Business and educational professionals, speakers, and trainers know that whenever you present, whether you’re talking to one person or one hundred, you want to connect with your audience and get your message across. What’s the best way to do this when you deliver a virtual presentation? Like it or not, virtual meetings and presentations are here to stay.
When it comes to designing and scripting your presentation, all the techniques you have learned from my articles, videos and FrippVT still work in virtual presentations. Many professional speakers are perplexed when clients want us to accept half our fee for a virtual presentation. Of course, we do not have to travel, but virtual presentations are more stressful and less satisfying. They require more rehearsals, and we live in dread that “the technology will not work, and the internet may go down.” It often does. These elements add to the stress level of even the most seasoned of us.
Nothing happens without first understanding the technology.
Business entities use different technologies. They include Zoom, WebEx, GoToMeetings, and Teams. Conventions work with production companies and more sophisticated platforms. Even a seasoned presenter who is superb at delivering live presentations can find the shift nerve-racking.
Technique: Open Your Speech in the Middle of a Conversation
Most presenters who know what they are talking about aren’t bad once they get started. Very few of the professionals I have worked with, however, know how to open and close their presentations effectively.
Toyah Willcox singer and actress had a conversation at s head table.
No matter what opening option you use, good presentations begin comfortably. That is why I call this technique, “Start in the Middle of a Conversation.”
My sister-in-law, British singer and actress Toyah Willcox, was sitting at a head table with Princess Diana. Yes, the REAL Princess Diana. They were at a Woman of the Year awards luncheon in London. Lady Diana said, “Do you ever feel like running into the street and shouting,
‘Don’t believe everything you read in the newspapers?’”
If you were delivering a presentation on PR, publicity, getting known, the audiences’ misconceptions, or even networking, the “brush with fame approach” would be a great way to begin. It is almost as if you were in the middle of a conversation with a friend.
My friend John Cantu was a San Francisco comedy legend. He ran the Holy City Zoo Comedy Club where many of the greats like Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, and Paula Poundstone got their start.
Every presentation you deliver needs to be built around your premise, central theme, or big idea.
Your next step is to organize your “chunks” of content in a way that they are easy for you and your audience can remember your message.
The first chunking example: Explanation, Example, Application
Once you introduce your point of wisdom, add a needed explanation, an example of how your idea would apply, and then the application for this audience.
Example: Point of Wisdom
“Our goal as a presenter is to speak to be remembered and repeated. This often means going against what is commonly used. For example, use time as a set-up phrase.”
Your first step in creating your speech structure is to answer this question: “Based on my subject, what is my premise or central theme?” This is the big idea you want to get across.
Every TV show, movie, and book has a clear premise. So does your presentation.
Every audience wants to know that you know who they are. The premise statement is valuable because when you have your core presentation, it helps you adapt your focus and examples for each audience. Sometimes you state your premise. Other times it is in the back of your mind driving your presentation.
Hear Patricia describe your Central Theme or Premise
Imagine that I ask you, “If you had one sentence rather than 20 or 45 minutes for your presentation, what would you say?” If your answer is in one sentence and not a paragraph, you probably have your central theme. That is the premise of your presentation.
The dictionary definition of a premise is “A basis of argument leading to a conclusion.”
Once you have your premise, you list your key talking points, what we like to call your “points of wisdom,” into the outline of your presentation.
Your talking points prove your premise; they make your case for you.
“A strong presentation structure gives you the freedom to be creative.” Patricia Fripp
This is how you organize your presentation with a logical flow. (Part one)
It will be easy for both you and your audience to remember with minimal or no notes.
The more you work on clarifying your content, organizing your structure, then adding some initial scripting, the easier it will be for you to have professional-sounding delivery.
You would not build a home without a blueprint. You would not drive to another city without a map, GPS, or good directions. It is the same with your speech structure. It is what we consider the skeleton under the flesh of your words.
Once you have decided on the content you are going to include in your presentation, you are ready to learn how to organize it into a strong structure.
The first step is to clarify the intent and benefit of your message for the audience.
Hollywood Knows How to Connect Emotionally with an Audience
Just as speakers, sales professionals, and leaders have to.
A cast of colorful characters works in front of and behind the camera to make a movie, a movie that has the power to transport us into the future or show us life as it might once have been.
Hollywood can teach us how to add impact to our presentations.
Here is an example of how I open a presentation about movie techniques that help us become better speakers.
The lesson to learn is to speak in short phrases and build a rhythm.
Lisa Poole knows how to capture an audience’s attention.
Are you ready to take your presentations to the next level and captivate your audience from the very beginning?
One surefire way to make a memorable impact is by incorporating interesting statistics and little-known facts into your opening.
In this article, we will explore a brilliant example of how industry expert Lisa Poole used these techniques to engage her audience and set the stage for her presentation delivered at a PayrollOrg convention about “Adding Value to Your Organization Through Job Costing.”
Be my guest at Captivate Your Audience of Five or Five Hundred in 30 Seconds: Unlock the Secrets to Powerful Openers
Web eventThursday, June 22, 2023 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
Let’s dive in and discover the power of intriguing statistics!
To begin, Lisa drew inspiration from the lively atmosphere of a recent event, the Payroll Palooza. She began her introduction with a playful reference to the attendees’ likely tired state after the late-night festivities: “Good morning! Did you enjoy last evening’s Payroll Palooza? After that party, I bet you slept very soundly!” By immediately connecting with the audience and acknowledging their shared experience, Lisa instantly captured their attention and created a relatable atmosphere.
Lisa spoke of her personal experience working at Simmons Bedding Company, where she discovered the intricate process of manufacturing over 50 different styles of mattresses, each consisting of up to 37 distinct parts.
She engaged the audience by highlighting the various job positions involved in creating a single mattress, using a touch of humor by questioning the validity of the word “ruffler and borderer.” By painting a vivid picture of the teamwork and expertise required, Lisa ensured that her audience was fully immersed in her topic.
Lisa said, “Imagine the following job positions having a hand in making your great night’s sleep last night:
A Cutter and Closer
A Sewer and Quilter
A Coiler and Foamer
A Hog Ringer and Nailer
A Ruffler and Borderer – is that even a word?
A Baler and an Edger
An Assembler and Stitcher
A Topper and Stager
A Builder and Mechanic
A Packer and Shipper
An Inspector and a Sweeper
A Scanner and an Upholsterer
And finally, a Capper!
And I’m sure I left a few off this list!
By sharing this behind-the-scenes perspective, Lisa not only showcased her industry knowledge but also emphasized the importance of job costing in the mattress manufacturing process. She reinforced her point, “Our Production Managers knew to the penny the exact cost of each mattress type by raw material and labor function.”
This statement immediately conveyed the value and relevance of the upcoming session, setting the stage for an engaging and educational experience.
Lisa’s presentation demonstrated the power of utilizing interesting statistics and little-known facts to captivate an audience. By incorporating these techniques, you can create an immediate connection, spark curiosity, and set the tone for a memorable and impactful presentation.
So, the next time you’re preparing to deliver a technical or industry-specific talk, consider incorporating theatrical techniques and engaging statistics to make your opening truly shine.
Lisa Poole, CPP, is the Vice President, Payroll Governance Manager at Truist.
Be my guest at Captivate Your Audience of Five or Five Hundred in 30 Seconds: Unlock the Secrets to Powerful Openers
Web eventThursday, June 22, 2023 at 10 AM Pacific / 1 PM Eastern
Let me help you become a great presenter quickly, easily, and cost-effectively on your own schedule. I’m here for you 24/7 through Fripp Virtual Training.
“I wanted a super bowl quality coach. Patricia Fripp’s help in coaching and scripting was world-class. With Fripp on your team, you can go places.” Don Yaeger, Long-Time Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated magazine, Eleven Time New York Times Best-Selling Author
“As the author of a best-selling sales book the best investment in my speaking career was to hire speech coach Patricia Fripp. She is the master at helping structure and script your presentation.” Andy Paul, Author, Zero Time Selling
“Every year, my appreciation for you grows stronger! With great enthusiasm and reliability, you have proven yourself to be an integral part of our annual conference and a favorite among our members. Thank you so much for being an important part of our success! My most gracious thanks.” Dan Maddux, Executive Director, American Payroll Association
“When we hired Patricia Fripp to improve our sales conversations and presentations, my expectations were high. Patricia Fripp’s customized approach before, during, and after with her FrippVT online learning has resulted in more and larger sales. Patricia’s ability to excite, inform, and coach our team was impressive.” Scott Hamilton, Vice President of Sales, Distech Controls
Yes, everything begins with a love story. Happy 35th anniversary!
This will be of interest to you if you are a friend or fan of my brother Robert Fripp, legendary guitarist of King Crimson, and his very talented wife award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Toyah Willcox. This is a tribute to them on their 35th anniversary.
This might also interest you if you are a sucker for romance.
It is not your client’s job to remember you. It is your responsibility to make sure you are unforgettable.
Here is a great action step to take. Call your five best clients, those whom you currently use as references.
Even if you leave a voicemail, say “Bob, I never get tired of telling the story about how we (fill in the name of an important project you worked on together). Would you mind telling me in your words what your experience was? Did we reach or exceed your expectations? Did we come in under budget? With your permission, I would like to make an appointment and record your comments. May I use you as an example in my sales presentations? Let me know when we can talk.”
In 2000 the TV show 60 Minutes spent five days at the National Speakers Association convention.
I was one of many interviewed and one of the few not left on the cutting room floor. Yea! They asked me the question you may be wondering, “Patricia, you used to be a hairstylist; now you are a motivational speaker. There has to be a big difference.”
This is what I said:
That line got me on 60 Minutes. That half-inch has made me millions of dollars. Not all in the same year!
I loved being a men’s hairstylist in the San Francisco financial district and traveling the country teaching hairstylists. Once I became a professional speaker, however, my world expanded.
Over the years of my career, I invested years and thousands of dollars into increasing the quality of my presentations. I hired the best speech coaches and attended comedy and screenwriting classes before I discovered that others wanted to learn what I knew to shorten their learning curve.
Of course, I don’t know what gives you the most satisfaction from your life or career, but for me, as much as I love being on stage and hearing applause, it is much more rewarding to see and hear how my clients are becoming more successful and getting results from my help.
Regardless of your goals or career path, becoming a good public speaker will help you excel.
Does this make sense to you? Let me know what you like most about what you do and how you help others.
The bottom line, good public speaking skills will help you help others. You may never be interviewed on 60 Minutes however, you can still be a star. I am here to help you. Want a conversation to see how?
“Your ability to hold an audience in the palm of your hand with a story is incredible. Your talent in turning a speaker into a world champion on the fly in front of a packed audience is even more amazing. When COVID-19 turned everything into a virtual experience, you were the first speaker and trainer I thought of to help us break through the noise and attract a crowd.
When our community hears you are presenting, the registration numbers skyrocket. Mixing your inspirational stories combined with digital elements like video keeps the audience engaged and wanting more! They keep asking “When can we get Fripp back?”” Michelle Kabele, Channel Marketing, Zebra Technologies
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How to Present and Teach in the Virtual World…and More
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help you become a great presenter quickly, easily, and cost-effectively on your own schedule. I’m here for you 24/7 through 
