We’ve all heard the expression “death by PowerPoint.”
People acknowledge it, laugh about it, and hate it when in an audience, but, yet …. Many continue to be guilty of doing it themselves!
How can presenters avoid this?
Here are my 10 tips for avoiding Death by PowerPoint:
1) Write your presentation first, then look to see where you can add PowerPoint to reinforce the message. Keep in mind, a slide deck isn’t a presentation.
2) Add graphics, rather than bullet points, wherever possible. When words are necessary, it’s OK to use them, but avoid paragraphs.
3) Limit the content on the slides. If your audience needs the slides in advance, or as a take-home learning tool, then give them a file with more detail -- but for the actual presentation, pare down the content.
4) Avoid too many “bells and whistles” (like different font colors/sizes, charts, etc.). The focus needs to on the information, not the slide.
5) Get comfortable with the “B” key. While in PowerPoint mode, hit the “B” key on your computer. The screen will turn black or go blank. I like to think that the B stands for BRODY. Occasionally, go blank, so you change up what you’re doing – move around more and facilitate discussion.
6) Create a list of all slides – have one sheet of paper with the slide number and title of each slide. This allows you to cut slides if time is an issue, or to jump back and forth on the slide deck. Do this by hitting the “slide number” then hit “enter.” So, assume you are on slide 10, and you want to go back to slide 3. Hit “3’ and then “enter.”
7) Practice using the slides so that you are comfortable with timing and flow.
8) Arrive early and position yourself so that the screen is to your (speaker’s) left. People read from left to right. Make it easy for the audience.
9) Open and close with a blank screen to create and keep rapport with the audience.
10) Keep in mind – less is more. Trust me ... rarely, if ever, have audience members said, “Oh good, another slide.”
Always remember, be prepared to speak without any slides all in case of a technical glitch.
The best speakers can deliver their messages with power, impact and persuasion, without any slides at all.
Showing posts with label career workshop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label career workshop. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Don’t Worry Be Happy
You know the expression, “You teach what you need to learn.”?
Well, by nature, I am a positive person – always looking for the good in everybody and every situation … predicting a positive outcome.
But, lately it’s gotten harder. A combination of business matters (due to the economy) and family healthy issues have been weighing heavily on me like a ton of bricks.
I was walking around like Charlie Brown, with the proverbial gray cloud over his head.
The reality is – what is happening is going to happen, regardless of my attitude.
I had a choice: be miserable, or go back to optimism.
Over the weekend, I decided to change my negative attitude of late, beginning with my last journal entry. I started to list all the good things that are happening right now. I wrote what I am grateful for. I listed positive outcomes.
You might wonder … did it work?
Partially.
Since then, I haven’t dwelled on the negatives, I haven’t discussed the negatives, and I have been more cheery at work.
My bet is that it will get easier each day to honor my personal commitment to stay positive.
And, in time, so, too, will the different situations I encounter get better.
We all need to remember, that you get what you give out in life – the “reap what you sow” mentality.
If you exude negativity and pessimism, after awhile, those around you will feel and act the same.
So, today, I made the choice. I decided to be positive. Like the song says, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” :)
How about you? Will you join me on this positive journey?
Well, by nature, I am a positive person – always looking for the good in everybody and every situation … predicting a positive outcome.
But, lately it’s gotten harder. A combination of business matters (due to the economy) and family healthy issues have been weighing heavily on me like a ton of bricks.
I was walking around like Charlie Brown, with the proverbial gray cloud over his head.
The reality is – what is happening is going to happen, regardless of my attitude.
I had a choice: be miserable, or go back to optimism.
Over the weekend, I decided to change my negative attitude of late, beginning with my last journal entry. I started to list all the good things that are happening right now. I wrote what I am grateful for. I listed positive outcomes.
You might wonder … did it work?
Partially.
Since then, I haven’t dwelled on the negatives, I haven’t discussed the negatives, and I have been more cheery at work.
My bet is that it will get easier each day to honor my personal commitment to stay positive.
And, in time, so, too, will the different situations I encounter get better.
We all need to remember, that you get what you give out in life – the “reap what you sow” mentality.
If you exude negativity and pessimism, after awhile, those around you will feel and act the same.
So, today, I made the choice. I decided to be positive. Like the song says, “Don’t worry. Be happy.” :)
How about you? Will you join me on this positive journey?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Risk Taking Leads to Reward
My Temple University School of Communications & Theater commencement speech was two weeks ago, but the message is still relevant – one I hope the graduates took to heart.
It applies to all of us. That is – you need to believe in yourself, and have the courage to take calculated risks.
Do you remember when you were an elementary school student playing on the jungle gym? In order to get across the bars, you had to be willing to let go of one hand, and place it on the next rung. Drop a hand, grab, drop a hand, grab.
If you aren’t willing to let go -- of old thinking, old behaviors, old habits, you will continually be stuck.
I was asked this question when I was deciding whether to take a risk and launch my own business -- giving up a tenured teaching position at a college -- “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Notice – the word “could” not “would.”
Don’t always think in negative terms. The chances that the worst could happen if you do take a risk are small.
The second question to ask yourself is, “And, then what?”
There will always be a “then what?” What will you do if the risk doesn’t pan out the way you wanted it to?
What are the risks you would like to take?
I encourage you to go for them!
Keep in mind what Thomas Edison said, “If we all did what we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves.”
By the way, here are the four key ideas that I gave the Temple graduates:
1)Play to your strengths and passion for greater success
2)Market yourself continually and professionally
3)Be open to all possibilities
4)Take calculated risks
It applies to all of us. That is – you need to believe in yourself, and have the courage to take calculated risks.
Do you remember when you were an elementary school student playing on the jungle gym? In order to get across the bars, you had to be willing to let go of one hand, and place it on the next rung. Drop a hand, grab, drop a hand, grab.
If you aren’t willing to let go -- of old thinking, old behaviors, old habits, you will continually be stuck.
I was asked this question when I was deciding whether to take a risk and launch my own business -- giving up a tenured teaching position at a college -- “What’s the worst that could happen?”
Notice – the word “could” not “would.”
Don’t always think in negative terms. The chances that the worst could happen if you do take a risk are small.
The second question to ask yourself is, “And, then what?”
There will always be a “then what?” What will you do if the risk doesn’t pan out the way you wanted it to?
What are the risks you would like to take?
I encourage you to go for them!
Keep in mind what Thomas Edison said, “If we all did what we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves.”
By the way, here are the four key ideas that I gave the Temple graduates:
1)Play to your strengths and passion for greater success
2)Market yourself continually and professionally
3)Be open to all possibilities
4)Take calculated risks
Monday, April 20, 2009
My Personal “Stimulus” Plan
Our government is still busy with its Stimulus Package.
I certainly hope it kick starts the economy!
As a small business owner, I am seeing no direct result.
Hence, I have decided to create my own “stimulus package.”
The goal is to stimulate myself to be even more proactive and productive, enthusiastic, and more in charge of my own future.
You might ask, “Marjorie, just how are you doing that?”
Let me tell you ….
This week’s blog will focus on my personal perspective, while next week, I’ll outline my business plan.
Here are my personal “stimulus” goals:
•Exercise daily: Just by doing this, I feel better. Feeling better is stimulating!
•Eat properly: Again, it’s treating my body well. So, I feel better and I have more energy.
•Drink my gin and tonic and eat my dark chocolate in moderation. After all, deprivation doesn’t solve problems, just creates them!
•Spend time with family. For example, I took one grandson (4 years old) to a theatre last week. I said, “I love our theater dates. Do you think when you are older, you will still want to go to the theater with Nana?” His response: “You may be dead then.” That sure put things into perspective!
•Never miss “24.” As though I don’t have enough tension in my life! Jack always wins, maybe I will, too!
•Go to the movies, read a book, see friends. Really, making time for fun and escape stimulates the brain.
•Indulge in personal treatments. As occasional massage, mani and pedicure, and hair cut are no longer luxuries – they keep me feeling and looking better.
•Find humor in the absurd. And, sometimes, that is looking at the stimulus package and getting a good laugh!
Feel free to share your own personal “stimulus activities” to keep going in these trying times. If you do, and provide an e-mail address, I'll send you a PDF copy my E-book 21st Century Pocket Guide to Proper Business Protocol.
Next week, I’ll talk about the ways we are stimulating our business.
I certainly hope it kick starts the economy!
As a small business owner, I am seeing no direct result.
Hence, I have decided to create my own “stimulus package.”
The goal is to stimulate myself to be even more proactive and productive, enthusiastic, and more in charge of my own future.
You might ask, “Marjorie, just how are you doing that?”
Let me tell you ….
This week’s blog will focus on my personal perspective, while next week, I’ll outline my business plan.
Here are my personal “stimulus” goals:
•Exercise daily: Just by doing this, I feel better. Feeling better is stimulating!
•Eat properly: Again, it’s treating my body well. So, I feel better and I have more energy.
•Drink my gin and tonic and eat my dark chocolate in moderation. After all, deprivation doesn’t solve problems, just creates them!
•Spend time with family. For example, I took one grandson (4 years old) to a theatre last week. I said, “I love our theater dates. Do you think when you are older, you will still want to go to the theater with Nana?” His response: “You may be dead then.” That sure put things into perspective!
•Never miss “24.” As though I don’t have enough tension in my life! Jack always wins, maybe I will, too!
•Go to the movies, read a book, see friends. Really, making time for fun and escape stimulates the brain.
•Indulge in personal treatments. As occasional massage, mani and pedicure, and hair cut are no longer luxuries – they keep me feeling and looking better.
•Find humor in the absurd. And, sometimes, that is looking at the stimulus package and getting a good laugh!
Feel free to share your own personal “stimulus activities” to keep going in these trying times. If you do, and provide an e-mail address, I'll send you a PDF copy my E-book 21st Century Pocket Guide to Proper Business Protocol.
Next week, I’ll talk about the ways we are stimulating our business.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Some Seats Open for BRODY BOOST Camp – Because, Professionalism is Even More Critical
Four day countdown to the next BRODY Professional Development BOOST Camp …
Self-development is even more critical than ever before.
If you are still employed, you need to present yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner.
If you aren’t employed, you again need to sell yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner – to get a new job.
Contrary to what the news media would like you to think, companies are still operating – and, in many fields, people are getting hired.
As I’ve said before, if you’re unemployed, getting depressed and giving up isn’t an option.
Or, if you fear that you will be in the next round of layoffs, don’t adopt a “there’s nothing I can do” attitude.
What do you need to do to boost your own presence and professionalism? Join me on April 2nd and you’ll find out!
We have a few more seats still open at our open-enrollment career development workshop -- BRODY BOOST Camp.
Click here to learn more and register today.
Self-development is even more critical than ever before.
If you are still employed, you need to present yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner.
If you aren’t employed, you again need to sell yourself and your ideas in a clear/concise/courageous manner – to get a new job.
Contrary to what the news media would like you to think, companies are still operating – and, in many fields, people are getting hired.
As I’ve said before, if you’re unemployed, getting depressed and giving up isn’t an option.
Or, if you fear that you will be in the next round of layoffs, don’t adopt a “there’s nothing I can do” attitude.
What do you need to do to boost your own presence and professionalism? Join me on April 2nd and you’ll find out!
We have a few more seats still open at our open-enrollment career development workshop -- BRODY BOOST Camp.
Click here to learn more and register today.
Monday, March 16, 2009
A Message to President Obama & His Support Team: RE Communicating & Selling Ideas
I’ve been listening to members of the Obama administration present their ideas.
They are smart people. Their ideas are well thought out (even though many of you reading this may not agree with the philosophies and/or solutions that they have crafted).
But, many of these administration members fail to sell their ideas.
Part of the problem is that they need to see themselves as salespeople, and they don’t.
But, they are – they are selling their credibility, experience, ideas, and themselves.
Subsequently, some of them fall flat.
Ideas rarely stand on their own merit.
President Obama knows this, and understands that style doesn’t replace substance ... but it is a critical part of selling the substance.
Passion sells. People connect on an emotional level, not just logical.
Perhaps one of the best communicators ever, Aristotle, talked about the necessity of using pathos (emotional appeals) as well as logic.
Our audiences – Congress included – respond to the emotion, not only in examples used, but also in message delivery.
People ask if I am a motivational speaker. My answer is no.
I am a content speaker who can motivate.
Of course, I love to hear, “You are so motivational.”
Isn’t that what we need from our leaders, and those who support them?
President Obama: With all due respect, some of your team members need speech coaching -- in order for them to get buy-in for their (and your) good ideas.
---------
My blog this week is all about the need for (and benefit of) professionals improving their communication skills.
With that thought in mind … seats at my April 2 open enrollment career development workshop -- BRODY BOOST Camp -- are filling up. To learn more about how BOOST Camp can help your career outlook/job security, and secure your seat today, click here.
They are smart people. Their ideas are well thought out (even though many of you reading this may not agree with the philosophies and/or solutions that they have crafted).
But, many of these administration members fail to sell their ideas.
Part of the problem is that they need to see themselves as salespeople, and they don’t.
But, they are – they are selling their credibility, experience, ideas, and themselves.
Subsequently, some of them fall flat.
Ideas rarely stand on their own merit.
President Obama knows this, and understands that style doesn’t replace substance ... but it is a critical part of selling the substance.
Passion sells. People connect on an emotional level, not just logical.
Perhaps one of the best communicators ever, Aristotle, talked about the necessity of using pathos (emotional appeals) as well as logic.
Our audiences – Congress included – respond to the emotion, not only in examples used, but also in message delivery.
People ask if I am a motivational speaker. My answer is no.
I am a content speaker who can motivate.
Of course, I love to hear, “You are so motivational.”
Isn’t that what we need from our leaders, and those who support them?
President Obama: With all due respect, some of your team members need speech coaching -- in order for them to get buy-in for their (and your) good ideas.
---------
My blog this week is all about the need for (and benefit of) professionals improving their communication skills.
With that thought in mind … seats at my April 2 open enrollment career development workshop -- BRODY BOOST Camp -- are filling up. To learn more about how BOOST Camp can help your career outlook/job security, and secure your seat today, click here.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The World Isn't Fair
Granted, things are shaky with the economy and businesses everywhere.
So, what are your choices?
Give up or step up?
I am speaking about this very topic on November 6th in Chicago -- delivering a workshop presentation twice at the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Leadership Conference. The title is “Step Up! for Success.”
Here is one of the key points that I’ll be making:
The world isn’t fair – it’s your attitude that counts.
People walk around lately as though they are victims. We aren’t.
We have choices – not always good ones, but choices all the same. No one wants to hear your whining. If you are lucky enough to still have a job, look for ways to make it more interesting. Make the changes that are necessary, or accept what you can’t change. Leaving is always an option.
Another thing you can do is hang around with winners, not whiners.
Negativity is toxic, and it spreads quickly. Every day, think about -- or better yet, write somewhere -- things that you are grateful for.
That attitude of gratitude -- which some of you may see as cheesy -- really does go a long way.
I’ll be sharing more of this message regarding stepping it up, and thriving in your career, despite economic factors, in my open-enrollment BRODY BOOST Camp career development workshop on November 13 in Plymouth Meeting, PA.
There are still some seats open for BOOST Camp; visit http://www.brodypro.com/site/boost_camp/Boost_camp.html to register, or call 800-726-7936.
So, what are your choices?
Give up or step up?
I am speaking about this very topic on November 6th in Chicago -- delivering a workshop presentation twice at the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Leadership Conference. The title is “Step Up! for Success.”
Here is one of the key points that I’ll be making:
The world isn’t fair – it’s your attitude that counts.
People walk around lately as though they are victims. We aren’t.
We have choices – not always good ones, but choices all the same. No one wants to hear your whining. If you are lucky enough to still have a job, look for ways to make it more interesting. Make the changes that are necessary, or accept what you can’t change. Leaving is always an option.
Another thing you can do is hang around with winners, not whiners.
Negativity is toxic, and it spreads quickly. Every day, think about -- or better yet, write somewhere -- things that you are grateful for.
That attitude of gratitude -- which some of you may see as cheesy -- really does go a long way.
I’ll be sharing more of this message regarding stepping it up, and thriving in your career, despite economic factors, in my open-enrollment BRODY BOOST Camp career development workshop on November 13 in Plymouth Meeting, PA.
There are still some seats open for BOOST Camp; visit http://www.brodypro.com/site/boost_camp/Boost_camp.html to register, or call 800-726-7936.
Monday, October 27, 2008
10 Reasons Why I Love Business Travel
It was Sunday afternoon when I wrote this, and I’m on a flight from Philadelphia to Las Vegas.
From there, I head to San Diego on Tuesday to deliver a speech. Then, it’s a red eye home.
Last week, I had at least five people say, “Don’t you hate to travel? Aren’t you dreading the next few days?”
Although I don’t like leaving home on Sundays, my response to them was, “No.”
Since many of you reading this also travel for work, I thought I’d give my top 10 reason (in no special order) that business travel is a gift.
1) I am working. Given the state of the economy, I feel blessed to be working -- and I love what I do.
2) Dragging my suitcase (I only do carry-on) and my laptop, etc., around the airport give me great exercise. I used to complain about this, but now that I view it as gym time, I say “Bring it on!”
3) It gives me more chances to DO... Whether it’s waiting before a flight, or sitting on the plane (trains work, as well), I have time to catch up on reading, writing or thinking. When else do you have hours of uninterrupted time?
4) I have a chance to see different areas of the country. Granted there’s not much time, but by arriving a few hours early or staying late, I can take a tour of the city, go to a museum, or just walk around.
5) By staying in hotels, I have the luxury of ordering room service. And, I can try foods from different regions.
6) In the hotel, I have total control of the remote control. Not to say that my husband doesn’t share, but he doesn’t!
7) I can go to sleep whenever I want. This means I can stay up and watch late night TV or go to bed at 7.
8) There are fascinating people all around -- other road warriors, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, clients, etc. I’ve learned a lot simply by asking questions.
9) Did I mention that I’m grateful to be working? To have a job that helps people be more effective, to love that job, and to get paid for it – what could be better?
10) The chance to go home. Having missed family and friends, and to be missed, I look forward to business travel, so I can go home again.
From there, I head to San Diego on Tuesday to deliver a speech. Then, it’s a red eye home.
Last week, I had at least five people say, “Don’t you hate to travel? Aren’t you dreading the next few days?”
Although I don’t like leaving home on Sundays, my response to them was, “No.”
Since many of you reading this also travel for work, I thought I’d give my top 10 reason (in no special order) that business travel is a gift.
1) I am working. Given the state of the economy, I feel blessed to be working -- and I love what I do.
2) Dragging my suitcase (I only do carry-on) and my laptop, etc., around the airport give me great exercise. I used to complain about this, but now that I view it as gym time, I say “Bring it on!”
3) It gives me more chances to DO... Whether it’s waiting before a flight, or sitting on the plane (trains work, as well), I have time to catch up on reading, writing or thinking. When else do you have hours of uninterrupted time?
4) I have a chance to see different areas of the country. Granted there’s not much time, but by arriving a few hours early or staying late, I can take a tour of the city, go to a museum, or just walk around.
5) By staying in hotels, I have the luxury of ordering room service. And, I can try foods from different regions.
6) In the hotel, I have total control of the remote control. Not to say that my husband doesn’t share, but he doesn’t!
7) I can go to sleep whenever I want. This means I can stay up and watch late night TV or go to bed at 7.
8) There are fascinating people all around -- other road warriors, taxi drivers, shopkeepers, clients, etc. I’ve learned a lot simply by asking questions.
9) Did I mention that I’m grateful to be working? To have a job that helps people be more effective, to love that job, and to get paid for it – what could be better?
10) The chance to go home. Having missed family and friends, and to be missed, I look forward to business travel, so I can go home again.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Gain a Professional Edge at BRODY Boost Camp, November 13, 2008
I just came back from Pittsburgh, PA, where I was speaking to a client about the importance of personal marketing.
In these times of “troubled waters,” the ability to sell yourself is even more critical.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating now: It’s not just who you know, but who knows you -- and what you’re capable of doing -- that counts!
My upcoming BRODY Boost Camp on Thursday, November 13, will help attendees enhance their professionalism, persuasive speaking, and personal promotion.
There are still some seats available.
You can check out the full agenda, and register, by visiting this link on the BRODY Professional Development site: http://www.brodypro.com/site/boost_camp/Boost_camp.html.
If you have any questions, just give me a call or e-mail me at marjorie@brodypro.com.
In these times of “troubled waters,” the ability to sell yourself is even more critical.
I’ve said it before, but it bears repeating now: It’s not just who you know, but who knows you -- and what you’re capable of doing -- that counts!
My upcoming BRODY Boost Camp on Thursday, November 13, will help attendees enhance their professionalism, persuasive speaking, and personal promotion.
There are still some seats available.
You can check out the full agenda, and register, by visiting this link on the BRODY Professional Development site: http://www.brodypro.com/site/boost_camp/Boost_camp.html.
If you have any questions, just give me a call or e-mail me at marjorie@brodypro.com.
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