Speaking tips blog
Communication matters. What are you saying?
Write it out
Back in the blog saddle after some exhausting days off. Plenty of content to share, as I didn't take off from observing.Conversation and an observation lead to today's tip. Many conversations are impromptu events and can leave you grasping for content, not to mention...
Mixed messages
Was reviewing a webcast today with some folks. Interesting to see their reaction. It was postulated that it appeared that the presenters were not in sync with the slides. Since I had inside information on the preparation of the webcast, I know that that is exactly the...
Nuts
Had a realization I probably could have thought through without experiencing today. I'm a snack junkie (with the figure to show for it). Love candy. Almost always have some available to my classes. So I was doing my normal munchie thing today, and during a break...
Demos
Watched an online demo today. Perhaps few things are tougher than trying to conduct a live (it was live when recorded) demo when you can't see the audience. No feedback, just talk into the black hole. Still, the principles still apply. I heard such beauts as,...
Any questions?
Saw the same presenter handle questions in one of the best ways and worst ways I've seen -- all in the same presentation.First the good. The presenter was before a crowd that isn't gathered often, and the last time they were together was before a major change that...
Sit still
If you're on camera or on stage seated or seated in a meeting where you are exposed, stay still. Fight off the urge to wiggle/swing your leg, tap your toe, pick your nose, drum your fingers, play with the chair, fiddle with your notes, or anything else that draws...
Me, you, we, us, them, y’all
Watched a head honcho type address the troops today. Packed house indicated that there was interest in what the general had to say. There were some good things, and some not-so-good things. Coupled with last week's classes, I've got blog material for the next month.If...
Habits, seven or more
They (whoever they are) say it takes only 21 days to make a habit. I've lived a lot of 21-day periods, and thus have a lot of habits. Breaking them isn't trivial. I just finished three days of teaching and noticed three habits I'd like to break. It's usually when I'm...
Don’t talk hours in the first few seconds
Here's a thought. Customer-centric customer service.I called last night (after quitting time in my time zone) to order a product from a vendor. I knew the product -- I needed only to confirm the price and close the deal. All they had to do was answer the phone. I got...
Something to work on
Had a hearing-impaired student in my class today. We utilized a service where we call in on a conference call and a person (who was in Anchorage, Alaska!) types in everything I say and the student logs in to a web page and sees this typed text on about a 2 second...
The next point…
Back to some presentations from last week.One was list of ways to... it really doesn't matter. The presenter had 7 points to be a better... whatever it was he was talking about. Seven is probably too many points for a 20-minute presentation, or any presetnation for...
Start over
I hear this probably as much as I don't hear it, and it is a T2P2 (Top Ten Pet Peeve) of mine.Intro slide is up. Audience is seated and quiet. Speaker begins to talk. Usually introduces himself or the topic. Often advances slide deck. And utters..."Before we get...
