Sad.

Gesture to emphasize specific points of your presentation.

Be certain they are in sync with your message.
Make those gestures larger for larger audiences so all see them.

Your Posture conveys self-confidence, honesty, and leadership.

Don’t slouch, lean, or fidget when standing.
Posture also applies when you are sitting, before and after you speak.

Consider yourself always on stage.

When you Move Your Body, walk deliberately.

Pick several ‘anchor’ points to always return to. (Kind of an X marks the spot!)

One of those anchors can be ‘stage center,’ directly in front of the audience.

If you’re using slides in your presentation, be sure you have BLANKED the screen with the ‘B’ Button on your computer or remote, or inserted a Blank Slide. If you don’t do this, you are the screen!

In summary, if everything in a presentation is not in sync,
NonVerbal Communication Rules!

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
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Speakers: Brand Yourself with – “No Sweat!”

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:01:21 +0000

“If it’s Sunday, it’s Meet the Press.”Speakers

This is how David Gregory, the moderator of the the longest-running television series in American broadcasting, signs off each Sunday morning.

Tim Russert, the previous host, and all hosts before him, signed off with the same words. It’s part of this weekly television news/interview program’s Branding.

Branding yourself and company in several ways, so others know who you are and what you do, should be part of your marketing strategy. Using it in your Closing can be particularly effective. This is because of the Law of Primacy and Recency which says, “The last thing the audience sees and hears will be the first thing they will remember.”

If you’re a fan of the great motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, you know his presentations always closed with his Branded Tag Line, “I will see You - At The Top!”

My good friend and internet marketing expert Russ Henneberry blogs on the site,
Tiny Business, Mighty Profits. He closes and Brands his presentations with the statement, “Starting tomorrow, do the things we worked on today, and Your Tiny Business will have - Mighty Profits!”

If you hear the phrase, “It just works!” you associate it with Steve Jobs. Another of his favorites was, “And one more thing!” Combine those statements with a black turtleneck sweater, blue jeans, and white sneakers and you have the Brand, Steve Jobs!
That Brand was, and will forever be, associated with the bigger Brand, Apple.

I’ve worked very hard on my “No Sweat!” Brand:

”No Sweat Public Speaking!” is my book.
”No Sweat Public Speaking!” is my website.
Above my signature on correspondence and emails are the words,
“Make your next presentation - “No Sweat!”
When I encourage others with an upcoming presentation I tell them it will be - “No Sweat!”
I Close all my presentations with:

“I’m going to close my talk with a Challenge – and a Prediction.
Here’s my challenge, and it’s a challenge to each and every one of you.
The next time you have a speaking opportunity - Grab It!
Then prepare, practice and deliver that speech using all the components, parts and elements of ”No Sweat Public Speaking!
”Do that, and my prediction is this:
“Your speech will be: absolutely, positively, there’s no doubt in my mind; no ifs, ands or buts about it. That speech will be (As I speak those words, I wipe my brow, look at the palm of my hand, then look up at the audience, smile broadly and say), – “No Sweat!”

I’ve even had people in the audience, who see this Closing Statement coming, mouth the words “No Sweat!” with me!

That means they’re GETTING IT! with my Branding.
How cool is that!

Now, My Challenge – and Prediction to you is this:
Develop a closing statement that brands you and your talks.

Do that, and my prediction is this: Your Brand will grow, and grow –
making you the ‘Go-To Person’ in your area of expertise!

Leave a Comment, please, and let us know how you Brand Yourself!

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
Connect/Follow me:
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314-517-8772

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“No One Here Gives Presentations.”

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 06:01:24 +0000

NOReally?

I’ve sometimes heard this from executives, business owners, and other professionals.

It’s all about how you define the word “Presentations,” isn’t it?

Here are some questions for them:

Does anyone ever talk to a prospect?
Does anyone ever talk to a client?
Do you have salespeople?
Does anyone work in customer service?
Do co-workers ever discuss the opportunities and challenges of their job?
Do co-workers ever discuss the opportunities and challenges of the company?
Does anyone ever attend networking events?
Does everyone have an elevator speech in case someone asks them what they do and where they work?
Are there ever company meetings?
Does anyone ever attend trade shows or conventions?

Do you ever have a booth at one?

Do teams ever meet?
Do you ever have vistors?
Does anyone ever visit other companies.
Do you ever have an Open House for clients and prospects?
Does anyone ever interview job candidates and/or suppliers?

Here are some more questions:

Do you believe Speaking Opportunities are Business Opportunities?
Do you believe Speaking Opportunities are Career Opportunities?
Do you believe Speaking Opportunities are Leadership Opportunities?
Do you believe that people who speak/present well are perceived as Experts?

Do you agree we prefer to work with Experts?
Do you agree Experts can can command a higher price for their products and services

If someone delivers a really poor presentation, what’s the perception of the person, their product/service, and company?
Does your competition give presentations to prospects?

Are some of their prospects your customers?

And, if you now believe people here do give presentations. . .

Is their Content good?

Do they have an Opening, Body and Conclusion?

What kind of Closing do they use?

Is their Delivery of the Content done in a professional manner?

How are their Verbal Communication Skills?
How are their Nonverbal Communication Skills?

When, and how, do they handle Questions?
Are they comfortable in front of an audience?
Do they present themselves well?
Do they present your company well?
Do they use PowerPoint in their presentation?

What’s on the slide?

Text?
Graphics?
Are the slides contributing to the presentation in a positive manner and helping the audience GET IT or. . .?

When the presentation is over, what’s the audience’s perception of the presenter?

How does it reflect on their product/service and company?

Do you still believe “No one here gives presentations?”

If you didn’t GET IT! before, I’m sure you GET IT! now.
You, and most of the people you work with give presentations on a regular basis.
They may not be ‘platform speeches’ in front of hundreds, but they certainly are presentations that can have positive or negative effects.

Speaking to a group or talking to an individual,
the basics apply to most communication.

Content – the message
Delivery – presenting the message

Verbal Communication – the voice and how it is used
NonVerbal Communication – gestures, facial expressions
and body language

Keep this in mind the next time someone asks,
“Do you and your people give presentations?”

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
Connect/Follow me:
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314-517-8772

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Speakers: The Last Thing you do, will be. . .

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 06:01:34 +0000

Speakers The First Thing the Audience
will Remember!

The Law of Primacy and Recency states:
The First and Last Things your audience hears
and sees, will probably be remembered more
than anything else in your presentation.

Of the two, the Closing will be better recalled.

Knowing that Law is important for several reasons.

It’s why speakers should have a Strong Opening
and a Strong Closing!

The Opening should grab the attention of the audience and make them desire to hear more.

Example:

“Picture this! Friday is our annual Open House and the president of the company wants each department to give a fifteen minute presentation. I have you scheduled for 1:15 – right after lunch!”

After your Opening grabs the attention of the audience, give them an agenda of how your presentation will proceed. This is important because people like to know what and when things are going to happen.

Example:

“I’ll talk about the Fear of Public Speaking.
Why we have it.
Nuggets to lessen it.
I’ll then take Questions.
Finally, I’ll Close the Presentation.”

The Closing should be something you want them to remember. (Think of courtroom summations and closing statements by political candidates.)
Examples

A Call to Action.

“Today, as soon as you get back to your office, start writing your Introduction!“

A Challenge.

“We’ll be meeting again one week from today. I challenge each of you to have an Introduction that answers the three questions every Introduction should address

Why this Subject?
Why this Speaker?
Why Now?

A Motivational Quote.

Remember as you leave the auditorium, ”The worst speech you’ll ever give, will be far better than the one you never give!”

It’s an opportunity to Brand Yourself.

Each episode of NBC’s Meet the Press, the longest-running television series in American broadcasting, ends with, “If it’s Sunday, it’s Meet the Press!”
My good friend and internet marketing guru, Russ Henneberry, Tiny Business, Mighty Profits, does this. He ends each of his dynamic presentations with, “Go back to your offices and start using the marketing strategies we talked about today and Your Tiny Business will have – Mighty Profits!”

If you’re going to have a Question and Answer Session, have it before the Closing.

Taking questions at this time is important. Here’s why: As stated above, the last things the audience sees and hears will be the first things they’ll remember.
Example:

Suppose I have a killer Close. It’s a “Call to Action” that has the audience rushing thru the doors to start on that goal immediately.
But, as most speakers do, I take questions about my presentation after my Closing. Things are going along fine and I have time for one more question. That person says, “Fred, that stuff you said about ‘practicing in your mind’s eye. That’s garbage. It never works. In fact, you’re full of garbage! ”
Now, the presentation is over. The last thing people heard is the first thing they’ll remember: ”Fred is full of garbage!”
That is not the take-away I want them leaving the event with!

Follow this advice about the last thing you say and do, and my prediction is this:
Your next presentation will be; absolutely, positively – No Sweat!

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
Connect/Follow me:
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314-517-8772

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Speakers: Don’t do these 11 Things!

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 06:01:41 +0000

**Read them – Study them – Don’t do them!**

DON’T If you’re a speaker there are certain things you should do, and should not do. Here are 11 Definite Don’ts!

Don’t ”Wing it.”

Your non-effort will show.
You’ll embarrass yourself and waste the time of your audience. They came to learn something from your talk.
It is your responsibility they leave the room knowing more about your subject than they did when they entered.
Prepare and practice your presentation as if it were very important – because it is!

Don’t think the speech is about You. It’s not.

It is, and always should be, about the Audience!

Being Audience Centered is one of the
Laws of Presentation.

Focusing on the Audience, and not you, will raise the quality of your presentation and lower your anxiety.

Don’t give the same speech to all audiences.

Do your homework and get some intel on whom you’ll be speaking with.
All audiences are not the same. Their makeup and knowledge of your subject will vary. Adjust your speech accordingly.

Don’t turn your back to the audience and read text from your slides.

Slides are a tool to help the audience GET IT! They especially appeal to the 65% of the population that are visual learners.
You shouldn’t be using much, if any, text.

Use high quality, universally understood images, and you supply the text with your voice.

Use the ‘B Blank’ button to blank the screen and take the attention of the audience from the screen to you, the presenter – where their attention should be directed.

Don’t leave it up to the emcee to write your Introduction.

It is your responsibility, not the emcee’s, and is an integral part of your presentation.
It is not your bio. The Introduction should answer three questions:

Why this subject?
Why this speaker?
Why now?

You write it because no one knows what should be on it better than you!

Don’t tell a joke to be telling a joke.

All presentations don’t need humor. However, if done well, it can be “icing on the cake.”
Humor can be great because it can make an emotional connection to your audience. But it has to be appropriate to the presentation and your audience.

The best humor is self-effacing, but don’t overdo it.

Don’t run over your allotted time.

There are scheduled events before and after you present. Respect those events and the audience and contain your talk as scheduled.
Fill the time your are allotted with great content and delivery. Finishing a bit early is OK; too early disrupts the agenda.

Don’t assume the projector, computer, microphone, etc. will be in place and working as you asked.

It is your presentation and your responsibility that everything is in place and working.
You, or someone else, may have delegated those duties, but it’s your ultimate job because it’s your presentation. That’s why. . .

Don’t - NOT have a Plan B!

Stuff Happens! You must be prepared to carry on if the projector fails, the computer crashes, the emcee forgets to bring your Introduction, etc.
Practice Plan B. It is different delivering a presentation with all your slides showing well vs. giving the same information with one sheet of paper with the light table view of all your slides.
(I know this from personal experience. My “No Sweat!” presentation could easily have gone into “Big Sweat!”)

Don’t use buzz words, acronyms, or technical jargon that your audience won’t immediately understand.

You won’t impress them – you’ll lose them!

No one wants to feel “not OK,” and they’ll quickly turn you off.

Don’t have Q&A after you close your presentation.

That’s why the Closing is called the Closing!

If you’re going to have a Q&A, place if before your Closing.

The ‘Law of Primacy and Recency’ says the last thing the audience hears is the first thing they will remember. That’s why it’s imperative to have a Strong Closing.
If the Q&A is after your closing, and you are challenged, or don’t know the answer, that is what the audience will remember. It’s probably not the take-away you want them to leave with.

Now that you’ve read these Don’ts – Study them and Don’t do them!

Follow this advice and my prediction is your next presentation will be absolutely, positively - No Sweat!

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

About the Author
Fred E. Miller is a speaker, a coach, and author of the book,
“No Sweat Public Speaking!”
Businesses and individuals hire him because they want to improve their
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills.
They do this because we perceive really great speakers to be Experts.
Perception is reality and we rather deal with Experts.
They also know:
Speaking Opportunities are Business Opportunities.
Speaking Opportunities are Career Opportunities.
Speaking Opportunities are Leadership Opportunities.
He shows them how to
Develop, Practice, and Deliver ‘Knock Your Socks Off Presentations!’ with -
No Sweat!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com
314-517-8772

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Props for Presentations: Seen and UnSeen!

Fred E. Miller — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 05:01:05 +0000

Make the Invisible – Visible! Sometimes – Not!

Prop A prop is something used to support your presentation. Props can be very effective tools for presenters to use.

People have three styles of learning:

Visual – Learn by seeing.
Auditory – Learn by hearing.
Kinesthetic – Learn by doing.

Appealing to more than one of those styles of learning increase the odds your audience will GET IT!

Example:
I used to be in the Coffee Business. If I were speaking about Coffee, I might hold a mug in my hand and talk about different beans, roasts, and brewing equipment. The audience sees the mug. Most of them have probably had a cup or two that day. It reinforces my message about coffee. When I finish talking about coffee, I should put the cup out of site. If I set it down where everyone can see it, it becomes a distraction because some in the audience will keep glancing at it.

Putting the prop out of sight is the same theory behind BLANKING the screen of a slide presentation. Doing this immediately moves the attention of the audience from the screen to the presenter. That’s where the attention should be! The slideshow is not the presentation. It is a prop that helps the audience GET IT! while the presenter provides the “text” with their voice. (Very few, if any Bullet Points, please, and limited text. High quality, easily recognizable graphics are best.)

Sometimes, the best prop for the situation is the one you don’t physically use. For instance, if I said, “Picture your favorite coffee cup!” (Really, do this for me, please.) What do you see?

You might be picturing a cup your son or daughter made in pre-school or kindergarten. Maybe, you’re looking at one given to you for a present by a special friend, or one you received for achieving a specific goal.

Perhaps, you’re seeing the one you bought on a special vacation. I know, it was a cheap cup you bought at a souvenir shop, and now there is a crack in it. But picture that cup and the memories associated with it.

In these examples I’ve personalized that cup. Nothing can beat that for getting you to “see” a prop. What cup are you seeing?

I remember an old interview with Gene Siskel & Roger Ebert, the movie reviewers. One question was, “What’s the best medium for communication: Radio, TV, of the Big Screen?” Without hesitation they both answered, “Radio!” Immediately I thought of the CBS Radio Mystery Theatre Old Time Radio Shows, 1974 -1982. I also remembered listening to baseball games on radio and the colorful commentary and play-by-play that made me feel I was sitting in the stands.

Nothing can replace what your mind can “see”. Those in the audience who “see” that cup, get emotionally involved with you and your presentation. That cup has a story, and stories, as Nancy Duarte said, are the “emotional glue” that attach your audience to your ideas.

Another variation on this is getting the audience to anticipate seeing a prop.

One of the best examples of this is a presentation I saw delivered by an ex ad exec. He took the lectern with a large leather portfolio case. It was the kind artists use to protect their work.

He talked about the agency he had owned, and the campaigns his company had done for companies. The work, he said, would involve developing posters, print advertising, logos, letterheads, radio and tv commercials and a host of other products and services made to promote the client.

Throughout his presentation, he had one or more hands on the large portfolio case. He would shift it from hand to hand, and always seemed to be about to open it and display examples of his work for the companies he was talking about. He never opened the case!

WOW! When he closed his speech, we could not believe we had not seen the contents of that beautiful leather portfolio.

From the moment he opened his speech, he held our attention. With each advertising campaign story, our anticipation grew.

Every time he spoke of the colors, custom designs, and how everything had to deliver the same message, we just knew we’d be seeing those samples. We never did! It was absolutely one of the best uses of a prop I’ve ever seen. (Of course, half of us would ready to jump the guy as soon as he left the lectern, extract the case from his hands and open it!)

He achieved his goal by not showing us what was (if anything) inside the case. Besides the extremely effective use of this prop, he also presented well. It was a great presentation!

Try using a prop or two in your presentation. Be creative and help your audience GET IT!

For reading, and/or listening, this far I’d like to give you a FREE Gift.
Go to: http://www.nosweatpublicspeaking.com/freegift to receive it!

About the Author
Fred E. Miller is a speaker, a coach, and author of the book,
“No Sweat Public Speaking!”
Businesses and individuals hire him because they want to improve their
Public Speaking and Presentation Skills.
They do this because we perceive really great speakers to be Experts.
Perception is reality and we rather deal with Experts.
They also know:
Speaking Opportunities are Business Opportunities.
Speaking Opportunities are Career Opportunities.
Speaking Opportunities are Leadership Opportunities.
He shows them how to
Develop, Practice, and Deliver ‘Knock Your Socks Off Presentations!’ with -
No Sweat!

Fred E. Miller
Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
nosweatpublicspeaking.com

Photo Credit: Brett Jordan
Portfolio Picture: Smead Deluxe Art Portfolio

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Read them – Study them – Don’t do them!

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Make the Invisible – Visible! Sometimes – Not!

**Use this as a Template for Your Elevator Speech!**

2012It’s That Time of the Year!
Here are My 2012 Resolutions.
What are Yours?

AP You Gotta Do It Yourself!. . .and
**You Should Want To!**

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will Remember!

**Read them – Study them – Don’t do them!**