Presentation Skills

Talking Head presentation style is reminiscent of the college professor who began droning psychobabble in your survey course PSY 101 course and never stopped until the end of term. 300 students dutifully trooped in and out of the theatre style room TTH for a class in boredom. Many took the opportunity to do other homework, right letters home to mom and dad, to nap, or to zone out and doodle aimlessly. The point is that no useful knowledge was gained unless it was a promise to never take another course from that professor!

There is a time to talk and present information and concepts but it has to be skillfully interspersed with stories and opportunities for interaction with material and each other. Adults really prefer to learn when they can apply a presented concept to their business practices. They want to know how they can specifically take XYZ technique and use it.

Apply the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Silly) when presenting information to a group.

• Never have more than three to four points to make about your topic. 
• New knowledge must be built on old knowledge. 
• It takes time to make those links and build the connections. 

You only have a limited amount of time to get your audience’s attention and keep them engaged with the topic. Don’t waste it on talk that does not engage and motivate your audience.

Bad Presentation Techniques and How to Avoid Talking Heads and Techie Tedium Pt 1

Do you want to create a presentation to strut your stuff your next event? Are you terrified by the thought? Do you fear getting the dreadful moniker under your photo of a “bad presenter”? Hosting an event is a great way to hone your presentation skills to a willing and able audience. Here’s a news flash: There are no truly bad presenters…but there are bad presentation techniques!

Have you ever been to an event where the presenter was unprepared, bumbled around aimlessly, read to you, was a talking head or was so enamored by the technology they brought. We have all had the ‘pleasure’ of sitting through one of these at least once in our lives. You become so embarrassed for the presenter you actually want to jump in and help them out or jump out the nearest window and escape!

What are some of the characteristics of a bad presentation and what can we do to avoid them? How can we as presenters motivate our audience and encourage them to participate? What must we as presenters do to make the environment physically and psychologically comfortable in order to avoid irritating and alienating our participants?

One of the most common presentation mistakes made by new facilitators and old parochial school teachers is the Talking Head. Adults want to dig in, participate, interact, and apply concepts. To be a good presenter you need to engage the audience: Don’t read to them.

• Don’t preach to them. 
• Excite them. 
• Make them do something that gives them an opportunity to put into practice what they just learned. 

Good presentation techniques are learned through trial and error and peer feedback. Go to some networking events and see what works and what doesn’t. We are all good presenters when we have the right presentation skills in our toolbox!

5 Steps to Better Networking

Networking is an important part of modern business building. For the solo entrepreneur this is especially critical. Networking is a great way to build trust and rapport with potential customers and establish a publicly recognized presence. It is about giving and receiving and building relationships. It is a great way to make people aware of you, your skills, and how and where to find you. The following steps will help you network at your next event or gathering with confidence and poise.

Step 1 KNOW WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

What skills, talents, resources, connections, or information that you have to offer the individual members of the group. You DO bring something that no one else there has. We all have unique perspectives and experiences to bring to the event especially if you have a unique talent or years of experience. Your fellow networkers will want to get to meet you based on what you do and how you present yourself.

“Know thyself” means so much in a networking situation. There really is six degrees or less of separation. We live in a world that the connectedness is growing ever rapidly. If you know what you bring to the table and who you want to connect with you can gain access to virtually anyone!

Networking is an exercise in relationship building not an imposition on those you are reaching out to meet. It is an opportunity to:

• Share your expertise
• Exchange ideas
• Learn of educational opportunities
• Meet other experts

Step 2 HONESTY COUNTS

You must have a willingness to provide value to those who meet you. It can’t be all about you and what you are going to get out of the event. Your credibility is at stake! You must be sincere and honest when you interact with others at a networking event. Focus on your integrity and your trustworthiness will help you build a network of other people of high integrity. People can spot insincerity at 20 paces and will avoid those like the plague.

People will avoid those who they perceive as lacking any business quality of real value. You must go with a trust building agenda rather than a goal oriented agenda. Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about them. Focus on the other person and ask them why they are there and what you can do for them. If you can identify what they need you will build a lasting relationship. Ask…listen…and then ask again. Sincerity counts!

Steps 3 DELIBERATELY BUILD YOUR NETWORK

Who do you want to add to your network? What types of people and companies do you want to associate your business with and how will you focus your efforts to connect with these people? What role will each play in your network?

According to networking guru Anthony Robbins, “Successful people ask more questions, and as a result, get better answers. To maintain viability in the rapidly changing business world it is critical to build trust. A good networker knows that a real network is a two-way street of helpful relationships. It is all about Karma. You help someone and they will help you. Good things come back to those who do good.

Step 4 PERSONALIZE YOUR NETWORKING EFFORTS

Where, how, and with who will you network? What types of events do you want to attend? How often will you go? What will you irresistible offer will you make to those you meet? How will you dress? How will you present your business card? What is the most effective elevator speech you will use?

Why should anyone give you their business card? What method is most effective? What works for you?

• Elevator speech – never offer your card to someone without also delivering a sound byte on what you do and how you do it.
• One for one exchange – offer a report, article or free e-book that contains valuable information. Ask them if you can call them afterwards to follow up.

Steps 5 FOLLOW UP

Giving a follow up call demonstrates that you are a professional committed to your business. This can not only lead to new business but to great referrals which will grow your business at a phenomenal rate.

Follow up after every networking opportunity is critical to the trust process. Not only is it courteous but it impresses the heck out of people that you demonstrate loyalty and respect to everyone.

Get the most out of your next networking event. It is a critical part of doing business today whether you are a new business or one with a well established history and clientele. Go in with the attitude that you are building relationships and your are there to give more than you receive. Now let’s get out there and network!