[Image by Engin_Akyurt of Pixabay] So you have a press conference to prepare for…good for you! What do you need to know? First, let’s agree on the purpose of a press conference. A press conference is a method of communication with the media and is an effective way to advance the cause of your organization. … Read More
[Image by WOKANDAPIX of Pixabay] Imagine you’ve just delivered a presentation (keynote or seminar) to your client (prospect or team) and you ask your peer (or boss) the following: “So what did you think?” You get this reply: “Great.” One could say you received feedback but there’s another word for it which is anxious niceness. … Read More
[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay] Part of how effective our communication is depends on one word…transparency. According to HR Vision– Employees who trust their employers report: 74% less stress, 40% less burnout When we communicate transparently, we can anticipate that: Our message will be more readily understood. Our listeners will be more easily engaged. … Read More
[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay] Any of you with whom I’ve worked, know that I don’t recommend closing your presentation saying “thank you.” In my opinion, it’s the easy way out and I prefer that my clients use a meaningful closing instead of a word that is overused. Because I believe that saying “thank … Read More
[Image by Maicon Fonseca Zanco of Pixabay] How often do you use an individual’s name? According to Dale Carnegie, the sweetest sound we hear is our name. When I coach professionals to sound their best, I always say it’s best to use an individual’s name when conversing with them. The reasons are as follows: It … Read More
[Image by Kjrstie of Pixabay] You may be asking yourself why three. According to the experts at Virtual Speech, “The rule of 3 is based on how our brains function.” To be most memorable to audiences and hold their interest, it’s best to present ideas in units of three. This is not a new concept … Read More
[Image by Diane Kim of Pixabay] Decisions…Decisions…Decisions How do speakers decide which speaking opportunities to take? You could say you’ll take every speaking opportunity or…you could use the following fourteen tips to decide: Location: If it’s going to be in-person, where is the speaking opportunity taking place? Do you have the necessary time to travel? … Read More
[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay] Questions are an essential aspect for every presenter (in my opinion). The question (pun intended) is when to invite attendees to ask them! In the past, I encouraged my clients to have a Q&A towards the end of their presentation but that’s changed. Now I urge folks to ask … Read More
[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay] Many of the professional clients I assist with public speaking make multiple points but do not use enumeration. Let’s begin by understanding what is meant by enumeration. When a speaker uses enumeration the speaker will say something like “To fully grasp this concept, consider the following three points…” Enumeration may … Read More
[Image by Gerd Altmann of Pixabay] We say so much and may not even realize it. Communication occurs both verbally and non-verbally which is why I coach my clients about using head to toe communication as much as possible. The key to effective communication is the use of variation. Without variation, speakers may be too … Read More