Practice Makes Perfect – Or Does it? I’m a believer in learning through repetition and reinforcement. However, as we practice and rehearse our presentations we need to ask ourselves, “Am I practicing to improve or to reinforce bad habits?” The reality is that we are doing both. You’re familiar with the expression, “Practice makes perfect.” […]
Read More...Success Stories – What Happens When You Market to Competitors?
Before we look at what we say to convince any prospect to do business with us, we need to remind ourselves of the amount of preparation that goes into getting the appointment. What is lost if we do not take the opportunity as seriously as we should? Listen to a short segment from my online […]
Read More...It is Not Your Customer’s Responsibility to Remember You
It is your obligation and responsibility not to let them forget you. We all know reselling your satisfied customers is easier than finding new ones. However, you are failing your customers if they don’t see how you can serve them differently than they first engaged with you. Never assume that customers, clients, and prospects know […]
Read More...How to Relax for Your Presentation
Is fear of death really second only to fear of public speaking? Maybe you can relate? A presentation is the most cost-effective way to generate interest in your services, products, expertise, or organization. Consider, how many contacts, clients, buyers you might capture with a 20-minute talk? If the thought of a great outcome isn’t enough […]
Read More...How to Write A Good Acceptance Speech: Great Example
How do you write a good acceptance speech? Start early, be yourself, honor those who’ve helped you, state your connection to the organization giving you the award, and rehearse…again…again and again. Every year the American Payroll Association honors their Man and Woman of the Year. The next year at the annual conference call Congress they […]
Read More...Verbs Matter – The Right Verbs Make Your Presentation Powerful
Action Verbs Make Your Presentations Powerful Do not underestimate the power of verbs.
Read More...How to Shorten Your Presentation without Losing Impact
Imagine, you’ve done all the work to prepare and rehearse a major presentation and at the last minute you’re told, “I’m so sorry, but we’re short on time. Can you give us the five-minute version?” Is it possible to shorten a presentation without losing all of your impact? Yes. Don’t panic. After all, a sound […]
Read More...How to Make Your Presentation “Stick” – Tell Authentic Stories
How often have you heard a great presentation where you left energized and enthusiastic, only to get sidewalk amnesia? You forget why you were inspired. By the time you hit the car, the speaker’s message – and your excitement – is lost. Have you delivered a presentation like that? An unforgettable presentation is “sticky.” It […]
Read More...For Engineers – How to Speak Effectively at Customer Conferences
When you’re an engineer presenting at a user meeting or customer conference, you are the expert on the topic you plan to deliver to your customers. Remember, your audience does not want to know everything you know; they just need to know about the subject of your presentation. You can connect with your audience, regardless […]
Read More...Criticism: How to Turn Gripes into Growth
Criticism: How to Turn Gripes into Growth Criticism, also known as feedback, can help us improve our presentation skills. No one enjoys being criticized, but if you want to succeed, you must overcome your natural instincts and actively seek out feedback, good and bad. After years as a professional speaker, I understand. Some years I […]
Read More...
