When you listen to someone speaking in a monotone, how long can you last? Five minutes and most people are writing a shopping list, checking emails, texting, or simply leaving the room. Don’t be the victim of your own lifeless voice. Here are six tips that will help you effectively convey the meaning of your well-crafted… Read More »
I was working with an upper level designer for a fashion manufacturer who regularly had to present several lines of women’s fashion to the merchandising executives, her boss in design, and the president of the company. This included showing “boards” (boards with pictures of styles, swatches and other materials pinned to them) and samples of… Read More »
The other day my husband and I were negotiating the upcoming Saturday. He had a memorial to attend, I had an all-day seminar, and my son had his weekly soccer match. My husband asked if I could take our son to soccer. I said, in my blunt-New-Yorker-get-to-the-point manner that no, I could not: I had… Read More »
After reading an article that highlighted the techniques of some acclaimed conductors and which interviewed them on their craft, I saw very clearly how their skills parallel those of effective presenters. The presenter is the interpreter of the ideas, manifested in the content (words and visuals) and delivery of the presentation. He or she aims… Read More »
Do your presentations tend to wander? Are they a compilation of points and data that don’t have enough focus? Do you have a scaffold that works from start to finish? Some call it the main message, the big idea or the thesis statement. I call it your Point of View. Whatever you name it, it’s… Read More »
Last time I spoke about connecting with your audience before you even get up to speak, while you prepare the content of your presentation. This time I offer three ways to connect with your audience as you deliver your presentation. 1. Eye Contact Eye contact is the most fundamental way to connect with one’s listeners, whether… Read More »
How do you feel when a cashier has a frown on his or her face, and won’t look you in the eye? I hate to say it, but as a life-long New Yorker, I’ve experienced that too often. And it is alienating. I feel like I want to take their head and turn it towards… Read More »
The presidential election hype is in full force, but let’s look back for a minute. I came across an article I’d clipped from the summer of ’07, describing Obama and one factor no doubt partially responsible for his victory: “Unlike some candidates, Obama ‘comes across more like a common person and has an aura of… Read More »