Tips from the Experts on How to Open

Tips from the Experts on How to Open

The hardest part of any presentation is the opening. Obviously, gaining people’s attention is critical. If you don’t captivate them as you begin, it’s not likely you will get them to listen as you move forward. Plus, seeing people looking at their phones, instead of...
Are You Prepared?

Are You Prepared?

The number one reason that presentations fail is a lack of preparation. Whether you are giving an update, making a proposal, suggesting a solution or speaking at a conference, it is critical that you do your homework and understand your listeners and what you want to...
Has Your Credibility Banana Turned Brown?

Has Your Credibility Banana Turned Brown?

“To be persuasive, we must be believable; to be believable, we must be credible, to be credible, we must be truthful.”       Edward R Murrow, journalist and news anchor Credibility is everything in the influence game. As a salesperson or someone who supports sales,...
There Ought to Be a Law: Communication Competencies

There Ought to Be a Law: Communication Competencies

For years, scholars have written about communication skills being the key to your business success. Almost every job lists strong communication skills as a requirement, but exactly what does that mean in the whole scheme of things. Companies need to develop...
What Do You Do If You Speak Too Fast

What Do You Do If You Speak Too Fast

Do you speak too fast? Does everyone tell you to slow down? Do you also have a lot of “filler” or “crutch” words? Inevitably, if you speak quickly, there will be lots of “ums, ahs and you knows.” If this is you, don’t ignore this issue. It is not okay to speak...
Don’t Get Stuck on the Opening

Don’t Get Stuck on the Opening

Where most people get hung up is the opening. However, that’s actually the most important part of a conversation. If those first few minutes aren’t rock solid, it is unlikely the audience will listen all the way to the end. People make instantaneous decisions about...
See Yourself as Tour Guide of Your Ideas

See Yourself as Tour Guide of Your Ideas

I just returned from a month-long tour of the Asian Pacific rim, visiting Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In each country, I had a different tour guide. What struck me as impressive were their extraordinary communication skills. It occurs to me that we need to...
The Grave Digger’s Shift – What to Consider When Presenting Later in the Day!

The Grave Digger’s Shift – What to Consider When Presenting Later in the Day!

Is your presentation scheduled for 3 p.m or even later? If so, you’re in the Grave Digger’s Shift. In fact, any time you speak in the afternoon, you run the risk of digging your own grave unless you are interesting and engaging. People are tired and typically have a...
Reach, Teach and Touch – 3 Requirements for Any Presenter

Reach, Teach and Touch – 3 Requirements for Any Presenter

Selling your ideas isn’t easy, especially in today’s dynamic business climate. Listeners go from meeting to meeting. They are on information overload. Without Reaching, Teaching and Touching your listeners, it is likely your content will be overlooked. The question is...
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