Welcome
For those of you who missed it in my email last month I have included an
updated version of a cartoon, which I hope you enjoy (see below).
As I mentioned in my last newsletter I have been getting more involved
in social media. My
blog is
up and running. My most popular entry so far is about the latest
Mercedes adverts and the power of telling stories.
I have also started a new Twitter based service that provides a
presentation tip every day to those who follow me. You can follow
here.
Finally, I have also slightly reorganised my web site so that all the
hints, tips and articles that I have written are all available from the
one page, the free
presentation hints and articles page.
By making all this information freely available my only hope is that
people still feel the need to come on my presentation skills
training/coaching days.
The A to Z of Effective Presentations article in this issue is dedicated
to the letter "W". "W" is for Way you say it, Water and
Walking.
Yours
sincerely,
Graham Young
+44 1276 502257
Upcoming Courses
Upcoming Effective Business Presentations courses include:
As always courses are limited to 6 people, so you may need to be quick
to ensure your place.
For more information or to book click on your preferred location above.
George really changed after that presentation course.
The A to Z of Effective Presentations
In
previous newsletters, which you can access
here,
I have covered A to V , so now it is the letter "W". In this issue "W"
stands for the Way that you say it, Water & Walking.
W
is for the Way you say it
'It ain't what you say it's the way that you say it. That's what gets
results.'
Hopefully, if you have been reading my newsletters for a while you have
realised the truth in this statement. While it is true that the words
you use are important, far more so than the 7% quoted by some
presentation trainers, the way that you say those words can have far
more impact.
Here is a little exercise for you.
Everyone knows what the word 'Yes' means don't they?
Surely, it is just a positive acknowledgement. But in everyday
conversation, we use the word 'yes' to convey a lot more than just that.
Try saying the word 'yes' to mean the following:
·
Yes - I agree
·
Yes - If you say so
·
Yes - I'd love to
·
Yes - Do you understand?
·
Yes - Tell me more
·
Yes - That's surprising
·
Yes - I'm really not listening to a word you say
·
Yes - No
No doubt, you can think of even more meanings behind the way the word
'Yes' can be said.
As you can see, the way we say a word has a big impact on its meaning.
Normally everyone knows what emotions to use to get their message
across.
The problem comes when we cut out the emotion in our voice while we try
to sound serious, relaxed, business like or what ever other "hat" you
put on when you give a presentation. You need to let the emotions and
passions through so that the audience gets the full meaning behind the
words that you use.
V is for Water
Have a jug of water and a glass available to you, but do not be tempted
to drink unless it is really necessary. Having a dry mouth is one of the
normal signs of nervous tension, but if you drink the water, you will
find that your mouth tends to get dryer and then you will want to drink
more and more. You are far better sucking a mint before you stand up to
talk and leaving the water alone.
It is of course wise to have a drink to hand in case you start coughing
or to act as a temporary diversion while you gather your thoughts to
answer a question.
V is for Walking
When you have the opportunity, before you present, go or a walk on your
own, this will help you clear your mind so you can concentrate on the
presentation and the exercise will also help your body handle the flow
of adrenalin.
In general, taking some exercise half an hour or so before a
presentation will prepare your body for the event. It will make you will
feel more energetic and this will come across to your audience.
When giving a presentation from a stage don't stand behind the lectern,
walking around the stage. Move purposefully about the stage addressing
different parts of the audience from different positions.
|
