You can’t make excuses for yourself when you’re in front of an audience. You have to do the best you can without divulging your aches and pains. There’s a tradition in show business: “The show must go on.” Actors and… Read More »No Excuses in Public Speaking
When preparing a talk, ask yourself if your audience wants to solve a problem or capitalize on an opportunity. Maybe they want to do both. Whatever the case, they’ll want to calculate the risks. Solving the wrong problem wastes time… Read More »Presentation Pointer: Second-guess everything
If you don’t want to talk about it, don’t put it on the slide. Knowledgeable people in the audience notice small details and ask penetrating questions. Less knowledgeable people lob random questions to probe for weaknesses in your argument and… Read More »Presentation Skills: Keep it simple
“Every word uttered evokes the idea of its opposite. “ –Goethe In other words, when you assert your opinion, your listeners will reflexively search their own minds for a thought that could prove your idea flawed. To take the wind… Read More »Presentation Pointer: Speak their thoughts before they do
People are more likely to like your ideas if they like you. And one way to get them to like you is to be open and honest about who you are. This does not mean you have to hold your… Read More »Personalizing is a presentation skill
You are a visual. Every move you make, every step you take…they’ll be watching you. This is good news because once you know this, you can take control of the message you send by aligning your gestures, movements, and facial… Read More »Effective Presenting: You are a visual aid.