Persuasion takes time and repetitionMinds can change after hearing a single presentation, but more often, it takes significant pre-work and follow-up to convince your listeners to take action. You may have a great story or metaphor that makes your idea “sticky,” but to really change behavior, you may have to think about extending the metaphor. Read more
“Isms” ensure you are remembered and quotedWe all have our favorite sayings. I have a friend, Doug, who says: “Even a blind squirrel can find an acorn sometimes” when talking about someone who just got lucky. It wasn’t skill or ambition – just dumb luck. I have come to know this saying as a Doug’ism. I always quote him when I use it. Read more
Rich descriptions really bring the point home in business communicationWhere can you learn to be a better business presenter? Maybe at a music concert?
Madeleine Peyroux, the French American singer/ song writer could teach us a few things about business communication. From a structural standpoint, Peyroux’s aim as a writer involves: Read more
5 Questions to answer to help you connect with your audience
Even the most tenured presenters receive challenging requests to speak. Just such a request came to me several months ago. I was asked to speak to a large group of consultants on the topic of leading successful sales operations teams. The challenge – this is a firm that has written and published more than five books on this subject! Read more
5 rules for storytelling that apply to any business presentationHas it been a while since you went to the library to personally hear a fairy tale read? Probably, that’s kids stuff isn’t it? Albert Einstein said: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales.” This could also apply to adults Read more
Listen to your customers – a skit helps a presentation have maximum impactHigh impact presentations are the ones people are still talking about weeks later. At a recent sales conference, I witnessed such a presentation. The success secret: use a skit to capture the audience and improve your powers of persuasion. Read more
How to write a presentation – where to begin?You need to write a presentation – the logical question? Where to start? Even the most experienced presenter runs up against this. Is it writer’s block? Probably not. You just need a new way to start. Getting the creative juices flowing today may be completely different than it was yesterday. Read more
Key to giving memorable presentationsWhy do we remember some presentations more than others? Better presenter? More interesting topic? Good visuals? Yes, all could contribute, but a good story told with heart is key to helping your listeners connect with your message. Read more
How to communicate well – know your audienceMost communication gurus will tell you that you need to know your audience before a presentation. However, the big on-stage presentation is not an everyday event. In fact, everyday meetings and one-on-one conversations require heeding the same advice. It’s also important to think about the regional diversities that exist across a globally connected community. Read more
How to become a strong communicator – collect stories and factoidsI have a friend who says, “Good wine, good friends and good stories go together.” I would put some good food in that mix also, but I agree. I have a group of former co-workers who make it a priority to organize a trip at the beginning of every year. In January or February, we trek off to a land of rolling hills covered in grape vines, rent a big bunk house for everyone and explore the area in search of good stories. Read more