by Alan | Aug 8, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, Efficiency, PowerPoint
Walked in to teach a class today to discover that the handouts I had requested were not present, two of the notebooks had the wrong cover sheet (and were thus not distributed correctly), and the printed roster was not accurate. A prop I had used the last time I...
by Alan | Aug 7, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, Sales
Frequently in life the things that are not said carry meaning that goes well beyond words. But when action is expected from words, clear honesty is the best practice. I had a chance to spend some time with a world-reknown speaker over the weekend, and he said that...
by Alan | Aug 6, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery
Another of my TTPP (Top Ten Pet Peeves). This one is SOOOO prevalent. You’ll hear it everywhere now.Speakers who begin a sentence with, “Well, to be honest…” If you’re ever in a one-on-one conversation with me and say that, I’ll...
by Alan | Aug 4, 2006 | Communication skills, Delivery, Toastmasters
Had someone ask me today who I thought were good presenters. Having asked that same question of people who I consider to be masters of the craft, I was surprised (pleased?) to find I had the same answer — I’ve never found anyone (and certainly I include...
by Alan | Aug 2, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery
Working with a student in class last week, helping him craft and refine his message. The student was an experienced speaker, having given his keynote many times, but had come for help because he “just wasn’t satisified” with what he had presented...
by Alan | Aug 1, 2006 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, Don't!
Watched a chief address the troops. After a rather one-sided soliloquy and a tame/easy Q&A (planted?), Head Honcho ended with the statement, “I hope I hit some of the high points that you wanted to hear…” There are lots of things to hope for:...
