Be ready with Plan C October 5, 2009
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One of my clients rehearsed her presentation for a panel with me, was videotaped and felt confident about her content and delivery. However, Murphy’s Law was about to rear its’ ugly head. She found the physical site tightly locked the night before but was able to get in the room at 7 a.m. and found it set up with round tables instead of theater style. There were two large screens on either side of the lectern ands she wasn’t sure which one she should address. She had planned to walk around with a lavelier mike but the lectern was placed on a high platform with steps leading up and down. She quickly decided once she safely climbed up, she wasn’t about to chance a fall coming down. She wasn’t entirely comfortable but went with the stationery mike. The visual-aid co-ordinator insisted he didn’t have a remote control for her slides. My client went to the conference person who booked the hotel wwith her request. Voila! A remote control appeared. The first speaker on the panel was ill so never showed. A moderator was never mentioned but suddenly appeared and during the Q&A began answering questions directed towards her. She said she just went the flow and interjected comments when she could get in a few words. We discussed putting a list of resources on a brightly colored sheet of paper. She held up an orange sheet and afterwards, a large percentage of the audience came forward looking for the orange sheet with her phone number and email. Despite all the changes, she had a good response afterwards from the audience and felt it went well because she was prepared. There is rarely a presentation experience where everything goes as planned. Keep calm and be prepared with Plan B and C!
Perfect a Personal Delivery Style September 25, 2009
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Many people tell me they’re excellent communicators in one-on-one situations; they have problems only when speaking in front of a group. That’s because public speaking involves performing as much as it does presenting information. Have a sense of theater, a sense of style to get your message across to your audience. Your style may be quiet and serious or energetic and enthusiastic. Never talk to a group again – they are all individuals. You’re merely having a conversation with Maria, Rick, Lee or Julia.
President Clinton perfected this ability to talk directly to each person. I attended a presentation by the former president and was sitting in the balcony, along with an audience of 2500. Everyone else could have gone home because this tiny figure down on the stage was only speaking to me. President Clinton is very comfortable with himself, he enjoys speaking before groups and he wants to make sure he connects with each person. These are excellent objectives for you if you also want to be a compelling speaker.
The Most Important 5 Minutes of your Presentation September 24, 2009
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I have often told my clients they can judge the success of their presentation if the audience comes forward at the end and crowds around, asking questions. Obviously the speaker has connected with the audience and they want to hear more. It’s a perfect opportunity to make personal contact by shaking hands, exchanging business cards or making an appointment for a future phone call or email. But in our busy world, the audience may have liked your speech but almost trample others in their rush to the exit.
I was working with a client who spoke on an important panel earlier this week. I suggested she put website and contact numbers on a colored sheet and hold it up to show the listeners it would be available later. I just received an email from her. “I took your advice about printing the contact handout on a bright color and it was the “orange” sheet that people were looking for after the session.” I’ll find out how many people she was able to talk to when they came up for the information sheet. Give away the single colored sheet so that your audience can easily follow up and make the few minutes after your talk a valuable part of your presentation.
King’s High School Mock Trial Speech Class September 21, 2009
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This morning I was the guest-speaker for Ms Marian Morris’ mock trial class. She had asked me to help the students manage their fears and be more confident during their mock trials. It was a pleasure to see the teen-age students selecting this challenging class as I know it will have a positive effect on any profession they choose.
I started out by telling the class of the time when I was a 17 yr old student at Emerson College in Boston and a fellow female student and I debated 2 murderers at the Walpole prison. Our subject- Rock and Roll music and lyrics have negative effect on the morals of teenagers. The inmates had a lot more time than college freshman to develop their case and pile up evidence from the Consitution and free speech, etc. We started to play objectional lyrics and the 500 prisoners started singing them in loud voices! Then we broke the records over our knees and threw them on the floor. The prisoners rose up and some started for the stage. I backed away from the microphone. I feared for my life! Guards came down the aisles and quieted the prisoners down so we could continue the debate. Obviously, we lost to the two men who had acquired legal finesse over the years and who later went up in front of a judge and won their appeals to be acquited. It was a memorable experience and made our next debate at West Point a piece of cake.
I emphasized to the mock trial class that I had experienced a legitmate fear that I would be bodily harmed. But fear of speaking in public is an imaginary threat to their ego. Speaking is a mental game and once you learn to control your thoughts, you can manage your emotions and your body language and tone of voice.
More later….
Presenting Complex Information August 28, 2009
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This past week I spent two days coaching executives at Pacific Northwest National Laboratories. PNNL is one of our 9 national laboratories and their mission is to focus on Energy, the Environment, National Security and to strengthen U.S. scientific foundations for innovation.
I braided three colorful cords together to demonstrate the word complex. Com means ‘with’ or ‘together’ and plectere means ‘to braid.’ I explained to my clients when they give complex information, it’s if they are braiding together an intricate pattern with various strands that seem to constantly appear and disappear. Many of the elements stay hidden. The colorful cords can be combined and recombined in a changing texture that is anything but simple. Since the speakers have limited time in their presentations and reams of information, they have to decide what is most important to show. They shouldn’t simplify their information to the extent people erroneously believe they really have an in-depth understanding but translate complex concepts in a way that empowers their listeners with knowledge. The cords, by themselves, are often confusing and get tangled. It’s the presenter’s job to weave the strands together so they have strength, are understandable and useful to their audience.
Presentation Format with a New Twist July 29, 2009
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This last week, I was privileged to hear Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Lee Hartwell, in his role as Director of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, speak about the advances being made in the international war on cancer. His opening remarks were followed with an interesting format.
Dr. Peggy Porter, Dr. Edus Houston and Dr. Ann Duerr each gave a 15 minute presentation on breast cancer, HIV and immunotherapy, respectively. Then the audience of 100 people who wore color-coded badges, broke up into three small groups and the doctors conducted an intimate Q &A. The audience remained seated and each doctor moved to a new group.
It was a lively exchange and much more interactive than a panel. Sometimes people are reluctant to ask questions about complicated subject matter but this arrangement made it non-threatening. Give this format a try if the physical site permits!
Tips For TV Appearances July 23, 2009
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I wached my council meeting presentation on tv. Was chagrined to find that everytime I turned to comment on slides, it was difficult to hear my voice. Yes, my most important audience was the 7 council members who could easily hear me but I could have had more impact with viewing audience.
Lessons learned – have someone else manage slides or only speak when facing stationary mike. Shorten remarks so you don’t appear rushed. Be more aware of talking to tv audience- visualize them in your head.
On the plus side, the Council responded favorably to my points and are going to initiate a design/code review. I reached my objective. But the presentation was set up by a lot of prior e-mailing and presenting evidence to council members. If you want action taken in a meeting or from a tv appearance, you need to consult with your audience beforehand and set the stage for acceptance. It won’t happen in 3 minutes.
Presentation Skills – Improvisational, Impromptu Speaking July 23, 2009
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Ever had this happen to you? Last night I spoke in front of our city council on an emotional housing matter. A red light signaled when to start and then flashed repeatedly three minutes later for you to stop. I had prepared and typed out what I was going to say. However, as the four-hour meeting went on, other speakers brought up more significant community issues than mine. One speaker startled me by using an exact quote I planned to use as evidence. New information came to light which negated what I was going to say. Responses, body language and tone of voice from different council members gave me a different take on my audience. One councilman was silent and an audience member whispered that official would oppose me.
Editing and Adapting on the Fly
My presentation became totally fragmented as I scrambled to salvage the points on my paper. I had a split second of nerves. Then I took a couple of deep breaths and focused on the task. I decided to abandon most of my script, welcome improvising, but most importantly know how I was going to end up. (We’ll talk about writing your Finish First another day.) It was important to trust in myself that the right words would come.
The TV camera was rolling…
It was almost 11 p.m. My first chore was to wake up my audience with energy in my voice and body language. I discussed two main points and displayed photos when the unnerving red light started flashing. I skipped to my ending and asked the council for action. I’ll watch the replay today. Next time I’ll let you know the council’s reaction and the results. I welcome your thoughts on a similar experience and lessons learned that added to your presentation skills.
The Whole Person July 21, 2009
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Presentation Skills – Secrets of the Pros
Secret #1 The Whole Person
One of the greatest moments in anybody’s developing experience is when he no longer tries to hide from himself but determines to get acquainted with himself as he really is. … Norman Vincent Peale
Effective presentation skills start with self-appreciation. Model communicators will tell you to bring the whole person to the stage every time get up to speak. Recognize how well-rounded and accomplished you are in all aspects in your life and you’ll become a more confident speaker who gets results.
Self Appreciation and the presenter
As presenters, we can feel supremely confident about our communications and abilities. Self-appreciation, however, can fluctuate, even take a nose-dive if we’ve gone through a drastic change in our personal or professional life. As a result, presenters might only bring fragments of themselves to the stage and your audience will sense your weakness reflected in your presentation skills, body language, and tone of voice.
But ask yourself, “What is reminding me that I’m not good enough? Do I feel a lack physically, intellectually, materially – my education or background? What’s holding me back from making a highly effective presentation? Should it really count that much against everything I have accomplished and adversely affect the way I communicate my message today?” Reflect on those accomplishments you’ve made throughout your life, and take a deep breath. Your audience has come to hear you speak. They value the insights that you’ve gained from a lifetime of experience.
Notice that I’m using the term “self-appreciation.” TV host Mr. Rogers helped millions of children feel special. But the era of egotism and being number one brought about problems when high self-esteem was based on external issues. In the Journal of Social Issues, Dr. Jennifer Crocker finds “that people who pin their self-esteem on academic performance, good looks, the approval of bosses, friends or family members or other societal-sanctioned yardsticks are at higher risk for a variety of problems, including academic difficulties, relationship conflicts, aggression and increased use of drugs or alcohol.”
In contrast, people who judge themselves by more internal measures like virtue, self-responsibility, self-sufficiency, religious faith and the knowledge of one’s own competence and capability to deal with obstacles and adversity, regardless of what other people think, fare better. They are less likely to show anger and aggression or seek out narcotics. Personal and social responsibility need to be attached to high self-appreciation. The audiences don’t react favorably to arrogant speakers who talk down to their listeners. They respond well to presenters who truly appreciate the worth of the audience and themselves.
A client, a noted surgeon, had saved hundred’s of lives. Now he was in a prestigious administrative position in a growing life sciences company but he felt awkward and nervous talking to other doctors. During our coaching sessions, nothing I tried seemed to improve his anxiety. Finally I sat him down and asked what path he had taken to be where he was today. His years during medical school and training were arduous and challenging. But he gradually acquired the experience and expertise. Patients came to him when cardiac surgery was their last hope and gave them many years to look forward to. He’s overcome a physical disability, along with other personal challenges. He was also a proud Dad. When he finished his long list of accomplishments, he sat silently. Then said, “Thank you for reminding me who I am.” He got up, and all the anxiety vanished. He was articulate, confident, persuasive and absolutely on-target with his message. Backed by all the expertise and experience he brought to that moment, he spoke eloquently and forcefully. For the first time, he acknowledged and appreciated himself and his abilities.
I’m reminded of the phone ads that feature an actor surrounded by a multitude of employees. He isn’t alone. You aren’t alone. Maybe you haven’t performed cardiac surgery but ask yourself in what other areas of my life have I found success? Think of your volunteer activities, being a problem-solving parent, a good son, daughter or spouse, excelling in sports — perhaps just being a fit walker. Prize all your life experiences. The audience will respond to your multi-faceted persona. The extent to which you appreciate and value yourself will add to your confidence ability to be a compelling, powerful speaker.
Jan D’Arcy
Jan D’Arcy is the Author of
Technically Speaking: A Guide for Communicating Complex Information.
Available from our website.
For free podcasts and articles, and other presentation products, visit www.jdarcy.com
Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
Welcome to Jan D’Arcy’s Pocket Presentation Coach Blog July 21, 2009
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Would you like to enhance your communication skills and become a more effective presenter? Do you have an important presentation coming up? This blog is for you.
I’ll be posting articles on communication skills, how to minimize and manage fears, analyze your audience, clarify your message, and project competence and credibility. I’ll also reveal secrets from performers about how you can use humor and connect emotionally with your audience.
Watch for articles, books, videos and current internet resources, so make sure to come back often.
I will give you proven tips and techniques so your next presentation is one you remember with pride.
Jan D’Arcy
Jan D’Arcy is the Author of
Technically Speaking: A Guide for Communicating Complex Information.
Available from our website.
For free podcasts and articles, and other presentation products, visit www.jdarcy.com
Copyright © 2009 All rights reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
