Back in 2001, at the Toastmasters International Convention, I was invited to deliver the opening keynote speech. In this 10-segment series, you will view the anatomy of a keynote presentation. Segment 4 of 10. You will notice I have made comments on how I would give advice to the 2001 speaker, me! “You’re Toastmasters; you […]

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How to Prepare and Present Powerful Talks 2001 Back in 2001, at the Toastmasters International Convention, I was invited to deliver the opening keynote speech. In this 10-segment series, you will view the anatomy of a keynote presentation. You will notice I have made comments about how I would give advice to the 2001 speaker, […]

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The Success Formulas of Good Stories If you’ve heard a speech, sermon, or business presentation that you enjoyed and remembered, I guarantee that at least one aspect that made it memorable was stories. Everybody loves a good story, and that is their power. No matter what our culture, we grow up feeling that hearing a […]

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Welcome to part two of a four-part series on the best formula for a presentation closing that resonates. If you plan to include Q & A, indicate how much time has been allotted. To keep the session flowing, I recommend that you say, “What are your short, specific questions?” Be sure to let your audience […]

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Welcome to part one of a four-part series on the best formula for a presentation closing that resonates. Every great singer opens with their second-best song and closes with their best. In a perfect world, your close will be a highlight of your speech. This way you increase the likelihood that you will look out […]

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This is a great technique to be understood. If your goal is to sound clear, concise, and credible, this advice is invaluable. Nothing can turn your audience off faster than using fat words when they’re hungry for skinny ones. Or vice versa. I learned this exciting concept from Dr. David Palmer, who was a Silicon […]

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Virtual Presentations Are Here to Stay. 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 […]

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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. No matter what opening option you use, good presentations begin comfortably. […]

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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 […]

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