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...The One Secret of How to Create a Powerful Presentation
There is no one secret to a powerful presentation, but if there were, it would be this – your subject must be interesting to your audience. If your audience doesn’t know whether they’re interested in your subject, how do you get them to connect with it?
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...What Do You Do Just Before Your Presentation?
Imagine that you’re waiting offstage, about to deliver an important presentation. Are you a little bit nervous? Are you warming up? Or, have you found a comfortable chair in a corner where you can surreptitiously check your messages? (Hint: This would be a mistake!) In this brief video sample from Fripp Virtual Training, I explain what […]
Read More...How to Make Your PowerPoint More Powerful
Designing a presentation starts with the creative process, which can be messy. PowerPoint is tidy, but should only come in later when preparing a presentation. I love PowerPoint. Maybe you do too? Remember, however, that PowerPoint is a visual aid.
Read More...Last Words Linger – 6 Ways to Close Your Presentation
Close your presentation with words that support your message and maximize your impact. Never end by announcing, “We’re out of time,” even if you are. Never end by thanking the audience for being there. Never assume you can “just wing it.” Plan, script, and rehearse exactly how you will close your presentation. Here are six […]
Read More...Do Your Presentations Bore The Boardroom?
Learn the Right Way to Prepare a Presentation At every stage of your career, when you open your mouth you sell yourself, your ideas, your value, and your ability. Fortunately, even if you’re not a born communicator, the ability to deliver a powerful presentation can be learned. I share this story about one intelligent and […]
Read More...How to Ensure That Your Audience Is Interested
Q: What is the secret of delivering a good presentation? A: The audience is interested. Q: How do I know that they will be? A: If it is interesting, entertaining, and your audience can see themselves in your presentations… your audience will be interested. Therefore, ask yourself these three questions: Who is my audience? What […]
Read More...Want to Know the Secret to Sell Yourself and Your Ideas to Senior Management?
As a Presentation Skills Expert, I’m often asked, “Patricia, how do I report to my senior management without being nervous?” The secret is to be prepared, clear, concise, and to act confident. Now, how do you appear confident when you’re nervous? First, prepare. Script out exactly what you are going to say, at least the […]
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