November 8, 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. In every issue are practical tools that you can use in your very next presentation.

Don't miss 6 Secrets to Presenting Like A Pro, the third one hour event in our fall teleseminar series! It will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2005 from 5-6 PM MST. Registration is limited and ends Friday, November 11th. Sign-up now by clicking here.

This edition: 1,019 words; 2-3 minute read

Don't Laugh At Your Own Jokes
by Sara Schaffer   And Other Ways to Stop Trying So Hard
I didn’t even realize that I had done it until I listened to the recording. Suddenly, right after I told a joke I heard a strange sound. It was my own laughter. Instead of sounding funny, I simply sounded corny.

Do you laugh at your own jokes? Do you have other habits that take away from the power of your presentation? You're not alone. All of us speakers have mannerisms that can distract from our messages. So, here are 3 tips on not trying so hard so you truly Present Like A Pro!

1) Tell the joke and stop. After I realized my speaking mistake, I started to listen to other presenters and funny friends. I noticed that instead of cueing their listeners by laughing, they simply knew how to pause. When you give a laugh line, give people time to laugh in response to what you just said.

2) Don’t ask a question repeatedly. Another sign of trying too hard is a speaker who asks the same “rhetorical” question. Do you know what I’m saying? Does anyone here feel the same way? Has this happened to you? Such questions are fine once or maybe even twice in a talk. More than that, however, you start sounding insecure, redundant, and insincere.

3) Stop pacing. When we feel nervous or just intimidated by a new speaking situation, it can be easy to start pacing back and forth. Instead, decide ahead of time where you will stand at different points in your presentation. By rehearsing your body language along with your talk, you will look and feel more powerful.

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If you want to add impact and creativity to your presentations, check out the great resources at Present Like A Pro, and sign up today for our upcoming teleseminar on 6 Secrets to Presenting Like A Pro.

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Are you trying too hard in your presentations? If someone tells you that you have a habit or routine that is distracting from your message, listen to them. Don’t take such input personally. Simply apply their advice in your next talk.

Learn not to laugh at your own jokes. Also, be aware of questions that you use repeatedly as fillers in your talks. Lastly, don’t distract from your message by aimlessly walking back and forth as you speak. When you don’t try so hard, you Present Like A Pro!

Successful Spontaneous Presentations
  Observations of A Pro
I attended a writers' conference last week. It was amazing. Each day I had the opportunity to attend three workshops, one class, two general sessions and four networking events. After five days, I was exhausted and happy! I also had the chance to observe many different presenters.

The second night of the event I saw one of the best presenters at the conference.

She wasn't scheduled to be our presenter, but she stepped in when our workshop leader was delayed. She knew the original instructor would soon arrive, so she picked a short tidbit of information about writing to share with us.

As she spoke, the other gentleman arrived and politely listened to the end of her short presentation.

When she finished her brief topic, she moved into a great introduction for the other leader. With grace, she announced him. We all applauded for him as he stepped up to the lectern.

I was impressed by both the short talk she gave and the smooth transition she provided to the other instructor.

It was a great reminder that when we are called upon to speak spontaneously, we can just give what we've got. Her information was a little off-topic from the workshop, but useful nonetheless. If you are filling in or killing time, simply stay positive, upbeat and brief. Be ready to pass the baton when the time comes, but don't be afraid to share what you know in the meantime.

Also, when it is time to bring the next person in front of the group, graciously and enthusiastically introduce them. Generate excitement rather than any disappointment for the audience. Your graceful attitude and transitions will go a long way to a successful experience for everyone!

Do You Present Yourself Like A Pro?
 
New Teleseminar! 6 Secrets to Presenting Like A Pro Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 5-6 PM MST

This teleseminar is a take off of the popular talk 5 Secrets for An Outstanding Presentation. Go beyond the fundamental aspects of a great talk to discovering the more advance skills that will help you Present Like A Pro to every audience.

Sign up today! Registration closes Friday, November 11, 2005.


Register Now!
 
Special Offers
 
Need A Speaker? In addition to presentation coaching, Sara regularly speaks to corporate and community groups. Whether you are looking for something educational, motivational or inspirational, she will add humor and depth to your next special event. For booking information, contact Sara today at: 303-818-2509 or sara@presentlikeapro.com.

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 free surveys available from Present Like A Pro.


 
 

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