We are often asked to kick-off meetings. What’s the best way to get everyone focused on the task at hand, and demonstrate our own capacity for effective leadership? Start on time. Or, if you must delay, acknowledge those who are… Read More »Presentation Skills: Best practices for meeting kick-off
“Every word uttered evokes the idea of its opposite. “ –Goethe In other words, when you assert your opinion, your listeners will reflexively search their own minds for a thought that could prove your idea flawed. To take the wind… Read More »Presentation Pointer: Speak their thoughts before they do
Meghan called. She was a high school senior, my daughter’s friend and highschool classmate. She had a summer job selling for the CutCo Knife Company, and wanted to make a presentation to us in our home. I said, “Yes,” although… Read More »Sales Presentations: Selling by Doing
The Geico gecko, the AFLAC duck, and Jared the Subway sandwich guy all have the same job. They are likeable characters who appear in very short stories (ads) on TV. The gecko is low-key and sensible while his boss, the… Read More »Persuasive communication and the Geico gecko
A report to a senior executive group is not a conversation, although it should sound conversational. It is a communication designed to facilitate a prediction or a decision. In order to sound conversational you need to be relaxed. Ironically, relaxation… Read More »Presentation Skills: Presenting to Senior Executives
When does a polished speaker become slick? I ask this question because I occasionally see so-called “professional speakers” behaving in peculiar ways. They have developed a presentation “style” that doesn’t seem natural, that smacks of late night infomercials and snake… Read More »Public Speaking Training: Don’t get too slick