That will make a HUGE difference!
Those Three Things Are:
1. Tell your audience how Questions will be handled.
In your Opening tell them when questions will be taken.
Telling your audience from the get-go when you’ll be taking questions lets them know not to interrupt your talk because you told them when you’ll have Q&A.
A question about something in a different section of your presentation can throw off your talk and confuse your audience. You eliminate that by telling when you’ll take questions.
If someone asks a question on material you’ve not yet covered, say, “Do me a favor and write that question down. If I haven’t answered it, when it’s time for questions on that topic, be sure to ask. Thank you!”
For longer presentations, take questions after each section, only on that section, and before your Closing.
Important: Take questions Before you Close your presentation.
This is because of the Law of Primacy and Recency. Your audience best remembers the first and last things you say and do.
This is why you want a Strong Opening and a STRONGER Closing.
Example: “I’m going to discuss the components, parts, and elements of a presentation. I have time set aside after each section for questions just on that section. I have time set aside at the end for questions. Then I’ll deliver my closing.”
2. Issue a Disclaimer.
A DISCLAIMER, early in your Presentation will Help Your Audience GET IT!
If you deliver information an attendee doesn’t agree with they may start to view you with a bit of disbelief. If this occurs several times, they might tune you, and your message, out completely.
Example: I’m going to talk about my way to develop and deliver a great Elevator Speech. It works really well for me and many who follow my advice.
However, there are some who teach it differently and their format works well, also.
My advice is to “Be a Sponge!” Absorb everything, squeeze out what you don’t need, and do it your own way.
The reason to do that is threefold.
Number One It gets their attention. They weren’t expecting that. Some speakers want to be seen as the ultimate authority on their topic.
Number Two It gives me more credibility
By saying, “My way is not the only way” I’m acknowledging I’m like most in the audience because I don’t know everything and accept the views of others.
Number Three It opens up their mind to taking in everything and actually squeezing out what they don’t agree with.
3. Tell them you’ll be asking for “Lessons Learned.”
Asking early for “Lessons Learned” will help Your Audience GET IT!
Getting attendees to share something they thought has value is an important part of many presentations.
The research shows: Audiences have very short attention spans. It is unusual for someone to give the speaker their undivided attention for the entire presentation. Information considered new and important by some can easily be missed by other attendees.
Example: Before I close my talk, I’m going to ask for “Lessons Learned.” So if your hear something of value, please write it down and be prepared to share it with others when I ask.
Do these things three things in your Openings and I guarantee they will be absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.
They do this because they know: Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.
They do this because they know: Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
They also know: We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
Topics:
Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!
Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
We are All Self-Employed!
Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, Podcast Channel, and connect with me on LinkedIn and Facebook.
My books can be purchased on amazon.com. “NO SWEAT Public Speaking” “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Audible offers “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!” as an audio book.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.
Thank you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!
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