Verbal Communication

After previously discussing non-verbal communication which revolved mainly about body language, today I'm sharing with you something I read on Slideshare about the content:
The best way to outline your presentation.

Personally, I hate the : Tell them what you are going to say, say it, tell them what you just said" technique. I find it boring, I lose interest at the very beginning.

Instead, here's a 5-step process that enhances every presentation:

1- TEASE!
- State the current cultural situation.
- Briefly describe the problem for your business.
- Hint at your answer to the problem.

2- Unveil the Mystery:
In 10 seconds or less, state the reason why everybody gathered to listen to you.

3- The good stuff!
Dive into the main points of your presentation (with supporting claims/ examples of course).

4- The review:
For people who missed some points or those who didnt get enough, review briefly your main points.

5- The call to action:
Now that the audience is hooked, don't leave them hanging. give them a clear and easy-to-follow call for action.

All the above are keys to a good content presentation.

The most important aspect is to stay MEMORABLE!

Record the thoughts that are worth sharing in your next presentation, if you prepare your presentation by writing it, write as you speak otherwise you would sound too artificial. Also speak in the present tense: IS is much more powerful than WAS.
Try not to have more than 3 points in your presentation, after 3, the brain is tired, bored, lost...
A good tip is also to imagine a kid sitting in the back of the presentation room. That forces you to be simple and use easy to break sentences.
Last but not least, now that we are living in an world where social media is the norm, create "twitterable" moments: clever headlines, golden nuggets and smart advice that you know will be shared with the rest of the world.

One final thought I leave you with: Stay interesting! read as much as you can, and share... with me :)
check out the blog that I recently started:
http://stay-interesting.blogspot.com
I would like to knw your reviews and read books that you recommend.

Cheers!
Fidele

Non-Verbal Communication

"What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say" Ralph Waldo Emerson

6 years ago, I was too shy and my voice was too low and intimidated every time I presented an idea to a client. Very soon I realised that it was a HUGE drawback and I won't be taken seriously until I do something about it.
So a personal coach was assigned to help me, and was he special!
Out of all the things he told me, one particular idea never left my mind:
"When you're presenting, you're telling your client something that he doesn't know. He's paying money to hear what you have to say. So don't think of yourself as a junior because in this particular moment, he's a child absorbing the information you're giving him.
So make it worthwhile and most of all make your presence memorable."

That being said, here are some body language tips by Soap Presentations that will help you boost your presentations:

1. BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE:
Open your chest and arms & keep your back straight. This position will make you breathe better and you'll feel more relaxed.

2. MAKE YOUR AUDIENCE COMFORTABLE:
Smile! Simply smile at them. A smile is the most powerful weapon.

3. ENGAGE PEOPLE:
gesture with your arms and hands, and look your audience in the eye. People pay attention and like people who look them in the eye. To keep their attention, vary your gestures, involve your head, arms and hands throughout the presentation.

4. DEMONSTRATE AUTHORITY:
Yes, authority. Keep calm, and use small and stiff gestures. This way people will trust you and view you as a confident person.

5. LET THEM FOLLOW YOU:
If you want to draw attention to a certain element of the presentation, point directly at it at look at it on the screen. Your audience will follow your eyes and finger.

6. ENCOURAGE AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
Walk around and towards people. People participate more when they have proximity to the speaker. Also use the physical space you have available and walk your speech. It will show you are relaxed and you will be less boring.

7. TO MAKE A HARD QUESTION SEEM EASIER:
Pause, breathe slowly (this will give you time to think) and then answer while looking the questioner in the eye.

85% of what you communicate is not with words. It's through the tone of voice, the way you stand (or sit) and plenty of other messages that your body involuntarily sends.
With this in mind, and a GOOD CONTENT of course!! you definitely know ahead that you have a winning presentation.

There's plenty more to know about this topic!
If you're interested in a good book to read, I recommend  Life is a Pitch: How to sell yourself and your brilliant ideas.

Cheers!