June 28, 2005 Present Like A Pro Newsletter
Inspiring You to Discover, Develop, & Delight in Your Strengths
Greetings!
Welcome fellow speaker! This weekly newsletter from Present Like A Pro is here to provide you with on-going tips and inspiration as you develop your skills as a speaker. Every issue includes practical tools that you can use in your very next presentation.

A speech should not just be a sharing of information, but a sharing of yourself. -Ralph Archbold, American Speaker and Entertainer

This edition: 1,038 words; 2-3 minute read

Make It Meaningful - Part 2
by Sara Schaffer   How to Keep Your Presentations Real
I had gotten goosebumps several times, laughed, cried, and taken notes. I had just heard the great Patsy Clairmont talk about the early years of her marriage and lessons from her life. The entire arena of fifteen thousand women were on their feet with grateful applause for many minutes after she shared her heart bravely and plainly with us.

Have you ever heard a talk that touched you deeply? On the other hand, have you listened to a speaker who gave you theory but no practical application? Theory can be intellectually satisfying, but without any real life experience attached it can be hollow. Here are 4 methods to make your talk real as you Present Like A Pro!

1) Create a backdrop. When you give a talk on any subject, develop a context for your listeners. We learn by attaching new information to our current knowledge. By setting the scene for your presentation, you make it readily meaningful and relatable for your listeners.

2) Give personal examples. If you find yourself giving a lot of dry information or theory, consider what story or personal anecdote you can add to humanize your talk. Tell your listeners an everyday story that will make your talk more cordial and interesting.

3) Use metaphors and similes. Some people can use similes as easily as they walk down the street. Others of us need some help to come up with relevant analogies. It is worth the time, though, to develop images and colorful descriptions to help our listeners get the most out of our message.

4) Teach with a story. Some of the best speakers tell a string of meaningful stories and finish with a simple closing remark. Look for everyday experiences that can translate into teachable parables. Develop your story telling ability so that these lessons are clear to the listener without a lengthy explanation.

****************************************

Are you inspiring and motivating your audiences? Working with a Presentation Coach immediately adds more power and impact to your presentations. Read about the difference it made for these clients in their testimonials. Then, contact Sara for your complimentary consultation at 303.439.4014 or sara@presentlikeapro.com.

****************************************

Do you dispense information or offer inspiration? I often say that it's important to remember that you are the presentation. Add your own personal touch by sharing stories and your life experiences. Give your listeners an opportunity both to think and to feel within your presentation.

To make a talk meaningful, it first needs to be relevant to your audience and then real from you. Consider some of the best presentations you have heard. You may not recall all of the content, but you most likely remember what you felt. When you make your presentation meaningful by giving it a personal touch, then you Present Like A Pro!

It's Okay to Talk to The Walls
  The Power of A Well-Prepared Presentation
If it's true that talking to the walls means that a person is not quite in their right mind, then those of us who do public speaking will just have to be okay with that fact! Rehearsing a talk out loud is a key factor in delivering a meaningful and truly powerful presentation.

Last year I began to speak with a new organization. To become an approved speaker, I had to submit a script to them of my speech written out word-for-word. Once I was on their speakers list, I naturally started getting calls to be the keynote at various events.

Before the first one, I talked to my walls for two days. I had written the words, but that was very different from saying them. As I practiced, I tried out different vocal inflections and gestures. I walked around the living room visualizing my audience laughing at my jokes and crying at the touching stories. I rehearsed and memorized both the content and my delivery.

The following day, I arrived at the event. When it was time, I got up to speak with nothing between me and the audience. I didn't say it perfectly word-for- word, but it went well. They laughed and cried, and I connected with my listeners.

I greeted everyone at the door as they were leaving. Many people shared encouraging remarks, but one woman stood out among them. In her late seventies or early eighties, this elegant woman shook my hand, smiled, and handed me a note. As I read it later, I was deeply touched by the fact that my talk had given her new hope in her life.

There are many factors that go into a truly powerful message. One of them is how prepared you are to speak. Preparation comes not only from research and writing, but ultimately from rehearsing. Practice your delivery to discover the most effective inflections, body language, pauses, etc. And remember, it's okay to talk to the walls!

Tell A Friend
 
Do you find these newsletters helpful and interesting? If so, please share them with a friend or coworker. You can send the email with a personal note by simply clicking here.

Spread the word and tell someone else about Present Like A Pro today!


 
Special Offers
 
Do you work at Ball Aerospace? If so, you can receive Presentation Coaching as part of the training offered by your company! Find out more at the TLC website. Just click on the Other Development link to get to the coaching corner.

Visit our website to view previous newsletters and to find out more about the new free surveys available from Present Like A Pro.


 
 

Contact Information

Join our mailing list!

Present Like A Pro | 100 Apache Road | Evergreen | CO | 80439