How To Open and Close Your Presentations
Master the First And Last Impressions What are the three distinct parts of your presentation. They are the opening, body and close. The body is the major part of the presentation. The opening and close might only comprise 10 to 15% of the time, yet they are critical because they convey first and last impressions. You’ve probably heard that first impressions are important. Did you know that last impressions are also important? The last impression follows the law of recency. We have selective memory, and we tend to remember firsts and lasts. We also place more importance on firsts and lasts. What does that mean to you as a presenter? Spend more time and effort getting your opening and close right. When creating your opening and close, consider the possibility that they might only remember these two parts. If that was true, would they have received your intended message? If not, revise your opening and close. The body is the detail, the opening and close provide the motivation and the direction. Rehearse your opening and close separately so you can deliver them confidently and effectively. If you are using slides, blank the screen during the opening and closing because you want to be the focal point. You want the audience focused on you during your opening and closing so your message is received, understood and remembered. Don’t allow a slide to interfere with your messages during these key parts of the presentation. What are common mistakes you can avoid in the opening and close? What are effective techniques and specific phrases you can use? Watch for the answers to these questions in the next set of presentation tips. When you speak, create and convey the first and last impressions that support your message. Access More Presentation Skills Resources Looking For A Speech Coach? Learn More Here
How to Manage and Boost Your Confidence
Manage and Boost Your Confidence Did you know that confidence is the currency of success, yet it can be the most difficult coin to obtain? Like money, the more you have the more you get. Yet, unlike money, you can’t borrow, trade or steal it. If you experience speech anxiety or the fear of public speaking – you are normal. It is considered the most common fear. From my experience as a presentation coach, I’ve been surprised to discover that many of my clients experience that fear or anxiety. That includes people who’ve been successful in their career or business. They’ve demonstrated success yet they still feel nervous about public speaking. Why is that? One theory suggests that when we speak before others – we feel we are being judged and we believe that they can read our mind – that they can see us metaphorically naked. The reality is that the audience can’t read our mind. They can’t see within our mind cage. That’s why we need to express our message clearly in words that they understand. Consider this question: Is it more important to feel confident or to look confident? Think about that… You probably want both – to feel confident and to look confident. It’s more important to look confident. Why? Because that’s the audience perspective. If they believe you look and sound confident, they are more likely to listen to and believe your message. The key point here is that is not about you. It’s about your audience. What did they see, hear, believe and feel? That means that during your presentation you might experience those moments of anxiety – but the audience doesn’t need to know. Confidence starts by becoming comfortable with being uncomfortable. The audience doesn’t need to know about your inner doubts or anxiety. Put on a happy face for them. Believe in the value of your message. That’s why you’re speaking. That’s why they listen. It’s more important that the audience believes you’re confident than you to feel confident all the time. The momentary lapses are normal and for your information only. PS: I experience those occasional moments of anxiety and don’t let it show. Superior Presentations Tips from George TorokReceive regular tips. Register at https://toroktips.com/ Access More Presentation Skills Resources Looking For A Speech Coach? Learn More Here