True rock stars always end a concert on a high. Next, their fans spill from the crowded arena, still rocking out to an awesome replay in their heads. We can learn a lot about inspiring action and commitment from the world of rock music. When it comes to your presentation, always close on a high. Your last words are your opportunity to reinforce your core message before you leave the stage. In this fourth installment of my Rock Star Communication series, I explain how to end your presentation with a Kick A$$ Closing.
Rock Star Communication: How to Steal the Show Every Time 3 of 4
Even highly intelligent, well-educated, and ambitious executives can find themselves at a loss when called on to deliver a powerful presentation. The good news is, even if you’re not a born speaker, you can learn how to inspire action and commitment. I share the ROCK Star Principles one shy engineer used – and you can also use too – to become a ROCK Star communicator in the business world.
Is That Great Speaker Really You? It Can Be Here is How
If you have one of your past presentations recorded, watch it. Take notes on what you do well and what you believe you could do better.
When you’re watching your recorded presentation, it’s a good idea to pretend you’re watching somebody else. This allows you to be more objective. What did this speaker do right? What could be improved?
As a speech coach, one element I look for when I watch a recorded executive speech or a live presentation is the moment the speaker warms up or becomes relaxed. Speaking in public, especially to 1,500 people, is not a natural act. We need to learn the techniques that make it appear natural.
Read More...Rock Star Communication: How to Steal the Show Every Time 2 of 4
If you think you can use the first 45 seconds with an audience to “warm up,” think again! Use your opening to immediately engage your audience, so they realize from your first words, “Wow! This is going to be good!”
In an era of tough competition, presentations that persuade, educate, motivate, and inspire give you a competitive edge. Good presentation skills are no longer simply nice to have; they can mean career life or death.
Enjoy this replay of my recent web event, How to Steal the Show Every Time You Speak:
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Rock Star Communication: How to Steal The Show Every Time 1 of 4
In an era of tough competition, presentations that persuade, educate, motivate, and inspire give you a competitive edge. Good presentation skills are no longer simply nice to have; they can mean career life or death. When you have an upcoming presentation, you must rehearse to ensure your success.
Read More...5 Tips When You Have 5 Minutes with A Prospect
If you are on the phone, a webinar, or in person, and you have a few minutes with the executive, what do you say to keep on track and be professional?
Here is an invaluable framework. Adapt it to your situation, and boost your confidence and credibility.
Imagine that you have a satisfied client company for one of your offerings. You feel now is the best time to discuss your next and higher investment offering. The team, your main contact, is ready to view a product demonstration set for the next day. All your demos are delivered in a webinar. At 2:00 PM you get a call from your main contact who says, “Great news! Tomorrow our boss, who is the real decision-maker, is going to be in our office. Rather than just showing our team what you have to offer, the boss said he would like to sit in on the first five minutes. I know you will do well.”
Don’t panic. This is a great opportunity, and once you make a positive impact, the sales cycle is going to be cut short. You will not have to hear, “We love this, but now we have to convince our boss.” This is, however, now your number one priority to prepare. You may be seasoned, but take this seriously. Your sales manager is always telling you, “Sell to the C Suite.” This is your chance. Remember these five simple suggestions for sales success.
Read More...An Expert on The Basics of A Good Presentation
Let’s go over the basics of a good presentation. Whether it’s an important conversation or a formal presentation, you need:
- Scintillating content
- Strong speech structure
You need to:
- Start on a high
- Close with the impact
And you need:
Read More...What Should You Wear When You Are Giving a Speech?
When you have to give a speech or presentation, how do you decide what to wear? Maybe you haven’t considered how your appearance can influence your audience’s response to you? In this short video, I share a few tips, for both men and women, on how to dress in a manner that will support your message rather than detract from it.
Read More...How to Find The Opening of Your Speech – Expert Advice
Sometimes the ideal opening line is already right in front of you. Pay attention to your conversations. Great content, including the perfect phrase to open your presentation, can pop up in the middle of a conversation. I spend a lot of time with my professional speaker friends and often in the middle of a conversation I’ll ask, “Do you ever say that in your presentations?” “No,” is the usual response. I say, “You should. It’s better than your content.” This is because, what you say that captivates your friends is exactly what an audience will love.
I share this video explaining how sometimes a great first line is waiting to be discovered in what you are already saying. Give your opening words extra attention. When you immediately engage your audience, you help to ensure the overall success of your presentation. Enjoy!
Rock Star Communication: How to Inspire Action & Commitment
In an era of tough competition, presentations that persuade, educate, motivate, and inspire give you a competitive edge. Good presentation skills are no longer simply nice to have; they can mean career life or death.
Imagine yourself in the front row of a ballroom at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Sitting with you are 1,500 sales professionals from all over the world. This was a software company’s challenging January sales meeting.
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