At an all-day event, my client asked me to speak briefly to promote my afternoon session. I said, “I know your morning is full, just give me three minutes.” I only took two and a half. I began with an amusing story about a request for an interview, which made the point that your message must be of […]
Read More...Are You Missing Out on a Great Way to Improve Your Presentations?
From Good to World-Class: How to Improve Your Presentations Socrates said, “Know thyself.” I say, “Put your words under the magnifying glass.” If you want to improve all of your presentations, here’s a simple process that works for seasoned professionals as well as ambitious beginners. Step 1: Watch Yourself Like a Coach Take a video […]
Read More...8 Smart Steps to Set Yourself Up for Speaking Success
5. Audio visual: If you are using a PowerPoint presentation make sure the equipment is working well. Are your PowerPoint slides in the right sequence? Do you have a remote control to change them? This way you can move around and are not chained to your computer. Remember to turn the slide to black when you are not addressing what is on the screen. Is each slide visible from the back of the room or auditorium? Are the talking points presented as a “build” or “reveal?” Remember, your visuals aids are a tool, not a crutch. They are there to support you.
6. Connect with the organizer or emcee: Be clear about who will introduce you, and where you will be during their comments. Will you walk on from the wings or up from the floor? Will you shake hands with him or her, or will they exit once you hit the stage and before the applause dies down. I recommend you nod and mouth “Thank you.” If you are speaking at a banquet, check that you will have a clear path to the microphone without tripping over wires, chairs, or diners.
7. Pre-written introduction: In advance, send your pre-written introduction to the person delivering it. Carry another two with you. Have it written in an 18-point, bulleted list. This is easier to read than paragraphs. Be sure your introducer knows how to pronounce your name correctly. It is a good idea to confirm they have the introduction and are comfortable with what is written. Make sure your introducer knows the introduction is prepared in a certain way to set the tone for your presentation.
8. Be your own warm up act: Connect with as many audience members as possible before you speak. When they see you are extending yourself they will return the favor of giving their attention. That only lasts a few minutes so make sure you grab their attention with a great opening.
9. Learn from the experience: Always follow any presentation with an After Action Analysis. Start with asking yourself what you did well. Next, what could be improved? Always record your presentation and listen to what you said. There are three speeches for every one you deliver. The one you planned to give, the speech you actually delivered, and the improved next presentation based on what you did right, would like to do better, and what can be added from what you learned from the experience.
Read More...The Power of Structure: Theater Meets Speaking
Recently, I had the joy of seeing the magnificent show A Beautiful Noise at The Smith Center in Las Vegas. This is, of course, the life story of Neil Diamond. Having seen him perform live before, I knew to expect magic, and I wasn’t disappointed. Part of the show’s brilliance is in its structure. It […]
Read More...Do You Want to Build Emotional Connection with Your Audience? This is How
Lady and the Champs Speaking Conference in February has early sign up until January 31, 2011. You can hear and learn from Patricia Fripp, Darren LaCroix, Ed Tate, Mark Brown & Craig Valentine.
Read More...Do You Agree Many Political Speech Openings Miss Opportunities?
You know how often I speak and write about the critical importance of a strong speech opening. The first words your audience hears don’t just begin your message; they set the tone, command attention, and signal your confidence. In short, the opening arouses interest in the subject and the speaker. This is true whether you’re […]
Read More...Do You Want to Know the Secret to Conquer Your Jitters When Speaking?
Here is the good news. Your audience will not know how you feel; they will only see how you act. Delivering Your Speech Is More Than the Words You’re waiting your turn to deliver your presentation when suddenly you realize that your stomach is doing flips and your mind is rapidly going blank. How do […]
Read More...Lost Without PowerPoint? 7 Tips to Make It Powerful
When I ask my clients, “How long is your presentation?” it scares me when they answer, “Twelve slides.” Even worse is when I ask, “How do you design your presentation?” and they respond, “We get the slide deck.” Let’s be clear: PowerPoint is a very valuable tool, not a presentation. If you start with your […]
Read More...Wimborne: From Saxon Abbey to Vibrant Riverside Market Town
To continue the stories of my vacation! Origins & Saxon Glory I have often told my American friends, “You do not know what old is, unless you travel to England and Europe.” My brother Robert Fripp and I had fun visiting our home town of Wimborne. It was founded around 705 AD when St Cuthburga established a […]
Read More...Mentors and Coaches Shorten Your Learning Curve and Get You Results Faster
Mentors and Coaches Shorten Your Learning Curve and Get You Results Faster There are two primary ways to learn: on your own or from learned others. In my experience, the second option accelerates success and deepens insight. When I was a young hairstylist in England, my first mentors were senior stylists, coworkers, and generous bosses […]
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