“Patricia, what is the biggest mistake sales professionals make?” I was recently asked this in an interview. My answer? Not rehearsing. I expected to hear, “We lock the presentation team in the board room for a week. We go over our parts, video, and review. Then we bring in at least five different audiences of […]
Read More...Make Your Presentation a Success – Is Your Message Clear?
What’s your message? Legendary Hollywood producer Sam Goldwyn was quoted as saying, “If I want to send a message, I’ll send a telegram.” Yet, great films and good speeches do have a message. Some recent movies consist mainly of CGI explosions and chase scenes. They’re exciting, but at the end, the audience is usually left […]
Read More...So You Are Nervous About Your Upcoming Speech?
Perhaps you can relate to this situation: “Hi, Fripp! Next week I’m invited to deliver a speech to a 500-person audience, and it’s been six months since I’ve spoken in public. What are your suggestions to help me be less nervous?” No matter how seasoned you are, it’s still natural to feel some apprehension at […]
Read More...Want to Save Time Preparing Your Presentation?
Would it shock you to know that most professionals waste valuable time organizing their presentations? If you begin your process by opening your last PowerPoint presentation you may be guilty of falling into the trap of believing that is your presentation. Don’t get me wrong, I love PowerPoint. I often say, “Use more slides with […]
Read More...How to Be Prepared for Formal & Informal Presentations Last Minute & Planned
A few inside secrets to make all your presentations unforgettable. Professionals must often deliver formal, prepared presentations. However, they must also give frequent, unplanned presentations. Imagine this scenario: You are in a virtual or in-person meeting when the executive leading the meeting notices you in the audience. She says, “I didn’t know you were going […]
Read More...How to Improve Your Presentations with A Great Opening
If you want to improve your presentations learn your options for openings. No matter what your subject, audience makeup, or length of presentation what good presentations have in common is they get off to a good start. The first 30 seconds of your presentation are very important, as your goal is to engage the audience. […]
Read More...Rock Star Communication: How to Steal the Show Every Time 4 of 4
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. […]
Read More...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 […]
Read More...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? […]
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 […]
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