Professor Dan Brody (yes, he is a relative!) is teaching an entrepreneurial course at the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering.
He had a few entrepreneurs speak as guest lecturers, and he asked me to do the same. My topic was “10 Reasons Presentations Fail & How to Avoid Them.”
You might wonder – why is information regarding presentation skills critical in a class of would be engineering entrepreneurs?
In fact, in my first career, as a college professor of presentation skills and interpersonal communication skills, students often told me, “I don’t need to speak – I am going to be an engineer, accountant, researcher, architect …” – you name it, they said it.
Surprise!
These students entered the job market, and soon realized that no matter how good their ideas were, they needed to be able to sell themselves along with these bright ideas.
This recent group of talented students at UVA are giving group presentations as part of a contest. The winner will get some seed money to actually start building the business that they propose.
In case you are wondering what my top 10 list is, go to my website to read more about “Why Every Professional Needs to Master Presentation Skills” -- to learn why presentations fail and more, and also take the free quiz there to test your presentation skills knowledge.
On the surface, when it comes to presentation skills, things seem to be very basic. However, it is the little things that make the biggest difference.
Here’s a recent example that proves how true this is …
I was flying home last week from Tampa. My seat partner was the ex-superintendant of the Philadelphia School District. She has since spent time teaching and leading at Harvard and now at the University of Pennsylvania: She is on the board of the Philadelphia Art Museum. She told me about the wonderful presentation delivered by the architects who won the Barnes Museum contract.
What made this presentation so good?
The architects told a good story, enjoyed working together, used simple visuals and believed in the project.
How simple is that!?!
Of course, simple isn’t always easy to implement. That is where coaching/training can help.
Do you, or members of your team, need help in preparing your pitch?
If so, you know where to get help!
Showing posts with label presenting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label presenting. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Death By PowerPoint: Don’t Become Another Speaking Statistic
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.
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.
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Selling Stool: 3 Key Elements to Sales Presentations
Product knowledge and selling skills are only two legs of the stool when it comes to successful sales presentations.
The third key is the ability to communicate your ideas effectively, and at the same time read the messages that your audience (buyer) is sending in response.
In other words, you need to master the art of walking and chewing gum at the same time!
The most effective salespeople pay attention to the signals that are being sent – theirs and others.
These winning sales professionals don’t go onto autopilot with their prepared pitch.
So, what are some things to watch for?
Positive cues from the person or people to whom you are presenting:
•Direct eye contact
•Open body language
•Forward lean
•Upward turn on the corners of their mouth
Here are some negative signals to watch carefully for:
•Tension in the eyebrows
•Closed off posture
•Limited eye contact
•Pursed lips
You can’t assume that people are hostile to your ideas just because they have their arms crossed. After all, they may just be cold.
However, if their arms are crossed, look for other signals as well that might indicate hostility, disagreement or closed thinking.
Typically, in a selling situation, the “buyer” says so much without even saying a word.
The question is, are you so busy talking, that you aren’t listening to what is -- and isn’t -- being said?
It may seem trite, but there is a reason we have two ears!
The third key is the ability to communicate your ideas effectively, and at the same time read the messages that your audience (buyer) is sending in response.
In other words, you need to master the art of walking and chewing gum at the same time!
The most effective salespeople pay attention to the signals that are being sent – theirs and others.
These winning sales professionals don’t go onto autopilot with their prepared pitch.
So, what are some things to watch for?
Positive cues from the person or people to whom you are presenting:
•Direct eye contact
•Open body language
•Forward lean
•Upward turn on the corners of their mouth
Here are some negative signals to watch carefully for:
•Tension in the eyebrows
•Closed off posture
•Limited eye contact
•Pursed lips
You can’t assume that people are hostile to your ideas just because they have their arms crossed. After all, they may just be cold.
However, if their arms are crossed, look for other signals as well that might indicate hostility, disagreement or closed thinking.
Typically, in a selling situation, the “buyer” says so much without even saying a word.
The question is, are you so busy talking, that you aren’t listening to what is -- and isn’t -- being said?
It may seem trite, but there is a reason we have two ears!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Are All Presentations Created Equal?
I just facilitated a customized presentation skills program for regional sales managers of a very large medical device company.
Their objectives were to understand the differences and similarities between these types of presentations:
management vs. leadership
formal vs. informal
informative vs. persuasive
face to face vs. phone, web, etc.
The irony -- although they are different, the bottom line is the same.
All types of presentations have two things in common:
1) A message to structure and develop to achieve a result
2) Delivery that engages the audience members and accomplishes the goal
Is it possible to give presentations that are a combination of management and leadership, informative and persuasive?
Yes.
It comes down to what you want that audience walking away knowing, doing and feeling.
Should you prepare less because it’s informal?
Not really.
It’s always respectful to your audience (be it one or many) to be clear about your objectives and to deliver the message with clarity and enthusiasm.
In future blogs, I’ll get more specific about the differences and similarities between management and leadership presentations, and ways to be effective while presenting.
If you want to bring this custom “Speaking to Lead” program to your team, let us know!
Their objectives were to understand the differences and similarities between these types of presentations:
management vs. leadership
formal vs. informal
informative vs. persuasive
face to face vs. phone, web, etc.
The irony -- although they are different, the bottom line is the same.
All types of presentations have two things in common:
1) A message to structure and develop to achieve a result
2) Delivery that engages the audience members and accomplishes the goal
Is it possible to give presentations that are a combination of management and leadership, informative and persuasive?
Yes.
It comes down to what you want that audience walking away knowing, doing and feeling.
Should you prepare less because it’s informal?
Not really.
It’s always respectful to your audience (be it one or many) to be clear about your objectives and to deliver the message with clarity and enthusiasm.
In future blogs, I’ll get more specific about the differences and similarities between management and leadership presentations, and ways to be effective while presenting.
If you want to bring this custom “Speaking to Lead” program to your team, let us know!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Visual Aids 101: Help, Not Hinder Your Next Presentation
Are you suffering from “death by PowerPoint?”
Many people in corporate America are.
You know the symptoms … yawning participants during your slide shows or distant looks from half of the audience who are staring at your screen like zombies.
Let’s be real. Personally, I've never heard, “Oh good – another slide!” I’m sure you would agree.
So, where is the problem?
I believe that most presenters create their slides and think they have a presentation.
Wrong!
What they should be doing is writing the presentation, and then determining where a slide would add value, impact and interest.
When audience members need specific information to study, and to share with others, give them the complicated details in advance, or at the end of the presentation. Then, simplify when presenting.
What are some guidelines?
•Use pictures (personal photographs or high-end, online stock images) whenever possible – as long as they reinforce the message.
•Use charts and graphs to help explain trends, statistics, or any other numbers.
•Limit the bullet points.
•Use the “B” key to blank out the screen. It pulls the attention back to the speaker.
•Start and end with no slide, so you can make the personal connection with the audience.
Slides are tools – and shouldn’t be used as a crutch. Remember, they are visual aids – not presentations.
Your audience will thank you for not having them suffer a tedious “death by PowerPoint.”
Many people in corporate America are.
You know the symptoms … yawning participants during your slide shows or distant looks from half of the audience who are staring at your screen like zombies.
Let’s be real. Personally, I've never heard, “Oh good – another slide!” I’m sure you would agree.
So, where is the problem?
I believe that most presenters create their slides and think they have a presentation.
Wrong!
What they should be doing is writing the presentation, and then determining where a slide would add value, impact and interest.
When audience members need specific information to study, and to share with others, give them the complicated details in advance, or at the end of the presentation. Then, simplify when presenting.
What are some guidelines?
•Use pictures (personal photographs or high-end, online stock images) whenever possible – as long as they reinforce the message.
•Use charts and graphs to help explain trends, statistics, or any other numbers.
•Limit the bullet points.
•Use the “B” key to blank out the screen. It pulls the attention back to the speaker.
•Start and end with no slide, so you can make the personal connection with the audience.
Slides are tools – and shouldn’t be used as a crutch. Remember, they are visual aids – not presentations.
Your audience will thank you for not having them suffer a tedious “death by PowerPoint.”
Monday, August 3, 2009
Presentation Skills Pointer: Fresh Delivery Requires Preparation & Practice
I am often asked if I give the same presentation each time I present.
Although there might be a benefit to do so regarding saving time, my answer is, “No.”
Every audience I face is different, and I need to adjust my message accordingly. The material also needs to be fresh – not only updated from a current events’ perspective, but also fresh in my mind.
I have seen too many speakers who were on “auto pilot.” They sounded bored with their own message. So, how would that translate to the audience?
My method of practice is always to say the presentation out loud -- not in my head where I am eloquent. This helps me with timing, and pacing, not to mention anchoring the content in my head.
The irony is, the longer the presentation, the less time it takes to prepare.
I find short presentations – 20 minutes and under – to be the hardest.
Anyone can ramble.
To make a point hit home in a limited amount of time -- delivering it with passion and authority – that is an art.
What speaking masterpieces have you worked on lately?
For free articles, tips & techniques on presentation skills, visit the new BRODY site.
Although there might be a benefit to do so regarding saving time, my answer is, “No.”
Every audience I face is different, and I need to adjust my message accordingly. The material also needs to be fresh – not only updated from a current events’ perspective, but also fresh in my mind.
I have seen too many speakers who were on “auto pilot.” They sounded bored with their own message. So, how would that translate to the audience?
My method of practice is always to say the presentation out loud -- not in my head where I am eloquent. This helps me with timing, and pacing, not to mention anchoring the content in my head.
The irony is, the longer the presentation, the less time it takes to prepare.
I find short presentations – 20 minutes and under – to be the hardest.
Anyone can ramble.
To make a point hit home in a limited amount of time -- delivering it with passion and authority – that is an art.
What speaking masterpieces have you worked on lately?
For free articles, tips & techniques on presentation skills, visit the new BRODY site.
Monday, June 15, 2009
The Power of Video: Seeing Yourself on Tape Can Lead to Self-Improvement
I have often been asked:
•How do you deal with big egos in a presentation skills program?
•How do ensure that the people you coach connect the dots?
•How do you measure improvement when training/coaching on presentation skills?
My answer to all three questions is videotape!
Really, the only way to get a real assessment of how others see you as a presenter is to look at yourself. I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is necessary.
I’m not saying that I like to see myself on video, but, again, it is necessary.
What I have learned by being videotaped:
•I don’t smile as much as I think I do.
•I favor one side of the room.
•I make funny faces.
•My posture needs to be improved.
•And, the list goes on …
I know that sports professionals get videotaped, professional actors are taped, so why shouldn’t everyone who presents (to large and small groups) get taped as well?
It’s a great way to identify strengths and to determine what needs to be improved.
At BRODY, our presentation skills training and coaching almost always involves taping.
At my recent BRODY BOOST Camp, I hired a videographer (Rob Kates, www.professionalspeakervideo.com) to update my speaking demo and add some new footage.
What my recent videotaping experience really did for me was give me a list of the areas that I still need to work on!
That’s right, even we Hall of Fame speakers need to be open for self-improvement.
I truly believe in my own mantra that: “If you’re not green and growing, you’re ripe and rotting.”
What do you need to improve?
Remember – the best keep looking for ways to get better.
So, smile for that video camera!
•How do you deal with big egos in a presentation skills program?
•How do ensure that the people you coach connect the dots?
•How do you measure improvement when training/coaching on presentation skills?
My answer to all three questions is videotape!
Really, the only way to get a real assessment of how others see you as a presenter is to look at yourself. I’m not saying it’s easy, but it is necessary.
I’m not saying that I like to see myself on video, but, again, it is necessary.
What I have learned by being videotaped:
•I don’t smile as much as I think I do.
•I favor one side of the room.
•I make funny faces.
•My posture needs to be improved.
•And, the list goes on …
I know that sports professionals get videotaped, professional actors are taped, so why shouldn’t everyone who presents (to large and small groups) get taped as well?
It’s a great way to identify strengths and to determine what needs to be improved.
At BRODY, our presentation skills training and coaching almost always involves taping.
At my recent BRODY BOOST Camp, I hired a videographer (Rob Kates, www.professionalspeakervideo.com) to update my speaking demo and add some new footage.
What my recent videotaping experience really did for me was give me a list of the areas that I still need to work on!
That’s right, even we Hall of Fame speakers need to be open for self-improvement.
I truly believe in my own mantra that: “If you’re not green and growing, you’re ripe and rotting.”
What do you need to improve?
Remember – the best keep looking for ways to get better.
So, smile for that video camera!
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