Compelling Speaker Updated Special Report

8/13/2019 Compelling Speaker Updated Special Report

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Table of Contents

Introduction Page 2

Overcoming Anxiety Page 3

Tips for Overcoming Anxiety Page 5

Exercises to Warm up Your Voice Page 6

Voice Tips for Success Page 7Your Speaking Body Page 9

Positioning Yourself - Your Presentation Page 11

Connecting with the Audience Page 12

Holding the Attention Of the Audience Page 14

Eliminate Unnecessary Speech Fillers Page 15

Additional Delivery Pointers Page 16

Speaking Appearance and Attire Success Page 17

Pre-Presentation Preparation Page 23

How to Successfully Prepare Your Presentation Page 25

Your Speech Starts When You Walk Into The Building Page 27

Using and Remembering Names Page 30

How to Control the Speaking Environment Page 32

How to Deal with Difficult People in Your Audience Page 34

How to Successfully Present with PowerPoint Page 36

Fielding Questions Page 37

About Caterina Rando Page 38

Sought After Speaker Summit Page 39


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Introduction

As a coach you are speaking all the time, with your clients over the

phone, when you are speaking on a tele-class and of course when

you are delivering a workshop.

In developing the Be A Compelling Speaker and Make Your

Coaching Business THRIVETo learning guide you are reading now

it is my intention to make you a confident and compelling speakerevery time. I want you to develop your public speaking ability andconfidence to the point that you not only accept every opportunity to

speak, you also seek out opportunities to speak to advance your

coaching business.

This guide will support you every time you find yourself speaking in

front of people in both your personal and professional life.

There are many times when it is important for you to get your pointacross effectively, such as when you are making sales presentations,conducting meetings or asking a question at an event. This guide has

been created to help you excel in all speaking situations.

I believe you can achieve all the success you desireand being a

confident and compelling speaker every time is one of the most

important skills you can develop to bring this success to you.

Expect Success!Caterina Rando


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Overcoming Anxiety

Anxiety is normal before a presentation, especially when you perceive

the presentation to be important. Take solace in knowing that the

more presentations you give the easier it will become to deliver

them. Take all the energy being created by nerves and use it to make

your program even more powerful.

The biggest cause of anxiety is lack of preparation.The bestthing you can do to relieve anxiety is be really well prepared: practiceyour speech, get any questions answered, get to the venue early,

shake the hands of audience members so you see you have some

friendly people in the audience.

Be sure you do not fall prey to any of these old and tired myths about

public speaking.

Public Speaking Myths About Overcoming Anxiety

Myth One

Imagine the audience in their underwear to relieve

nervousness.

The suggestion to imagine them half dressed in supposed to give you

the impression that your audience is not intimidating, while this is

goodto imagine the audience as other than they are takes your

attention off them and puts your attention on your imagination.Instead, look audience members in the eye and breathe. Feel their

support. Everyone is probably thinking, I am so glad it is youstanding up there giving a presentation and not me.


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Myth TwoAlways give a presentation on an empty stomach.

When we are nervous, our stomachs produce more acid and if your

stomach is empty this can significantly contribute to the anxiety you

feel before speaking. It can also hinder you during your presentation

as your blood sugar level may drop and your energy will bediminished. Definitely have a snack before eating however avoid

eating a heavy meal full of carbohydratesthey can make you tired

during your program.

Myth ThreeEveryone can see how nervous I am.

Usually you feel much more nervous than you look. The audience can

only see your nervousness in extreme cases. It is important to never

say anything to the audience about your nervousness because that

will only call attention to it.


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Tips for Overcoming Anxiety

Visualize

Create an image in your mind of being successful while presenting.

PracticePractice your whole presentation from start to finish. Practice until

you feel confident about every aspect of it.

BreatheWhen we are anxious, our breath automatically shortens. To relieve

anxiety consciously, breathe deeply and slowly several times beforeyour program. Take a deep breath during your program whenever it

feels necessary.

RelaxHave a relaxation image to call on when you need to calm down

imagine sitting underneath a palm tree on a white sand beach or

hanging in a hammock in your backyard. See this image in your mindand repeat to yourself I am relaxed while deep breathing.

Release Tension

When we are anxious, our muscles often tighten up. Before your

presentation to release tension and become more relaxed,consciously relax each muscle in your body. In your mind, focus on

each part of your body. Start at the top of your head, and pay

particular attention to your jaw, your shoulders, your hands and your

feet.

Move It

Always move your body around before presenting. When you are

nervous, do some stretches, and take a few moments to shake out

your hands, arms and legs.


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Exercises to Warm up Your Voice

It is important to warm up before a presentation especially if you are

presenting in the morning or after being at home alone. You want to

warm up before your speechnot during your speech. Here are some

exercises I recommend you utilize before presenting. You can do

them in your car on the way to your program or find a private room.

Name ExerciseUse these words that represent a certain part of the vocal scale.Sing each name over and over in the range indicated. This exercise

helps to expand your vocal range and give you more vocal variety

when presenting.

Violetta high range Delilah breathy medium range

Antonio low range Boris very deep range

Open Air Popping ExerciseWith your mouth wide open, breathe from the back of your throat

and make air bubble sounds. You will notice how this opens up and

warms up your throat even though it does not sound very appealing.

Consonant Exercises

Start with B and go through the alphabet (C, D, F, G, etc.)

making each consonant sound six times. This exercise is especially

good for warming up the mouth and improving your pronunciation.

Vowel Exercises

Take each vowel and make the sound last as long as you can. Then

make each vowel sound while running your voice up and down the

scale. This warms up your lungs and expands your lung capacity.


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Voice Tips for Success

Start in Your Diaphragm

Your voice is the herald that carries your message to your audience.

Your voice is the most important tool in your delivery. Use these tips

to maximize your vocal effectiveness.

Speak from down deep in your diaphragm,not up top in your throat.

Stay in the Right RangeUse a medium-range pitch, as well. Women have a tendency to go too

highand men too lowwhen nervous. Consciously remind yourself to

stay in the medium range before you start.

Projection is Power

Project your voice. Make it louder when stating your must-make

points. The increase in volume gives your words authority and

emphasis. Make sure the volume does not drop off at the end yourwords or of the sentence, this happens when a speaker is nervous.

Volume Counts

Speak loud enough to be easily heard. Fill the whole roomwith the

projection of your voice, instead of projecting only enough to be heard

by the audience. Volume adds authority to your voice makes it easier

for audience members to stay attentive.

Never Say No to the MicrophoneWhen one is available, always use a microphone. It adds even more

volume and authority. Also it allows you to take your attention off ofthe volume and keep it on your presentation.


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Project the Punch lineWhen you are saying something funny, increase your volume on the

punch line.

Go Soft for a Secret

Go to a softer, quieter volume, like a whisperwhen you want the

audience to perceive that you are letting them in on a secret, or when

you want to build suspense.

Remember to BreatheBreathe deeply and often, to give you enough "fuel" to maintain astrong projection.

Slow Down Your Speed

When giving a presentation, remember to speak slower than if you

were having a one-on-one conversation.

It is Okay to Exaggerate

To make sure you are clearly understood, with words that have a softending sound, it can be necessary to exaggerate the pronunciation ofthe word. These words often end in s or t.


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Your Speaking Body

Always warm up your voice, even when you think it will be fine. The

voice can do funny things when you are anxious or nervous, or when it

is early in the morning. You always want to do everything you can to

set yourself up for success before delivering a presentation.

Your voice, your body and how you use both are what make up the

delivery side of your presentation. To be most effective you want apresence that commands attention and holds the attention of thelistener while you presentthat is why it is so important to physically

position yourself powerfully when speaking.

Be awareof your posture when you speak. Slouching, tilting your

head and crossing your arms or legs diminishes the message and

makes you appear inexperienced.

Stand up straightand exaggerate your posture, keeping yourshoulders back and down, and your head fully upright.

Plant your feetfirmly with your knees unlocked. Have your weight

evenly distributed.

Do not cross your feet and shift back and forth, this is very

distracting. This also makes you appear uncomfortable, or very laid

back or uninterested. This is not the impression you want to make.

Do not shift backand forthfrom one hip to the other. This can be

distracting to the audience and can appear too casual.


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Do not sit for a presentation.Stand whenever possible. Move tothe front of the room. It is better to stand at a boardroom table than

remain seated. Staying seated has far less impact, and makes it

more difficult to speak well and with authority.

Keep your hands out of your pockets.This makes you appear too

casual and generally ruins your posture.

Stand still when your mouth is moving.If you wish to move

around, do it when you are pausing. Walking and talking can be verydistracting.

Move toward the audienceor away from the audience to

emphasize certain parts of your presentation.

Do not wring your hands. When you are not using your hands, let

them hang by your sides. Avoid the fig leaf stance.

Consider a warm upEven though speaking is not a sport, it is a physical activity. If youare a good speaker you use your body, move around and gesture.

Whenever possible get a walk, a run, a yoga class or whatever is

your favorite form of exercise in earlier in the day before your

speech. This way you will find that you are warmed up in your body,

you will be more agile and more physically at ease.


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Positioning Yourself - Your Presentation

Credibility is 7% words, 55% body language and 38% tone of voice.

Stand for Your Presentation

When delivering a presentation, you want to position yourself as

powerfully as possible. If you stay seated at the table, you fail to take

the authority and command of the room that goes along with

delivering a presentation. Standing also allows you to really open upyour diaphragm to assist with good projection. Additionally standingwill raise your physical vitality and allow you to be more impactful in

the room.

Take the Space

When you first stand in front of your audience, stop for a few

moments, take a few deep breaths, and take in the room. Wait until

your audience is silent. Do not begin speaking until you have

everyones attention.

Exaggerate Good Posture

Stand up straight and still when you begin. Ground yourself in front

of the room by standing in the center of your presentation space

facing the audience; with your shoulders back and your knees

unlocked. By exaggerating your posture you assist yourself with

projection and the command of the room.

Straight AheadMake sure your head is straight on your shoulders, not tilted to one

side when you speak. The tilted head gives the impression that youdo not believe what you are saying.


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Connecting with the Audience

Your ability to connect with your audience is the most important

aspect of every presentation. Your audience will forgive almost

anything if they feel you care about them and their needs, and if they

perceive you to be 100% with them. Not above them, not below

them, not on a different planet, not in your headwith them.

There are five factors involved in creating a strong connection withthe audience. They are eye contact, breathing, pausing, pacing andholding the space.

Eye Contact

When you first get up to start your presentation, take at least five

seconds to look at each member of the audience (if it is a small

group), and feel their interest and support before you begin

speaking.

When opening to a very large audience look in each direction- frontand center, to the left in the front, to the right in the front, to the

center towards the back of the room and also to the left and right

toward the back of the audience. In some situations there could be

lighting that interferes with you actually seeing the people in your

audience still you want to go through this process even when you

cannot see the people you are speaking to.

During your presentation maintain eye contact at all times with thepeople in the audience. Refrain from looking above the heads of the

audience members, or at the walls, the floor and the ceiling. Whenusing visuals, pause, look at the visuals for a moment, and then

resume eye contact with audience members. Do not give your eye

contact to your slides or drawings as if they were your audience.


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When making eye contact, complete a whole statement while lookinginto the eyes of an individual audience member. Once you have

completed your thought, look at a different audience member and

make eye contact.

Breathing

Breathe deeply and often; speak in short sentences so you are able

to breathe and project easily. Consciously extend your breath all the

way down into the groundmeaning do not take short breathes take

deep breathes that expand your belly all the way to the bottom ofyour stomach.

Pausing

Do not be afraid of a moment of silence between sentences. Pauses

are the key to holding the attention of the audience while presenting,

prefacing a response to a question, or before making an important

statement. Pauses make the audience listen harder. Pausing allows

the audience to process your last statement and stay mentally with

you. It is important to get comfortable with moments of silence. Theuntrained speaker fills this time with speech fillers or phrases thatdiminish the power of your program.

Pacing

As important as it is to become comfortable with pausing, is the need

for you to become aware of the pace of your presentation. It is quite

common that when someone is nervous they speed up the rate at

which they speak until, to the listener, they sound like a sped up

record on a phonograph with all the words coming together.

When presenting you actually want to speak a bit slower then younormally do in daily conversation. This will help with your audiences

comprehension of your words. It also adds authority and credibility.


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Holding the Attention Of the Audience

As we have discussed, to hold the attention of the audience it is

necessary to maintain eye contact, breathe deeply, maintain a good

pace and frequently pause throughout your presentation. In addition

there are a few other things to be aware of.

Holding the Space

Before you begin speaking, stand still and imagine roots coming out ofthe bottoms of your feet into the ground. Exaggerate your posture

slightly by pressing your shoulders back to open up your lungs.Imagine your energy going into the whole audience so that every

audience member can feel your energy. When you begin speaking,

move slightly toward the individuals you are looking at in the

audience. Remind yourself throughout your program to send your

energy out to your audience.

Stand in the Power PositionIn a boardroom the power position would be in the center of the

table. In a room with an audience it would be the same: the front ofthe room in the center. Be sure to stand in that spot. This means if

you have a projector, it and the screen are off to the side.

Use the Whole Space

If your speech is only a few minutes long then only speaking from the

power position is fine. When you are speaking for several minutes or

more then be sure to move around and use the whole front of theroom. When you have something significant to say move back to the

power position. In addition to using the whole space also speak to the

whole audience looking at each person in a small group and towardeach section in a large audience.


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Eliminate Unnecessary Speech Fillers

Another important factor in holding the attention of the audience and

delivering a strong program is to have good delivery. One often over

looked enemy of a strong delivery is the speech filler.

Speech fillers are sounds, words or phrases that distract the

audience, make you appear ill prepared and can send the message

that you are not fully competent.

Fillers include such as, so, like, um, and, ah, o.k. gee,

um, well, you know, anyway, its kind-a like. Using speech

fillers distracts the listener from your program and makes your

presentation less impactful.

Action to take:Listen to people give a speech or an interview on

television or the radio. Listen for the speech filler sounds, words or

phrases. Notice how they impact the effectiveness of the speaker.

Other Speech Fillers You Have Heard

Action to take:Now record yourself giving a presentation or even

having a business conversation over the phone. Play it back and hear

what you might be saying that you are not even aware of.

Your Personal Speech Fillers to Eliminate


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Additional Delivery Pointers

Always speak with certainty and enthusiasm. Certainty is the

internal belief that you have the answer, emphasized through your

speaking voice. Enthusiasm is the fun, excitement, volume and

energy that comes through your voice when you speak.

If you are not excited about your products or services you cannot

expect any one else to be. If you do not convey a sense of certaintyno one will want to do business with you.

Involve the audience as much as possible. Make references to

discussions you have had with people in the room. Ask the audience

questions, use volunteers, the more involved the audience is in your

program the more engaged they will be.

Do not invalidate yourself, even in fun. Do not put yourself down

or make self-deprecating comments. It will minimize your credibilityand does not serve your presentation.

Do not invalidate your communication.The word but

invalidates whatever thought preceded it. Replace but with and

or use the powerful pause.


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Speaking Appearance and Attire Success

Take extra time getting dressed to look your very best. Never wear

anything for the first time on a day when you are presenting.

Consider doing a test run on a new outfit you are considering

presenting in.

You want to know if it makes you hot or not, gets wrinkled easily or

not, gathers and rides up or not. You want to do everything you canto be as confident as possible when you present. Your attire supportsyour confidence on the platform when you know you look good.

Clothing Tips

Working with an image professional to create a sought after speaker

look that is consistent with your brand is always a good idea. This is

an investment in your business success. Dress for where you are

going not for where you are. If you have not had a professionalimage upgrade in the last two years it is time.

When presenting it is important to know what attire the audience will

be wearing and to dress a little better then they will be dressed.

Never dress more casually than your audience.

Men

Do not buy off the rack. You will look so much better when you have

a suit that is custom tailored. Splurge on your speaking suits toalways look great.

Custom shirts are a great idea. Make sure you are wearing a shirt

that stays tucked in. Wear a pressed shirt and pants. Consider


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weather-striping the inside of your pants at the waist. Make sure yourpants are not too tight or pulling anywhere. Take everything out of

your pants pockets before giving a presentation.

If you wear a tie, make sure it is not louder than your voice. Make

sure your shoes are shined.

Women

When purchasing a suit or outfit do consider custom tailoring. You

want to make sure your suit looks the best it can look on your body.

Make sure your clothes do not pull anywhere. Blouses without button

fronts are better so there is no risk of pulling or popping open. Skirts

should not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee. Anything too

short or tight is unprofessional and distracting.

Two Big Mistakes to Avoid

Do not wear prints, they are distracting and call attention away from

your face.

Sometimes your favorite jacket or pair of pants is ready for

retirement.Take a good look (in the sunlight) at what you plan to

wear. Is the collar frayed? Has the jacket lost its shape? Even though

you might like this piece of clothing, it is not the best selection for

you to wear for a presentation.

It may have been awhile since you wore that suit or outfit you plan to

present in. Make sure if fits well. If your clothes are pulling becausethey are a little too small, you will be uncomfortable and your

audience will be distracted.

Color Tips

Generally, light colors make you seem friendlier and more

approachable. Dark colors can add authority and credibility, although


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make sure you do not look too stern. Black can be intimidating. Wearlighter colors near your face and darker colors below the waist.

Youwant to stand out not the color you have selected. Get a second

opinion to make sure that color looks great on you and does not

overpower you. I recommend for all sought after speakers that they

hire a color professional and get their color palate created every few

years or after a change of hair color.

Shoe TipsMake sure the color of your shoes is not distracting. Your hair color isyour best neutral shoe color. Regarding your shoes, make sure they

are recently polished and the heels are well maintained. When you

are standing on a platform and your audience is seated below you.

Shoes that are not well maintained will be noticed.

For women it is important not to wear heels that are too high. More

than an inch and a half high is starting to be too high because after a

few minutes it becomes tough to maintain great posture and holdyour center.

Accessory Tips

If you wear glasses, wear the kind with a very thin, neutral-colored

rim, since wide rims can detract from the speaker.

Men

Always wear a belt or braces. Small cufflinks can be a stylish touch.

Always press your shirt and suit before presenting.

WomenDangling jewelry will distract the audience. Save the bangles and

multiple tapping bracelets for another occasion.


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Additionally, men report they find large earrings distracting onwomen speakers. Curiously, women do not find the same large

earrings distracting.

Any jewelry below your neck will distract the audience from your

face. Long necklaces and chain belts are best left for non-speaking

days. If you wear lapel pins, wear small lapel pins. Bracelets, aside

from a small gold chain, will be distracting, as will most rings other

than a simple band.

The least distracting pantyhose color is nude. Suntan, opaque andcolored hose are more distracting.

Hair Tips

Never touch your hair during a presentation.

Women

Keep your hair out of your face and out of the line of vision of theaudience. If your hair has a lot of volume, tie it back, pull it back orput it up. This also makes you look more sophisticated and

authoritative. Do not use elaborate hair ornaments. Anything you use

to pull back or tie up your hair should be the same color as your hair.

On a presentation day, use a bit of extra gel, mousse or spray to

keep everything in place and prevent frizziness.

Also, consider a haircut before an important presentation. If it hasbeen awhile, a freshly coiffed hairdo can add a little extra

presentation polish.


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MenIn the days preceding your program, ask yourself if it is time for a

haircut. Just like your mother saidwe want that hair out of your

face so it is not distracting.

An important grooming aside: get a second female opinion about

your eyebrows. Bushy and out of control eyebrows are not only

distracting they make you look older, do give them a trim if they

need it. If you are grey haired make sure your eye brows still have

some color so that your eyes pop. If not consider dyeing youreyebrows so they become the focal point of your face.

Makeup Tips

Women

Even if you do not generally wear makeup, wear at least mascara,

lipstick and under-eye concealer for your presentation. Wear neutral

shades and colors that will not distract.

Sometimes a little extra emphasis around the eyes can draw youraudience in more. Consider darkening your brows, or adding a little

more eyeliner than usual. If you are experienced with faux lashes

they can make your eyes pop for a presentation. Do not wear them

for a presentation if you have not worn them before. They will

distract you.

Put Attention on Your Speaking Suits

The week before your presentation pull out your suit or outfit. Make

sure it des not need any pressing or mending and that it is clean. Youwant to be totally confident about what you are wearing when you go

to deliver your program.


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People that present often may have one or two suits that are only forspeaking. These are known as speaking suits. They are suits that

are only worn for speaking, so they can always be ready for this

special occasion.

You may not consider yourself a fashionista or a Dapper Dan in your

day-to-day life. However recognize that your appearance is an

important part of being successful in front of the room and key to

your confidence.

Always check your hair, make up and clothesbefore a presentation.


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Pre-Presentation Preparation

To deliver a successful presentation every time, there are several

things to consider long before you ever arrive at the presentation

location. Use the following checklist to help you get the best results

every time.

1. What is your primary goal in delivering this presentation?

2. What are your secondary goals in delivering this presentation?

Establish myself and my firm as experts.

Create rapport with my audience.

Keep my audience engaged and interested.

3. What do you want your audience to know about you and yourfirm?


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4. Who is your audience? What are their values, needs andrestrictions?

5. What does your audience want to get out of your presentation?

6. What are the expectations that your presentation must exceed?

7. What gives you and your firm the unique advantage in this

situation?

8. How much time do you have for your presentation?


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How to Successfully PrepareYour Presentation

Organizing Your Presentation

Good business presentations are either informative or persuasive.

The best business presentations are both.

Step 1: Know Your Desired Outcome

Fill out your pre-presentation assessment to clarify your goals. Alsokey is clarity on how much time you have and who is in the room.

Step 2: Formulate Your Opening

When you address an audience you want to answer the questionsthat are foremost in their minds: Who are you? and Why should I

listen to you? Even if your introducer said all this, do not assume

they heard it.

Therefore open with a personal story or vignette from your businessor life experience. Many stories or vignettes can be slightly adjusted

to support any speech you are making. End the opening by stating

the primary objective of your talk. For example, You will see why our

firm is the right choice for this project or After our talk you will

have the tools you need to be effective at handling customer carecalls every time.

Things to Avoid in Your Opening

Do not open your talk by saying Thanks Bob, great to be here orThank you for this opportunity... or Basically... or I want to start

by saying... Also be sure not to start your speech with a speech filler.

You will not make a very good impression if the first word out of your

mouth is umm.


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Step 3: Preplan Your Primary Points

Plan ahead of time the points you want to make to support your

success. What are the primary must-make points you need to

convey in order to inform and persuade your audience? Do not have

too many must-make points. A good rule of thumb is to allow five to

ten minutes of presentation time for each primary must-make point.

Step 4: Gather Your Points of Persuasion

Have three to five reasons or benefits that support each of yourprimary must-make points.Use statistics, stories, metaphors, visual

images, other industry examples, other client examples and personalexperience examples to support each primary must-make point.

Step 5: Coming to a Close

When you are wrapping up, start by summarizing your main points

and then go more into your Call to Action. A call to action is telling

your audience what action you want them to take as a result of your

presentation. For example, You can see why our firm is the bestchoice. We look forward to you selecting our firm to do this project.


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Your Speech Starts When You WalkInto The Building

Get Your Questions Answered Ahead of TimeTake the time to find out all the details in advance of the event.

Where do you park, what room are you meeting in, how many

handouts should you bring or will they duplicate them for you? Of

course, find out how much time you have. You do not want any

surprises once you get there. Set yourself up for success in advanceof leaving for your speech.

Always Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue early. This way youwill be relaxed, not rushed and in a good mood. Then you can give

yourself plenty of time to park, locate the meeting room, find the

meeting planner and get yourself settled.

Connect With Your ContactAs soon as you arrive connect with whoever needs to know you are

there. Ask them if they need anything from you. Go over the agenda

with them to make sure you are both on the same page. Your contact

cannot relax until you are there. The sooner you get there and

connect with them the more at ease they will be and that impactshow they work with you.

Access Your Surroundings

Next, you want to take time to survey the room and make surepeople seated in any spot can see you and their view is not blocked.

When possible, do not hesitate to rearrange the furniture if you see it

is necessary. It is key that your meeting room is set up well to

support a successful speech or event.


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Assess the noise from outside the room. Does a window need to be

shut? Does someone need to ask another meeting room to turn down

some music? The point of all this is to eliminate all distracting noise.

Be quick to close doors and windows if that improves your situation.

Be sure to check out the lighting? Is there enough? Will you or any

audience member have glare from a lamp in their eyes? If so make

the necessary adjustments.

If you are using a projector, a screen and slides first make sure theyare off to the side so they do not take up the power position for

speaking, which is the center of the room. Then pull up your slides

and go through them. Be aware that when your slides are on

someone elses computer the words or graphics can sometimes get

askew and by going through them ahead of time you can fix any that

need adjusting.

Find Your IntroducerGo over your introduction with whoever is introducing you. Havethem practice, point out the words people usually mispronounce.

By the way always bring two copies of your introduction to the event.

It is amazing how often introducers can loose introductions between

the hallway and the podium.

As a side note, if there is someone in the audience who knows you

they are the best person to introduce you. They will do a much better

job than someone who has never met you and does not know howfabulous you are.

Meet Your Audience

When the first guest arrives or the first person walks into the room,

you always want to be set up for your presentation and 100% ready


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to go. You have checked your microphone, your product table is all

set, you know where your handouts are and how they will be

distributed. Get everything related to your presentation out of the

way so you can put all your attention on greeting and getting to know

the audience members before your speech. Now it is time for you to

put all of your attention on them.

Some speakers do not do thisbig mistake. Taking time to get to

know your audience ensures they are going to be much more open toyour message and much more engaged in your talk.

Mingle and Mix Before Your Presentation

Introduce yourself to as many members of the audience as time

allows. In a small audience, if possible, meet everyone before the

presentation begins.

Ask people questions about themselves, what they do and what do

they want to get out of the presentation. Get to know your audienceas much as possible. The more you have connected with the audiencethe more they will support you during your presentation.

Smile and Be Approachable

Sometimes when we are a little nervous before a talk we look really

serious. Even though you may be nervous before a presentation, you

want to appear calm and prepared. Remind yourself to smile, be

friendly, make eye contact and be approachable.

Have a firm handshake. Be the kind of person that leans in, makes

eye contact and extends your hand first with a big smile. Beingfriendly off the platform will give the perception of an even better

speaker on the platform.


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Using and Remembering Names

In a small group, learn the names of everyone in your audience. Use

their names if you have an opportunity to acknowledge or call on

them during your presentation.

Some studies have shown that 85% of buying decisions are made

based on the people involved and 15% are based on the product orservice involved. This means that clients buy often because of you.

Give yourself an advantage and have your audience feel more

connected to you by taking the time to learn, remember and use the

names of the people in the room. This provides a feeling of warmth,

trust and connection. This creates rapport and holds the attention of

the audience.

Remembering names is a simple skill that can easily be learned.Usually we dont remember peoples names because we did not hear

them in the first place. When we are introduced to someone we first

focus visually on them looking at and processing this visual

information. While we can see and listen at the same time, our

attention is often drawn more to the visual cues than those auditory

ones. We must make a point of reminding ourselves to listen.

To remember names, use the following tips:

Tell yourself you are going to remember the names of new people

you meet. Remind yourself to listenas you are introduced.

When introducing yourself, relax and focus on the other person's

name.


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Repeat their name back to them with, Nice to meet you, .

Make sure you pronounce the name correctly.

If you aren't sure how to spell a name, ask. This will help you

remember the new name.

Use the namein conversation in the first two minutes if the

conversation continues.

When you end your conversation, use the person's name again.

I enjoyed meeting you,_______.

Ask for a business cardso you can connect a face with a name

on the card later.

When you have a few moments before your presentations, scan the

room and repeat to yourselfthe names of everyone you have met.Continue this for a few minutes when you have the time.

The more you focus on learning peoples names the better you will

get at it. Pretty soon you will find you can easily remember the

names of everyone in your audienceif the room is not too big.


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How to Control the Speaking Environment

Your ability to control the environment in which you are speaking will

significantly impact the success of your presentation.

When you expect to be standing for your presentation have a small

table next to you,not in front of you, where you can put every-thing

you will need during your presentation.

When you are going to be seated, as in a conference room setting,

spread out your materials on the table and in front of the room.

You still want the focus on you, the speaker.

Have anything you need for your presentation right beside you,

within your grasp. When using visuals, demonstrating products or

using props only show one at a time.

Bring packets of information for everyone in the room. Pass themout before you speak, so if people are seated before you begin they

can look the info over. Passing things out during the presentation is

distracting and you often loose the attention of the room.

Remove from your presentation area any equipment, unrelated

visuals, or anything else that could be distracting and take attention

away from you and your presentation.

When presenting in a boardroom style setting, remove extra chairsso that there are no more chairs than people. Also, if you are going

to stand remove the chair from the front of the tablethe area you

will be presenting from.


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If you feel the audience's attention is more on each other than on you,ask your audience to turn their chairs to face you.

Eliminate all distracting noise, close doors and windows, and turn

off any equipment in the room. Have your introducer ask people to

turn off their cell phones.

In a small group setting, when your presentation is interrupted by

someone coming into the room, acknowledge the person and stop

presenting until that person takes a seat. Then continue.


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How to Deal with Difficult Peoplein Your Audience

One reason why it is good to meet everyone before the presentation

begins is that if people have met you, connected with you and have

created some rapport with you they are more likely to be polite and

attentive. Also, often before your program when you meet someone

they will mention to you, one-on-one, an objection they have. This

gives you an opportunity to talk to them intimately about their

objection rather than in front of the whole group.

For example, if you meet someone before a presentation and they

say that their friend worked with your firm years ago. You have timeto ask some questions and respond. This way you do not have to

have this conversation in front of the whole room.

Recognize that often-difficult people just want to be heard. If yougive them an opportunity to speak with you one-on-one, they will not

create an opportunity to be heard during your presentation.

Remember that it is up to you to control the room.

Always honor your audience. Never make anyone wrong in your

audience. Always say thank you to someone after they ask a

question or make a comment.

If people are speaking during your presentation, interrupt them

politelyand ask them to rejoin the program.


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Do not compete with your audienceyou will lose the room. Ifpeople are talking just stop for a moment until they stop talking and

then start again.

If you are continuously interrupted by a dominator, ask them to

hold that thought, or question. Tell that person you will come

back to that point later.

Direct your questions away from anyone you identify in the roomas a possible dominator.

If a dominator wants you to focus on something other than what

you came to talk about, say, I am going to continue my

presentation. I will be happy to discuss with you afterI finish.


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How to Successfully Presentwith PowerPoint

Have your projector off centerso attention will still be with you, inthe center.

Do not stand by the projectorto speak. Stand in the front and in

the center of the room.

Always leave as much light on as possible.

Stand in the best-lit area.

If you have dimmed the lights, stop between groups of slides,

bring the lights back up and facilitate discussion or questions. Your

audience is less likely to ask questions when slides are being shown.

Speak loud enough to be heard over the projector.

Set the scenefor each slide and don't say as you can see or it is

obvious.

Do not try out new equipmentwithout having first practicedwithout an audience.

Set-up and test any equipment in the room before you startand

before the audience arrives.


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Fielding Questions

Whenever you present, control the ending. Take questions before you

close. Say, Before I close, I will entertain (take, answer) your

questions. Once all questions have been answered, begin your close.

Repeat each question asked.This allows you to gather your

thoughts, lets everyone in the room hear the question, and allows the

questioner an opportunity to clarify any miscommunication.

Keep your answers simple.Do not hesitate to share any customer

examples that come to mind depending on the question.

Never bluff; admit if you do not know an answer.Tell the

questioner you will find out and get back to them.

Think ahead,what kinds of questions or objections will you get

either during your presentation or when you are speaking withsomeone one-on-one? Ask yourself this and pre-plan your responses.Aristotle Onassis was known to pace up and down the deck of his

yacht before an important meeting; he would rehearse his response to

every possible objection he could imagine.


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Now that you have good presentation skills the next step is tolearn how to come home with clients when you present.

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Compelling Speaker Updated Special Report

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