TELL A STORY WHEN GIVING A PRESENTATION

TELL A STORY WHEN GIVING A PRESENTATION

from the article 'Every Presentation Should Tell a Story'
By Geoffrey James | February 8, 2011

"According to the latest neuroscience, the normal, non-autistic, human brain organizes EVERYTHING into stories, because that’s how we understand the meaning and context of everything around us. Because of this, the best sales presentations ALWAYS tell a story.

But how do you do that? One way is to borrow some story telling from Hollywood and start each story with something interesting, introduce characters with whom the audience can relate, and then make sure you have a satisfying ending.

For sales presentations, that means following these three rules:

1. RULE #1: Starts with an “heart-stopper.” Every movie, TV show, or novel starts with something that captures your attention (i.e. captures your emotions) and holds your interest while you “get into” the story. Without a “heart stopper,” the audience’s mind will wander. Trust me.

2. RULE #2: Talk about the audience… not about you. The story connects emotions to the audience’s current situation so that that a decision becomes inevitable. You (or your firm) can play a “best supporting actor” role, but the main role is always the audience and what happens (or might happen) to them.

3. RULE #3: Ends with a “risk-remover” and a “close.” The risk-remover eliminates any remaining reluctance to make a decision. The “close” pushes the audience over the edge and essentially forces them to make the decision, right now."

"Needless to say, you’ll need to have plenty of data and reality behind the various points in the story. And, for this to work in a sales situation, you’d have to meet one-on-one with many of the participants to get your ducks in a row, as they say.

Even so, this is the kind of presentation that’s going to create emotion and persuade the audience to make a decision. And it’s certainly going to work better than the dull stuff that most people throw up on the screen."

MY THOUGHTS

If you've listened to a really excellent sales presentation then you know what this article is talking about. However, I don't think these presentation tips is for sales alone. It would do us good to follow these presentation tips no matter what kind of presentation we're giving. After all, every presentation is supposed to be selling something. If not an item, then the principles or the ideas and points you want your audience to buy into.

GIVE LIFE TO PRESENTATIONS WITH POWERPOINT 2010

10 Tips to give life to your ideas with Power Point 2010
Published: Thu, 2011-02-17 18:44

Power Point 2010 is the tool of choice for students, teachers, professionals and even children, when creating presentations and the new 2010 version offers more ways than ever to create and share dynamic presentations. New and striking visual and audio capabilities will help you tell a story with almost cinematic quality, so easy to create as attractive to observe. In addition, now PowerPoint 2010 lets you work simultaneously with others or publish the presentation online and access it from virtually anywhere, either through the Web or a smartphone.

1. Increased impact and visual power to your presentations.

Save time and money by applying sophisticated photographic effects without using additional photo editing programs. Transform images by using the new and improved features of image editing. You can adjust the color, brightness, contrast and saturation. There is also an advanced cutting tool. Power Point 2010 also boasts artistic touches such as blur, brush and watercolor filters. Edit your images and make them exactly what you want.

2. Work with other users without having to wait your turn.

PowerPoint 2010 redefines the way you collaborate. Through co-authoring, people in different locations can simultaneously edit the same presentation. In addition, with Office Communicator (now Lync) you can view the availability of other team members who are working on the presentation and easily start a conversation without ever leaving PowerPoint. Ideal for working in a team atmosphere.

3. Add a personalized video experience.

Embed and edit video files directly in PowerPoint 2010. Cut easily to show only the relevant sections or add markers at key points in the video to have quick access to them. You can also trigger an animation that starts automatically the reach these markers, as well as specify when the video appears and disappears, in addition to implementing a variety of styles and video effects (for example, reflections, bevels, 3D rotation). With these new features, you can quickly capture your audience's attention.

4. Imagine a presentation at the right time.

Share your PowerPoint 2010 presentations by sending a URL so that people can see your presentation on the Web. Recipients can view slides in high fidelity, even if they do not have PowerPoint. You can also convert the presentation high quality video with narration.

5. Get access to your presentations from more locations and on more devices.

Publish your presentations online for later view and edit them by web or Windows Phone:
• Microsoft PowerPoint Web App: extends the experience to the Web and enjoy views of high-quality on-screen full, store and edit your work when you're away from your PC.
• Microsoft PowerPoint Mobile 2010: stay updated and performs immediate issues through improved PowerPoint Mobile version specifically adapted for Windows Phones.

6. Create high quality with wonderful graphic presentations.

You don’t need to be an expert in design to create professional-looking graphics. Use dozens of additional SmartArt® designs to create flow charts, lists, diagrams of infinite possibilities and images to illustrate your ideas in the best possible way. Transform words into attractive images that best illustrate your ideas. Create diagrams as easy as writing a bulleted list or text and images becomes a diagram with just a few clicks.

7. Captivate audiences with new transitions and improved animations.

The new slide show transitions are now more dynamic, with new animation effects and transitions that look similar to graphics seen on TV. Get access to preview animations and then apply, customize or replace with ease. You can also use the new features to easily copy an animation from one object to another.

8. Organize and print your slides in a more effective way.

Easily organize slides by sections: divide a presentation into logical groups of slides, rename sections to facilitate the administration of the content (for example: assign slides to a certain author) or print a single section of the presentation easily.

9. More quickly perform tasks.

The new Microsoft Office Backstage ™ view replaces the traditional file menu to allow you to save, share, print and publish presentations with just a few clicks. With the improved Ribbon, you can gain access to your favorite commands faster. Create your own tabs or adapt existing ones to customize them to your working style.

10. Works on several presentations and multiple monitors.

PowerPoint 2010 offers a completely separate window for each presentation that opens. In addition, you can view and edit several presentations independently, in parallel or even independent monitors. So if you are creating the largest presentation of your career, working on a team or against a deadline PowerPoint 2010 gives you the ability to work with more ease and flexibility to meet your goals. Convert dull work into unique presentations to give life to your ideas with the full range of tools of the new Office 2010!

MY THOUGHTS

i tried using this last year. i wasn't that impressed. maybe because i never really explored the new features. maybe i should try it again.

ENCHANTING PRESENTATIONS

Keys to an Enchanting Presentation
Mar. 8 2011 - 3:14 pm | 886 views | 0 recommendations | 0 comments
By CARMINE GALLO

Former Apple evangelist, entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Guy Kawasaki, has published a new book on the art of changing hearts, minds and actions. As I was reading Enchantment I realized that many of Kawasaki’s techniques apply to all manner of public speaking and business communications, especially in the area of presentation skills. Here are several of Kawasaki’s tips that you can use to improve your very next presentation and to change a few more minds.

Kawasaki defines enchantment as the process of delighting people with a product, service, organization, or idea. In order to accomplish that feat, you must be likable. According to Kawasaki, there are four factors that create a likable first impression: your smile, your dress, your handshake, and your vocabulary. On the topic of vocabulary, Kawasaki says “Words are the facial expression of your mind: they communicate your attitude, personality, and perspective.” Kawasaki offers several tips for a persuasive vocabulary:

Use simple words. When you use words people have to look up in a dictionary or search for in Wikipedia, you’ve failed.

1. Use the active voice. Consider the impact of two phrases: “Use the right words” versus “the right words should be used by you.” The passive voice is “wimpy,” says Kawasaki. Enchanters use the active voice.

2. Keep it short. “In ten years of listening to entrepreneurs’ pitches, I’ve never heard one that was too short,” says Kawasaki.

On the topic of PowerPoint slides, Kawasaki has a technique that I think is very effective if only because I see it used so rarely and yet it is very personal and makes an immediate connection with an audience. Kawasaki’s advice: Customize the introduction with pictures. For example, when Kawasaki spoke to HP’s printer division, he showed a picture of HP printers and faxes in his home office. When he speaks in a foreign city, he gets there early and tours the city to expand his horizons, finds out what enchants him about the city, takes photos, and incorporates the pictures into his presentation. Nice touch.

Kawasaki and I both agree that shorter, simpler, and more visual slides are far more enchanting – or delightful—than slides full of text. “Use evocative pictures to make your presentation exciting,” says Kawasaki. “The goal is to provide inspiring information that moves people to action.” Slides full of words and text seldom enchant. The fewer words, the better.

I’ve known Kawasaki for several years and I’m always pleasantly surprised to see that he and I agree on every area of communications. I come from journalism and Kawasaki comes from marketing but we agree on presentation techniques because the same concepts apply to both journalism and business – the person who tells the best story wins.

Carmine Gallo is the communications coach for the world’s most admired brands. He is a popular keynote speaker and author of several books including the bestsellers, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs and The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs. Follow him on Twitter: carminegallo

MY THOUGHTS

well said! go and use these tips. they are very good tips. especially the use of more visuals on your slides. bullets are becoming obsolete.

ENCHANTING PRESENTATIONS

Keys to an Enchanting Presentation
Mar. 8 2011 - 3:14 pm | 886 views | 0 recommendations | 0 comments
By CARMINE GALLO

Former Apple evangelist, entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Guy Kawasaki, has published a new book on the art of changing hearts, minds and actions. As I was reading Enchantment I realized that many of Kawasaki’s techniques apply to all manner of public speaking and business communications, especially in the area of presentation skills. Here are several of Kawasaki’s tips that you can use to improve your very next presentation and to change a few more minds.

Kawasaki defines enchantment as the process of delighting people with a product, service, organization, or idea. In order to accomplish that feat, you must be likable. According to Kawasaki, there are four factors that create a likable first impression: your smile, your dress, your handshake, and your vocabulary. On the topic of vocabulary, Kawasaki says “Words are the facial expression of your mind: they communicate your attitude, personality, and perspective.” Kawasaki offers several tips for a persuasive vocabulary:

Use simple words. When you use words people have to look up in a dictionary or search for in Wikipedia, you’ve failed.

1. Use the active voice. Consider the impact of two phrases: “Use the right words” versus “the right words should be used by you.” The passive voice is “wimpy,” says Kawasaki. Enchanters use the active voice.

2. Keep it short. “In ten years of listening to entrepreneurs’ pitches, I’ve never heard one that was too short,” says Kawasaki.

On the topic of PowerPoint slides, Kawasaki has a technique that I think is very effective if only because I see it used so rarely and yet it is very personal and makes an immediate connection with an audience. Kawasaki’s advice: Customize the introduction with pictures. For example, when Kawasaki spoke to HP’s printer division, he showed a picture of HP printers and faxes in his home office. When he speaks in a foreign city, he gets there early and tours the city to expand his horizons, finds out what enchants him about the city, takes photos, and incorporates the pictures into his presentation. Nice touch.

Kawasaki and I both agree that shorter, simpler, and more visual slides are far more enchanting – or delightful—than slides full of text. “Use evocative pictures to make your presentation exciting,” says Kawasaki. “The goal is to provide inspiring information that moves people to action.” Slides full of words and text seldom enchant. The fewer words, the better.

I’ve known Kawasaki for several years and I’m always pleasantly surprised to see that he and I agree on every area of communications. I come from journalism and Kawasaki comes from marketing but we agree on presentation techniques because the same concepts apply to both journalism and business – the person who tells the best story wins.

Carmine Gallo is the communications coach for the world’s most admired brands. He is a popular keynote speaker and author of several books including the bestsellers, The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs and The Innovation Secrets of Steve Jobs. Follow him on Twitter: carminegallo

MY THOUGHTS

well said! go and use these tips. they are very good tips. especially the use of more visuals on your slides. bullets are becoming obsolete.

PAINLESS PUBLIC SPEAKING?

Painless Public Speaking: Low Stress Ways to Improve
By Jessica Stillman | January 28, 2011

Failure, as author Bob Sutton put it, “sucks but instructs,” and this is as true of public speaking as it is for any other area. But while we can all acknowledge that the school of hard knocks is one of the best, if least pleasant, teachers, we can also agree that minimizing failing in front of others makes life a lot less stressful. So how can you improve your public speaking skills without making a fool of yourself in front of actual members of the public?

Gen Y blogger Jenny Blake tackles this question in a recent post offering those relatively new to delivering presentations and speeches some tips on how you can tune up your public speaking skills. While you’ll never improve without actually practicing under pressure, her methods can minimize your embarrassment as you learn:

* Download a free recording app on your phone. Practice saying something at your normal pace, then practice slower, then EVEN slower. Playback so you can hear for yourself what the three sound like, and even ask a friend which is most clear.

* Take three ujayii breaths before starting. For non-yogis: this means taking a slow, steady, even inhale through the nose, then exhaling slowly and evenly through the nose. (More on how to do this here). These breaths are always incredibly calming for me and help clear any nervousness in my system.

* Make it a challenge for yourself to bring more awareness to your speech in every day interactions. Sometimes even when I’m talking with friends I will practice not saying “um” and other speech quirks that come across as unprofessional. Even though these are low-stakes situations, it helps me change my default speech to something that works in any setting.

* Give yourself a rating on scale of 1-5 after every class you teach (or training, or meeting you present at). How’d you do? This will bring awareness to the area/s you are hoping to improve and help you track progress over time.

* Pretend you are speaking to a non-native English speaker or a five year old. Does your pacing change? Another trick I use: pretend you are on The Today show, or speaking for the president. How would you talk? How do you want to sound or come across?

* Channel/observe a speaker or teacher you really respect. What do they do well? Ask if you can observe them at future events/meetings (if they live locally) –- or look for more examples and videos on YouTube or TED.

* ASK FOR FEEDBACK – often! Make sure you have people who are willing to be honest with you. Ask them one thing you did well, and one area you can improve (if you just say, “what’s your feedback?” they’ll be hesitant to share development areas). You might also have people track when you speed up (certain segments?) and when you slow down, so you get more granular data about where to focus.

* Clench and release a muscle several times before going up to speak. Try making your fists into tight balls (or any other muscle — ahem, butt cheeks work too), then release and repeat. This will give your adrenaline something to do, and often helps stop shaking (which makes you appear more nervous than you really are).

* BONUS: Join Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a great way to get practice and feedback in a safe environment, and learn from watching others.

MY THOUGHTS

Painless? I doubt it. Not in my book. Speaking in public will always give me the jitters. Without fail. Especially when you're speaking to a hostile audience. Nevertheless, one can always do better. And the tips outlined in this article are perfect.

I remember being invited to speak about leadership. Fow a whole week, I listened (almost non-stop) to leaderhip dvds. Not to get the content as my material has been prepared. But more to get the speaking style. Have you ever noticed how, if you keep on watching a tv show you end up talking like the characters in that show? That's exactly my point.

DECIDE HOW YOUR AUDIENCE WILL DECIDE

DECIDE HOW YOUR AUDIENCE WILL DECIDE

from the article 'Create a Dynamite Presentation in 6 Easy Steps'
By Geoffrey James | April 19, 2010

Understand How an Audience Decides

A decision is always the result of change in the decision-maker’s emotional state.

Prior to making the decision, the audience does not feel that a decision is necessary. Not yet. Then something happens, in the audience’s emotional state, that brings the matter to a head. The audience now feels that a decision MUST be made.

At that point the audience (i.e. the decision-makers in the audience) decides.

A persuasive presentation therefore changes the emotional state of the audience so that they believe and feel that a decision must be made… right now.

In business there are six emotional keys that unlock that all-important decision-making process. They are:

* Key #1: Greed. “If we make a decision now, we’ll get a big reward.”
* Key #2: Fear. “If we don’t make a decision now, we’re basically toast.”
* Key #3: Altruism. “If we make a decision now, we’re good people.”
* Key #4: Envy. “If we don’t make a decision now, the other guys will win.”
* Key #5: Pride. “If we make a decision now, they’ll know we’re smart.”
* Key #6: Shame: “If we don’t make a decision now, they’ll know we’re dumb.”

Truly persuasive presentations contain all six of those emotional keys, because it is only under the pressure of these emotion that any decision will be made.

The underlying drivers behind these emotions are, of course, pain and pleasure. Truly persuasive presentations play upon the six key emotions to:

* RAISE the likelihood of pain and LOWER the likelihood of pleasure if a decision IS NOT made.

* RAISE the likelihood of pleasure and LOWER the likelihood of pain if a decision IS made.

When these expectations are set, a decision is INEVITABLE.

I realize that this all seems a bit theoretical. But if you don’t understand this basic stuff, the rest of this post won’t make sense. So bear with me because we’re about to get to the meaty parts…

MY THOUGHTS

Nice! It's like emotional blackmail but it's not. You are not just making a presentation. You are making a presentation for transformation. And since you are presenting to people- who have emotions - then that is certainly a good point of attack.

THINK IMPACT WHEN GIVING A PRESENTATION

THINK IMPACT WHEN GIVING A PRESENTATION

from the article 'Create a Dynamite Presentation in 6 Easy Steps'
By Geoffrey James | April 19, 2010

Decide on the Impact

When most people start out to create a presentation, they start with the question: “what do I want to say to these people?”

That’s the exact wrong question to ask because it’s all about you and not about the audience.

The correct question to ask is: “what decision does these people really need to make?”

The greatest enemy facing EVERY business — bar none — is inertia. People avoid making key decisions out of fear, stupidity, lethargy, tradition, etc.

So start from the point of wanting to be of service, and that means creating an presentation that persuades your audience to make a decision.

If you don’t know what decision you want the audience to make, don’t bother giving a presentation, because you’re just wasting everyone’s time.

Now, before going any further. Ask yourself, in all honesty:

* Do I know EXACTLY what decision I want my audience to make?

If you DON’T then please don’t bother to craft a presentation, because you’ll just be wasting everyone’s time.

However, if you DO know what impact you want to have — i.e. what decision you want your audience to make — read on…

MY THOUGHTS

of course! the best way for people to appreciate what you're telling them is to get something out of your presentation. there must be some need that your presentation can meet. your audience should want to do something different - or new- after listening to you.

i think you've made impact when your audience becomes uncomfortable. by uncomfortable, i mean not being happy with the way things are. suddenly, they question the status quo. presentations are too short to really make people change. but to get them to think (seriously) of altering some things - that, to me, is impact.

EASY STEPS TO DYNAMITE PRESENTATIONS

EASY STEPS TO DYNAMITE PRESENTATIONS

from the article Create a Dynamite Presentation in 6 Easy Steps
By Geoffrey James | April 19, 2010

This post describes a foolproof and easy way to craft a presentation that causes an audience to ACTUALLY AND TRULY MAKE A DECISION.

I’m not talking about those stupid bullet point lectures that put people to sleep.

I’m talking the real deal here. The kind of show-stopper presentation that makes things happen. Like closing a big sale.

Interested? If so, let’s get started…

Note: Except where otherwise noted, this post is loosely based on an interview with G. Richard Shell and Mario Moussa, authors of “The Art of Woo.”

STEP #1: Decide on the Impact

STEP #2: Understand How an Audience Decides

STEP #3: Research the Audience

STEP #4: Craft The Story

STEP #5: Compose Your Slides

STEP #6: Rehearse, then Go For It

MY THOUGHTS

looks easy? it will be if you read the coming posts on each step