When you start to put together a presentation, what do you think about? You probably wonder how to make your presentation interesting to your audience. I recommend that you begin by knowing your audience and understanding not only what they need, but also what they want. They need to have “buy-in” for your topic. This […]

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Bruce Springsteen, Céline Dion, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Winton Marsalis, Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Kristin Chenoweth… imagine how any one of these top performers would respond if you asked, “What role has rehearsal played in your career?” Without a doubt, rehearsal is essential to success. You’ve crafted an amazing presentation. You know that it will grab […]

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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 […]

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Do you know how to grab your audience? The first thirty seconds of your presentation are critical, like the first page of a book or first seconds of a TV show or film. If you don’t make an impact and hint at more to come, you lose your audience. Good movies, TV shows, and books, […]

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I am often asked, “How can I be confident that I’m connecting with my audience?” The answer is, “Make an emotional connection.” Whether you speak at a boardroom table or in a vast auditorium, your goal must be to connect emotionally with your audience. Emotional connection is key to ensuring your message is heard. Here […]

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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 […]

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Last words linger. Star presenters know this well and use it to their advantage. Give your closing words extra consideration. Don’t close your presentation with, “We’re out of time,” even if you are. You waste your final opportunity to reinforce your core message. Don’t close on a Q & A, just in case you’re asked […]

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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. […]

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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? […]

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Let’s go over the basics of a good presentation. Whether it’s an important conversation or a formal presentation, you need: Scintillating content Strong speech structure You need to: Start on a high Close with the impact And you need:

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