Lousy opening to your presentation

Lousy opening to your presentation

The purpose of your opening is to build interest in your presentation. Your opening is like the opening paragraph of an article or the first chapter in your book. The question it should answer is “Why should the audience listen to your presentation?”

Sometimes we need to experience a bad example to really appreciate the difference. Here is an example of a bad opening---

The speaker said:

Good morning, good afternoon or whatever.

Guess I’m a little jet lagged. Ha.
Glad to be here in Toronto.

I’m the founder of…

We are based in California.
We have offices around the world.

Where’s Robert?

There he is.
He is my local licensee.

We’re running 15 minutes late and I had planned to speak for one hour and fifteen minutes and I plan to use all of that time.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The purpose is to build interest in listening to the rest of the presentation. Nothing he said in his opening did that. From that opening one might surmise that this speaker would be a pompous braggart and an inconsiderate boring speaker.

The audience makes those decisions during your opening.

We know what he didn’t do. Let’s dissect his opening to recognize what he did wrong.

 

Paragraph 1: Good morning

That’s cliché and boring. He started speaking at 4:00pm yet he didn’t know the time of day. That demonstrates lack of awareness and disregard for his audience. We don’t care about his alleged jet lag. That was his way of bragging that he travelled to get here. Glad to be in Toronto sounded insincere and it was cliché.

 

Paragraph 2: I’m the founder

The place for that information was in his introduction. It was in the introduction and for some reason he felt that he needed to repeat that. Why? Was he insecure? It seems those things were important to him and perhaps his mother?

 

Paragraph 3: Where’s Robert?

At some point Robert and his relationship might become significant. At this point, who cares?

 

Paragraph 4: 15 Minutes Late

Did he just criticize the organizers? Then he added that he was unwilling to adapt and didn’t care about the audience time expectations. He implied that the time of the audience was unimportant to him. It was more important that he exercise his desire to speak as long as he likes.

 

If you heard this opening -

Would you like this person?

Would you feel interested in his presentation?
Would you want to do business with his company?

 

Check the opening to your presentations. Avoid these mistakes.

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The Entire Audience Walked Out on Me

What could be worse than losing your entire audience? Imagine no one showing up for your presentation. I experienced the one and almost the other.

While promoting my first book, Secrets of Power Marketing, I arranged short presentations along with a book signing at book stores. They were never a good place in which to present because they were not set up for presentations. Usually the audiences numbered between six and 10.

On one memorable book store visit there was only one person waiting for my presentation. That was ego deflating. I checked the signs and my calendar. We both had the date and time correct so at the scheduled time I started my 20 minute presentation. I was hoping that more spectators would arrive or that my standing and speaking might attract some curious book browsers. Five minutes into the presentation the woman’s cell phone rang. She dug it out and asked me to hold. Naturally I stopped speaking because my entire audience stopped listening.

After a short call she put the phone away, looked at me and announced, “That was my son. I need to pick him up. Bye.”

My entire audience walked out on me. Ha! I can laugh now but I didn’t at the time.

I forced another smile, bade goodbye, packed up my things, signed the books from the shelf, then left.

Since then I don’t mind if people leave part way through my presentation – as long as some remain.

When you present there are few things you can control and some things you can influence. And there is everything else that is beyond your power. Focus on what you can do and accept the randomness of reality.

Learn how to deal with 17 other presentation disasters and come out looking like a hero. Download the free eBook here - Turn Presentation Disasters into Presentation Success.

You don't need to give your name or email - just download the free eBook here.


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Open Your Presentation Like Restaurant Greeters

How to open your speech?

The opening to a speech is often overlooked - yet it is so important because it is the first impression that the audience has of you and your presentation.

The two fellows on my right were the greeters at a middle eastern restaurant. They served as perfect examples of what the opening of your presentation should do.

Think of your presentation opening as the store-front or lobby of a retail shop.

The opening of your presentation should do these three things:

• Grab Attention
• Build Rapport
• Set Direction

When we entered this restaurant these two greeters grabbed our attention with their colourful costumes and contrasting size.

They built rapport with their smiles, bowing and gestures of welcome.

They set the direction for the experience that we could expect from this restaurant with their welcoming presentation. We knew that we were in for an exotic experience that would go beyond good food.

That's what the opening to your presentation needs to do - every time you speak.

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Where is the Emergency Exit?

When you are the presenter the audience expects that you know where the emergency exits are. It's part of your responsibility as the speaker.

When you speak the audience sees you as a leader - as least temporarily. With that leadership comes responsibility.

For the safety of your audience and yourself, check and be familiar with the emergency exits and to where they lead. When things go wrong appear calm and maintain control. Give clear instructions. There is nothing worse than a panic. Similarly be prepared to handle accidents and medical emergencies.

As the presenter you are responsible when things go wrong – especially an emergency. The group has granted you leadership status and expects you to take charge in an emergency.

Read

What to do when the fire alarm ring during your presentation

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8 Ways to Deliver a Boring Sales Presentation

A boring sales presentation does not motivate your listeners to buy. They might stop listening. They might be annoyed. They might even leave the room. They won't feel interested to buy. Avoid these sales presentation mistakes as described by Kelley Robertson.

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Unfortunately, many sales people bore their prospects. Here are eight ways they do that.

1. Start your pitch by talking about your company

Your marketing department might think it’s important that you tell your prospect about your company’s roots or heritage, the client or organizations you work with or how innovative you are.

I can tell you from first-hand experience that those points aren’t even on their radar. They don’t care about you.

I know…it hurts, right?

But here’s the reality…

All they want to know is how you can help them solve a pressing that they’re struggling with.

Skip the mindless chatter about anything else. Get to the point and show them how you can help them deal with, or eliminate, that problem.

2. Talk endlessly about your product, offering or solution

Next to the above point there is no quicker way to bore a prospect or customer.

Contrary to popular belief people don’t want to know EVERYTHING about your product. They only need to know the aspects or features that are relevant to their specific situation.

Highly analytical or technical people—especially engineers—struggle the most with this because they love detail, data and information.

However, it is critical to understand that most people don’t need this level of detail. It is more effective to present the high-level information and have back-up documentation ready just in case your prospect is also a detail-oriented person.

3. Make the conversation one-way

Remember that presentation I mentioned at the beginning of this post?

The sales guy used all the air-time for the full 30 minutes. Snore…

Telling is not selling.

I have found that it is much more effective to have a two-way dialogue during any type of sales meeting or presentation. Even if you have a pre-planned presentation, you should still get your prospect involved by asking them questions or getting them to comment on a point you have made.

Read the rest of these Eight Ways to Deliver a Boring Sales Presentationhttp://fearless-selling.ca/how-to-bore-your-prospect/ at Kelley Robertson's Fearless Selling Blog.


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Make a Room Appear Fuller

Sometime you might be speaking in a room that is too big for the audience. That has at least two negative effects on your audience.

The empty space drains away the energy that you are trying to create in the room. It's always easier to speak to a packed room versus a half empty room.

The empty space sends the message that you expected more people and that the topic of your presentation didn't draw the interest that you hoped for. The attendees might be seconding themselves about attending your presentation if it was shunned by others. 

So how to you make a room look and feel fuller?

10 Tips for making a “too large” room look fuller

1. Fill the seats near the front
2. Move the chairs farther apart
3. Add tables – “rounds” take up the most space
4. Place fewer chairs at each table
5. Dim or turn off the lights at the back of the room
6. Create a larger stage area at the front
7. Arrange plants or partitions to block off part of the room
8. Sit people so they are faced towards a full room
9. Place tables around the outside with product displays
10. Move about the room to use more of the space

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Six Words to Summarize Your Presentation

Can you summarize your presentation in six words? If you know your message, you can state it in a few words. If you need 30 minutes to explain it, then you really don’t know it. What would you do if the decision maker said, “You have six words – go.”

Enjoy these six word presentation summaries:

Buy low, sell high, discover how

Stop wasting money on expensive advertising

Join us for weekly breakfast networking

Think about it before you speak

Never, never give up. Call us

Don’t drink and drive. Arrive alive

Find the right mate for you

You can fight cancer. Donate today

Success is simple but not easy

Problems are opportunities but often overlooked

Love your customers. Attract them back

Buying insurance sucks. Being without devastates

Seatbelts saves lives, maybe yours

Help those who can’t help themselves.

Relax. Enjoy. You are getting older.

Don’t stop questioning. We need you.

Imagine, say it in six words

Add your six word message below.

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What the &*+#@*

Is it okay to use or imply curse words when you present?

The person asking this question, suggested using slides with these words:

B#tch

B@st&rd

Sh*t

His purpose was to generate a laugh.

My answer to this question is “no, it’s not okay”.

The cost of the laugh is too high. For the sake of a possible few-second laugh you risk:

• Offending at least one or more of your audience
• Being permanently labelled as insensitive and obscene by your audience
• Alienating some of your former listeners
• Losing the respect of key decision makers
• Losing the sale
• Missing out on future opportunities
• Tarnishing your expertise
• Being remembered for the wrong things
• Attracting people who think and speak in those terms
• Being quoted for the wrong reasons

Just imagine that the media stepped into the room to witness your offensive message then left. What would they remember and report?

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Top Executive Speech Coach Blog Posts of 2011

Executive Speech Coach Top Blog Posts of the year are:


What’s the difference between a speaker’s bio and an introduction?


Many people don’t realize the difference and often say bio when they mean introduction. And many non-professional speakers mistakenly supply their bio as an introduction.

There is a big difference between these two documents in their purpose and hence their form. Function always drives form.



Researching Your Presentation


Get your facts straight

Don’t stand there saying, “I think so” or “I’m not sure.” Don’t lie and pretend to know something you do not. So spend time collecting and confirming your information. Too many public speakers are quick to present their opinions without providing clear substance. Avoid that trap
 
 
Should you call out an individual by name?


Question about engaging your audience
I asked the group of MBA students for examples of ways to engage your audience. One student suggested selecting an individual, calling their name and directing a question to that person. He pointed out that this was a common technique used by professors in the university classroom.


How to Open Your Presentation with Commanding Attention


You have a few seconds to set the tone for your presentation. A good start paves the road to success while a weak opening can slam shut the door to success.
Your opening must do three things for you. Grab attention, set the direction and establish rapport. Without their attention you have a room of non-listeners. Without knowing your direction your audience will feel lost and confused. Without rapport you might have a room of enemies.


George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

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http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/

Geoff Ramm Presenting With PowerPoint

I watched my good friend from the UK, Geoff Ramm present at a few conferences. We were fellow speakers on this speaking tour. Geoff is a marketing expert and specializes in Observational Marketing. That means he looks around and reports what he sees – especially what seems to be working.

In his presentations Geoff made the best use of PowerPoint that I’ve seen. Too many speakers use PowerPoint as a crutch or shield. You know those speakers who simply repeat the words on the slide or constantly check the slides so they are reminded of what to say next.

Geoff Ramm worked with his slides as if they were a tag team. One didn’t steal from the other. They handed off to each other. Geoff would set up the next slide before it appeared so the audience anticipated it and knew what to look for.

When the slide had delivered its message, the attention moved naturally back to Geoff. Like an accomplished comedy duo they worked seamlessly together.

The slides were real visuals – photographs. Not paragraphs or bullet lists. The only slides that had words on them were for his transitions. So the audience always knew what was coming next.

Nicely done Geoff Ramm and company.



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Power Presentations Tip 51: Fact vs. Opinion

Facts vs Opinion

When you want to persuade you need to present both facts and opinions.

Both need to be there. Facts serve as the foundation and reference points. Opinion builds on the facts and leads them in the direction you wish to take them.

Be clear on the difference. Distinguish between them and use them wisely.

In a courtroom trial the lawyer will present a series of linked facts and then interpret those facts via expert opinion or his own opinion. The jury will reach a verdict based on their own opinions. But it all starts with proven facts. Unproven facts are simply opinions and not the foundation for a persuasive argument.

Facts

When presenting a persuasive message you need to include the relevant facts – but not all the facts. Too many facts will bore and confuse people.

Choose your facts carefully and present them clearly and confidently because your argument of opinion is based on the facts. If the facts are unproven or disbelieved your argument will fail.

The speaker mentioned that today was the birthday of Elvis (primary reference point fact). He then went on to add stats about the growth of Elvis impersonators since the death of Elvis (secondary reference point fact). He next compared the money earned by these impersonators versus the original (tertiary fact).

His conclusion was that it was more important for people to be an original instead of a copy (opinion).

It looked like a good use of fact-linking to support his opinion – except for one thing. One audience member pointed out that today’s date was August 16 – the anniversary of the death of Elvis; the birth date was January 8. The primary factual reference point of the speaker’s argument was wrong. Therefore the rest of his argument was suspect. If his facts are wrong or suspect his opinion is worth very little.

Get your facts straight.

Opinions

Facts by themselves often fail to persuade. It is opinion that persuades people because opinion adds relevance. To be effective build your opinion on facts. Your opinion will always appear more convincing when supported by proven fact.

The salesman repeated several times that the laptop was a good price. That was his opinion. He did not connect that to any facts. Because of this I didn’t believe him and stopped listening to everything else he said.

Some speakers mistakenly present opinion as fact. If you can’t prove it – don’t call it fact.

“In my experience” is an opinion. “Everybody knows” is not basis for a fact. Wikipedia is not a source of reliable facts.

I believe that more speakers need to distinguish their facts from their opinions and appreciate the dependant relationship between them.

When building your persuasive presentation research and clarify your facts then build your opinion on top of the facts.


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How do you know if you gave a successful presentation? Video

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What is the best way to rehearse your presentation?

Question about presentation skills

Presentation Skills Expert:

Two parts to this answer:

1. Rehearse your presentation on your feet at least three times as close to the manner in which you will deliver it as possible.

2. Although you might practise your presentation from start to finish - you should also practise it in modules. This helps train your brain to recover when you get lost or to cut something out to save time. And practise your opening and close more than the other parts so you can deliver these important parts strong.


George Torok
Presentation Skills Expert


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How to Write, Structure & Prepare a More Effective Presentation - audio class

Questions, Comments and Feedback from the Jan 6 Audio Class

If you listened to the live broadcast or downloaded the recording - you can post your questions here.

If you got some helpful ideas them please tell us and your friends.

If you have suggestions for future classes then let us know here.


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Yadda, yadda, yadda and more annoying phrases

What annoying phrases from popular culture are speakers over-using in their presentations?
For example: I heard one speaker say "yadda, yadda, yadda" three times within 30 - minutes.

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I asked that question in a Linkedin Group and was overwhelmed with the responses. Here are a few annoying phrases and terms.
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Sandra Vogel, PhD • I am tired of hearing speakers say " Let me un pack this for you". This causes a mental shut down... .


Martijn Sjoorda • Ah... you pressed a button here! So, well, you know, it's like it's sorta, kinda, basically a bit like this. Note that the last sentence conveys no definite statement of fact or emotion whatsoever. If you listen actively, you'll hear that a lot of people simply fail to produce coherent, crisp sentences, even when they are "trained" public speakers. In my own language it would be the endemic use of "zeg maar" which has infested everyday speech. It's our equivalent of "like" or "sorta". Even seasoned public speakers (the prime minister comes to mind) use it.


James Hamilton • This is GREAT! I reference these over-used phrases in my keynote/seminars. A personal pet peeve of mine is: "SO, How many of you have ever....?' as an opener. It's okay to open with a question, but unless the energy in the room is already peaked, the audience usually does not want to raise their hands at the beginning of a presentation. Feel free to add the contrite: Synergize, monetize, bring to the table, reinvent the wheel, carve out a niche, core competencies, low hanging fruit, deliverables, action items, and...GAZILLIONS more. There is actually a "buzzword" game to play during executive meeitngs that lists many of these. It's FUN!


Mandi Stanley • Just yesterday, I heard a speaker say, "Well, at the end of the day..." three times within a 20 minute talk. It's quickly moving to the top of the overused cliches list.


Sue Birkam • Moving forward, going forward..what other direction would we go in? It is definitely overused not just in speeches but in everyday conversation.


Scott Barclay • I use 'bottom line' probably ten times within an hour, I am seeking help :)


http://www.blogger.com/groups?viewMemberFeed=&gid=37544&memberID=5851459&goback=%2Egmp_37544 • I agree with Mandy, "at the end of the day", at my end of the day I go to sleep, which is what happens when i hear those words ... Favourite MBA jargon, "add value".


Steven Weisman • For me, Yachting terms are the most annoying to me--"Headwinds and Tailwinds" They are elitest and mean nothing in the final analysis.


Kenny Zail • The fact of the matter is


John Loven • I have been pointing out to communications seminars that the word "toxic" has been drained of all specific meaning in just a few months. It now indicates any level of disapproval or undesirability for any (or no) reason. It is instructive to see the "draining" process happen so fast. It's a paradigm shift with a lot of impact for the stakeholders. I think. John


Maggi Smith-Dalton • Gritting my teeth as I say them: Going forward Back in the day On the same page skill sets like, you know, um (used almost every other word in the sentence!)


Mike Smithgall • I’m not as bothered by the new buzzwords/phrases because they come and go. What drives my crazy is "irregardless". I am also guilty of using the following "they may or may not...." well that doesn’t really narrow it down does it. It’s like saying it "may or may not rain..." although 100% correct it has not moved us any closer to valuable information.

I also not a big fan of anything that comes after a phrase such as "my granddaddy used to say..." It’s always some hokey, folk wisdom designed to cut through the clutter of today’s sophisticated jargon and get back to the basics. However, I guess if you are Zig Ziglar and your persona is based on being folksy it works.

OK, for the record I have used every one of these except irregardless. Maybe there is a speaker’s anonymous program I can join


Jodie Beach • I am laughing out loud! Everyone is right on with your replies . . . and I must confess, I am guilty of a few of these. Time to check myself and make improvements.


Mike Smithgall • Ooh I just remembered.. "At this point in time" that’s and oldie but a goody. Doesn’t that mean now? Its an attempt to make the mundane more elegant.

"At this point in time I’d like to suggest we all adjourn to Burger King" My other favorite is relatively new and I have seen it used by cable news anchors so of course it has to be correct... "efforting"

"We are efforting to get that video feed to you soon"....what? you mean working on or attempting or trying right.. is that even a word?

You know my granddaddy used to say "fixin to"...


Robb Braun • Just joined your group and am glad to be a part of. Comments have been great. I struggle when I hear things like "If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten" or " Insanity is..."...you get the point. I know they are wonderful quotes and have meaning, but to me they have lost their meaning because they've become so overused and cliche. I hope I'm not using any that others have grown tired of hearing.


What annoys you about the phrases and terms that speakers use?

Do you agree or disagree with the above?

Watch for more feedback from this survey.


George Torok

Presentation Skills Training

The Speech Coach For Executives


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Why Do We Fear Public Speaking?

Public speaking is often rated as the greatest fear that adults have. Yet speaking by itself is not threatening to most. It’s the public in public speaking that frightens people. Why is this?

Perhaps it’s the way that you learned to speak in public. Most of us started speaking when we were around 1 year old. Our first words were enthusiastically cultivated and celebrated by our parents. Out first public speaking was what we did on the phone to our grand-parents.

Those were the good old days. Every word and sound you made (other than crying) was met with smiles and attention from the adults.

Our next opportunity to experience public speaking was in the grocery store. You learned that our favorite cereal, candy or treat could be ours if we made enough of a public spectacle to embarrass our parent. Yes, this public speaking thing seemed like a good thing – until we got home. Perhaps we were sent to our room. This was sending us mixed messages about public speaking.

Then you went to school. For a budding public speaker this was a gift – a classroom full of an eager audience. Boy, were we wrong. It turned out that every other student wanted to speak at the same time. Why didn’t they realize that your thoughts and words were more important than theirs.

Your years at school brought more opportunities to speak in public. Yet they often seemed like walking through a mine field. You never knew when you might say something dumb or give the wrong answer. The teacher would give you that look and your audience might snicker. And that was just the day-to-day grind of school days. You learned that the public could be very fickle and unappreciative about your speaking.

Public speaking in class was either to ask the teacher a question or to answer the teacher’s questions. Ask a dumb question or give the wrong answer and you might be on the receiving end of the teacher’s ire. Even if you asked good questions and gave the right answers – you only pleased the teacher and raised the distain of your fellow students. This public speaking thing seemed to be a no win situation. Most days it seemed better to avoid it. Keep your hand down and avoid eye contact.

The boldest public speaker was the class clown who seemed to have a natural talent for making jokes, entertaining the audience and annoying the teacher. The teacher was the one who did the most public speaking in class and that was often boring. Neither was a good role model for a future public speaker.

There was the school play. Perhaps you volunteered or were volunteered and you had a few lines to deliver. You rehearsed the lines before and after breakfast and on the way to school. Maybe you were coached by your parents who didn’t have a clue about public speaking or the pressure that you felt. The day of the play you delivered your lines. Perhaps you hated the experience. “Ain’t gonna do that again” – you vowed

So why is there a mystery that so many adults fear public speaking?

Maybe it’s because they have been conditioned that way most of their lives. If you want to be a better public speaker you might need some serious reconditioning.


© George Torok, The Public Speaking Pro, is a Toronto based Public Speaking Trainer. He helps business speakers deliver million dollar presentations. Discover more free public speaking tips at http://www.Public-Speaking-Pro.biz Follow daily public speaking tips at http://twitter.com/presentationsgo For training or coaching call 905-335-1997

For a better understanding of how to handle the fear of public speaking click here

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The Worst Presentation Sin

What's the worst presentation sin?

Not respecting time.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your time is more valuable than the collective time of your audience.

Just because you were told that you would have a 60 minute time slot – don’t count on getting 60 minutes to speak.

Why? Because plans and circumstances change.

Be prepared and flexible to change your presentation. Be prepared to leave something out.

Your audience doesn’t need to hear everything that you want to say.

If you were told to prepare a 60 minute speech, be prepared to deliver it in 50, 45 or 34 minutes.

PS: Never leave your important point till the end. You might not get to state it.

PPS: If the conference organizer gave you 60 minutes – be sure to finish in 58 minutes. Never go overtime.

George Torok

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Industry Experts not Good Speakers

I was the MC at an industry convention. I introduced and thanked the speakers. Most of the speakers were industry experts. They were not professional speakers. They were speaking because they represented their company. They were there because either their company designated them as the expert best able to convey the product information or they were the sales person who drew the short straw.

As expected some were better speakers than others.

The best presentation used a professionally produced video. The presenter was clearly relieved that the pressure was off her.

The worst presentation was words on the PowerPoint slides repeated by the presenter. This presenter spoke to me after seeking feedback. He readily admitted that his PowerPoint slides were crap. His slides were crap and so was his presentation. Blaming his slides seemed to relieve him of his responsibility for his presentation.

The biggest surprise for me was the presenter who remained hidden until minutes before he was to speak. As MC I wanted to meet and speak with every presenter before they went on. You can imagine my angst at not finding this speaker – not even knowing if he was there.

By a strange twist of fate he was sitting near me and introduced himself just a few minutes before he was to present. I confirmed his name and topic title.

I introduced him and he took the stage. He started speaking and then stopped. “Where is my first slide?” he exclaimed.

The AV person at the back of the room replied, “I don’t have a presentation from you.”

The presenter retorted, “But I sent it by email yesterday morning.”

What mistakes did this presenter make?

He sent his PowerPoint slides at the last minute.
He did not check in with the AV and convention organizers when he arrived.
He assumed.
He did not take responsibility for making sure everything was ready for his presentation.

Of course I also made a mistake. I assumed that he had checked in and made everything ready. I just added some more questions to my MC repertoire.

Don’t assume – confirm.


George Torok

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Power Presentations Tip 29: You are here

Power Presentations Tip 29

You are here

When you visit the shopping mall you might look at the map to find the location of a store that you want to visit. The map could be overwhelming and confusing, especially if you are looking at this map for the first time.

There is one thing for which you first search. When you find it you will feel a sense of relief. Your eyes will flit about the map until you find this starting point. You might feel some impatience and frustration if it takes you too long to find that spot.

And once you have found this thing - only then will you be ready and able to start processing the rest of the information.

That important starting point is the spot on the map that states "You are here."
The "You are here" spot tells them where to start and more importantly what information to temporarily ignore.

Before you can take your audience on a journey with your presentation they first need to know where you and they are on the map. That is very important when you are presenting a detailed report, a multifaceted plan or a complex idea.

How do you use the "You are here" technique?

Selling
In a sales presentation you might start with the client's expectations. Your research will tell you what those are. If you don't know the client's expectations you should not be presenting. Don't make the mistake that I've seen many sales presenters commit - they start by telling you about themselves, their company history, blah, blah, blah. Nobody cares until they know where they are on your map.

Proposing Change
When you are presenting a new way of doing things you could start with the status quo and point out the weaknesses or current complaints.You have that information if you did your research.

Reporting
When presenting a detailed financial report you could say "Look at line 10 in your reports to see where we stand. Then let's move to line 11 through 17 to see the component parts."
Get your audience to the "You are here" spot and do it quickly. You'll have a more productive journey.

George Torok

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Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Power Presentations tip 20: Stage Presence

Power Presentations Tip 20:

Stage Presence


What is it?
Stage presence is that invisible quality that attracts the rapt attention of your audience. A presenter with strong stage presence receives higher credibility and more respect from the listeners.


Who has it?
Stage presence is hard to define but you recognize it when you see it. You might recognize performers, actors and public speakers who seem to have it. Anthony Hopkins demonstrated it in Silence of the Lambs. Stage actors seem to develop it more than TV and movie actors. David Copperfield has it on TV and especially in his live performances. Madonna flaunts it in her shows.


How do you develop your stage presence?
I think that it is best not to pursue it directly. Instead build your stage presence as a byproduct of other elements. I also believe that there is not one formula for stage presence. Depending on the individual and circumstances you can achieve stage presence with a different set of elements than someone else.


What are the elements of stage presence?
Probably the most important element is that you appear to be in control - of yourself, your presentation and the room. The perception of being in control is made of up other elements: warm smile, purposeful and fluid movement and good posture. Notice that these are visual cues to your audience. Look like you are in control and your audience will believe that you are in control.

Your voice can contribute to your stage presence. You should be easy to be heard and understand. A slower speaking pace usually strengthens your stage presence. Silence in the form of well placed pauses builds presence. A conversational tone helps.

Thought-provoking words indicate your comfort with the topic and aids the perception of being in control.

Noticing the people and things in the room and using them to your advantage further builds your stage presence.


Stage Presence. The next time you see it make note of the techniques that contribute to it.


George Torok
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PPS: Thanks for your comments and feedback.




Feedback

"I appreciate the simplicity and usefulness of these categories. It's a persuasive to informative continuum going from why to what to how. It makes it clearer what the primary objective of a particular speech needs to be without excluding the importance the informative element in a persuasive speech or vice versa."

Steve Kultala
Communication Training Consultants "Getting results every time you speak!"
www.powerfulpresenter.com


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Secrets of Power Presentations by Peter Urs Bender

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.