Please accept my apologies for my absence from these pages for some time, I'll not bore you with the details and I'll try not to bore you with anything else.
At the heart of every successful presentation we should hope to find that simple aim; interesting, not boring. The truth of course can be somewhat far removed as we sit through PowerPoint presentations that do little more than demonstrate that the presenter owns a computer and is not afraid to use it.
Of course interesting can go the other way, not everyone is as funny as they think they are and most 'icebreakers' tend more to embarrassment than communication.
Interesting is not the same as entertaining, it is linked to informing an audience and it certainly helps to inspire an audience. At the core an interesting presentation is a presentation that provides something the audience needs and that the audience can perceive as useful.
An interesting presentation is well on the way top being a successful one.
Visit http://skillpresentations.com/
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Jenson Button
Congratulations to Jenson Button on winning the world championship.
I'm fascinated by the reaction to his off key rendering of 'we are the champions' over his team radio. Not the finest piece of oratory ever but effective!
Congratulations to Reubens too for a sporting response to his own disappointment, again there are lessons for the presenter here giving credit where it is due and maintaining a positive public persona, even in defeat.
I'm fascinated by the reaction to his off key rendering of 'we are the champions' over his team radio. Not the finest piece of oratory ever but effective!
Congratulations to Reubens too for a sporting response to his own disappointment, again there are lessons for the presenter here giving credit where it is due and maintaining a positive public persona, even in defeat.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Button and Hamilton, on message
Button and Hamilton
It looks like Barricello or Vettel at the British Grand Prix to me, but being the BBC we see interviews aplenty with Messrs Button and Hamilton.
Each have their own style of communication, successful sportsmen with a team behind them; but note that each of them has their message clearly in mind and clearly communicated.
Hamilton is having a disappointing season in the McLaren but he is ‘still pushing’, the team ‘are ‘working flat out’.
Button’s task is to dampen speculation and keep is own feet on the ground so for him ‘Red Bull are the team to beat’. After practice for Silverstone it is Reubens that will have to do the job, taking the fight to ‘Red Bull’.
These are useful examples for business.
We need to identify the unique points of our message, our business, the things that set us apart and make that the core of our message, like the theme in a piece of music or indeed the riff in rock.
We need to employ synonyms to express the same ideas in new ways and we need to use different vocabulary for different groups.
Skillpresentations can help you achieve this.
http://skillpresentations.com/page43.html
MG
It looks like Barricello or Vettel at the British Grand Prix to me, but being the BBC we see interviews aplenty with Messrs Button and Hamilton.
Each have their own style of communication, successful sportsmen with a team behind them; but note that each of them has their message clearly in mind and clearly communicated.
Hamilton is having a disappointing season in the McLaren but he is ‘still pushing’, the team ‘are ‘working flat out’.
Button’s task is to dampen speculation and keep is own feet on the ground so for him ‘Red Bull are the team to beat’. After practice for Silverstone it is Reubens that will have to do the job, taking the fight to ‘Red Bull’.
These are useful examples for business.
We need to identify the unique points of our message, our business, the things that set us apart and make that the core of our message, like the theme in a piece of music or indeed the riff in rock.
We need to employ synonyms to express the same ideas in new ways and we need to use different vocabulary for different groups.
Skillpresentations can help you achieve this.
http://skillpresentations.com/page43.html
MG
Monday, 9 March 2009
Presenting a coherent message
We communicate on so many levels that it is well beyond the scope of this blog to try and discuss each level in detail however we must be aware that in presenting we are communicating with more than words and pictures. Our audience will pick up messages from the emphasis we use, from the way we stand from our willingness to make eye contact or otherwise.
Our aim is to pull all of these layers together so that we deliver our presentation with ‘one voice’. This reinforces our message and builds trust between our audience and us.
What happens when layers disagree? We send a mixed and therefore confused message.
Consider the effect of proclaiming our enthusiasm for a new situation in a dull and lifeless voice with our hands in our pockets. Can our audience believe us if we tell them that their opinion matters to us whilst we look at the clock? How credible will we be if we state that this key idea is important to us personally as we examine our notes?
Not everyone will notice the details of your actions, neither will they be able to explain the discrepancies in tone, however each one in the audience will be affected at some level!
Modules discussing visual contact, use of an outline, body language, voice control and adding texture can help us understand the signals that we send out and preparation will help us to make sure that the signals work together to deliver a unified message. See advanced modules at skillpresentations.com.
Learning to present in a manner that is natural to ourselves is of great use as we will the be able to carry this style through into follow up discussions and our audience will be affected by the sincerity of our presentation.
When preparing to present think carefully about the need to present a unified message across the layers of communication, use the modules that follow to help you understand how you can achieve this within your own personality.
Learning to speak with one voice will require awareness on our part but our efforts will be well rewarded!
Our aim is to pull all of these layers together so that we deliver our presentation with ‘one voice’. This reinforces our message and builds trust between our audience and us.
What happens when layers disagree? We send a mixed and therefore confused message.
Consider the effect of proclaiming our enthusiasm for a new situation in a dull and lifeless voice with our hands in our pockets. Can our audience believe us if we tell them that their opinion matters to us whilst we look at the clock? How credible will we be if we state that this key idea is important to us personally as we examine our notes?
Not everyone will notice the details of your actions, neither will they be able to explain the discrepancies in tone, however each one in the audience will be affected at some level!
Modules discussing visual contact, use of an outline, body language, voice control and adding texture can help us understand the signals that we send out and preparation will help us to make sure that the signals work together to deliver a unified message. See advanced modules at skillpresentations.com.
Learning to present in a manner that is natural to ourselves is of great use as we will the be able to carry this style through into follow up discussions and our audience will be affected by the sincerity of our presentation.
When preparing to present think carefully about the need to present a unified message across the layers of communication, use the modules that follow to help you understand how you can achieve this within your own personality.
Learning to speak with one voice will require awareness on our part but our efforts will be well rewarded!
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Priced to match the credit crunch
We are delighted to announce our new look site with free access to tips and advanced content designed to help you develop your presentation skills.
In addition to our fundamentals course we have also made available advanced modules, thirteen in total looking at individual aspects of public speaking techniques such as voice control, illustrating our ideas, introductions and conclusions.
One of the key ideas developed is covered in the module ‘Layers of communication’, which stresses the importance of presenting a unified message across the various elements of communication.
We are confident this service will be of real benefit to anyone seeking to develop his or her presentation skills. We are also incorporating sponsorship opportunities that will be of great benefit for brand building.
Take a look at http://skillpresentations.com
MG
In addition to our fundamentals course we have also made available advanced modules, thirteen in total looking at individual aspects of public speaking techniques such as voice control, illustrating our ideas, introductions and conclusions.
One of the key ideas developed is covered in the module ‘Layers of communication’, which stresses the importance of presenting a unified message across the various elements of communication.
We are confident this service will be of real benefit to anyone seeking to develop his or her presentation skills. We are also incorporating sponsorship opportunities that will be of great benefit for brand building.
Take a look at http://skillpresentations.com
MG
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Hiding behind PowerPoint
When it comes to presentation skills much thought is given to ‘the slides’ that will form the presentation. Fair enough but beware!
PowerPoint and similar programs are only part of the story. Too often the content of the visual element is concentrated on to the detriment of the spoken presentation. Often this results from a belief that the visual element has more impact on an audience and that somehow presenting a dull message in bullet points creates an interesting message.
To be truly successful the presentation must contain powerful elements across the spectrum of communication. Visual elements will go well beyond a few slides (or most likely a lot of them) and will include facial expression, gestures, body language and especially eye contact. See Layers of communication at skillpresentations.com.
Learn how to stand out in front of the screen, communicate directly with your audience and ‘dare to press B’.
http://skillpresentations.com
MG
PowerPoint and similar programs are only part of the story. Too often the content of the visual element is concentrated on to the detriment of the spoken presentation. Often this results from a belief that the visual element has more impact on an audience and that somehow presenting a dull message in bullet points creates an interesting message.
To be truly successful the presentation must contain powerful elements across the spectrum of communication. Visual elements will go well beyond a few slides (or most likely a lot of them) and will include facial expression, gestures, body language and especially eye contact. See Layers of communication at skillpresentations.com.
Learn how to stand out in front of the screen, communicate directly with your audience and ‘dare to press B’.
http://skillpresentations.com
MG
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Time to prepare; foundations of a successful presentation
Where can you find the time to prepare your presentation? How much time do you need?
Of course, I’m being a bit naughty; I have no idea of your schedule. When I have to prepare something new there are a variety of elements that have to be accommodated and it can be difficult to find the time.
Often listening is a key requirement, especially if you are speaking for, or to, a team. If you don’t listen you won’t know where your boundaries are and how far you can expect the team to follow. If you are representing the team this becomes doubly important, so when you meet with the team listen.
Now you need to find time to think. I find that mechanical tasks, going for a walk (carry some files for camouflage) or washing the car can provide me with the thinking time I need to process the elements I have been bringing together. When the issues are complex it is of tremendous value to spend time at your desk, followed by something mechanical, followed by another desk session and so on. It is amazing how things start to come together.
Eventually you will need to find time to create the finished presentation, and it does take time. Can you block out time in your diary? Perhaps you can work out of the office or at home (assuming you can control the home environment); at the very least can you switch off your phone and give yourself some ‘voice mail time’.
If the presentation is important then preparation time has to be prioritised.
As you develop skill in making and preparing presentations you will find that some tasks are abbreviated and that your training and experience will carry you on, but preparation and planning will always be the foundations of a successful presentation.
Get the skills you need at skillpresentations.com
MG
Of course, I’m being a bit naughty; I have no idea of your schedule. When I have to prepare something new there are a variety of elements that have to be accommodated and it can be difficult to find the time.
Often listening is a key requirement, especially if you are speaking for, or to, a team. If you don’t listen you won’t know where your boundaries are and how far you can expect the team to follow. If you are representing the team this becomes doubly important, so when you meet with the team listen.
Now you need to find time to think. I find that mechanical tasks, going for a walk (carry some files for camouflage) or washing the car can provide me with the thinking time I need to process the elements I have been bringing together. When the issues are complex it is of tremendous value to spend time at your desk, followed by something mechanical, followed by another desk session and so on. It is amazing how things start to come together.
Eventually you will need to find time to create the finished presentation, and it does take time. Can you block out time in your diary? Perhaps you can work out of the office or at home (assuming you can control the home environment); at the very least can you switch off your phone and give yourself some ‘voice mail time’.
If the presentation is important then preparation time has to be prioritised.
As you develop skill in making and preparing presentations you will find that some tasks are abbreviated and that your training and experience will carry you on, but preparation and planning will always be the foundations of a successful presentation.
Get the skills you need at skillpresentations.com
MG
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Slow news day
Slow news day
A look at today’s headlines suggests a slow news day. The emphasis seems to be on money, the lifeblood of business, with banks drawing back from bonus schemes and politicians trying to claw back £1 donations to charity (allegedly).
It makes one wonder how would you present that one to the finance department? Presentations are a part of every day life, whenever we interact with colleagues or customers we can use the communication skills we have developed to make effective contact with the other person. Granted it may not always be wise to fire up the PowerPoint in order to explain our preference for tea over coffee (or vice versa) but understanding how our words are heard and understood can be of tremendous benefit in our day-to-day business.
Making reasonable links between what we say and the tone of voice employed, and the accompanying body language can lead to great progress in our communication style no matter the size of the ‘audience’.
Of course, and here comes the pitch, if we don’t have the skills or understand the nuts and bolts of presenting to a group we cannot be benefited by them.
At skillpresentations.com we can develop those skills.
http://skillpresentations.com
MG
A look at today’s headlines suggests a slow news day. The emphasis seems to be on money, the lifeblood of business, with banks drawing back from bonus schemes and politicians trying to claw back £1 donations to charity (allegedly).
It makes one wonder how would you present that one to the finance department? Presentations are a part of every day life, whenever we interact with colleagues or customers we can use the communication skills we have developed to make effective contact with the other person. Granted it may not always be wise to fire up the PowerPoint in order to explain our preference for tea over coffee (or vice versa) but understanding how our words are heard and understood can be of tremendous benefit in our day-to-day business.
Making reasonable links between what we say and the tone of voice employed, and the accompanying body language can lead to great progress in our communication style no matter the size of the ‘audience’.
Of course, and here comes the pitch, if we don’t have the skills or understand the nuts and bolts of presenting to a group we cannot be benefited by them.
At skillpresentations.com we can develop those skills.
http://skillpresentations.com
MG
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