Storytelling

It was a dark and stormy night…

Think back to the last excellent presentation you attended or watched–what do you remember?

Was it a graph, the presenter’s outfit... the free donuts?

Or, was it a story?

We tend to remember stories because they engage us emotionally. Every memorable story starts with this structure:

1. Introduction: Once upon a time, we meet a character, we get to know them, and we fall in love.

2. Conflict: Here comes trouble, an attack–things get hairy. We’re fearful of the outcome.

3. Resolution: Our hero overcomes the obstacle with better skills, perspective, and a happily ever after. Hooray!

Tip: The more nervous we get for the main character, the more we’ll remember your story. Take the personal anecdote or story you would like to add to your presentation and map it against the three stages. Can you build up some twists and turns?

If you need help drumming up some drama, shoot me an email.

Crutch Words - right?

Are you a needy presenter?

If you find yourself ending most of your sentences with “right?” you could be undermining your credibility and searching for validation in all the wrong places. The audience tuned in for your expertise and insights, not to reassure you.

The best way to ditch this habit is to determine when and why it's happening.

• If it’s during the beginning of your presentation, it’s likely due to nerves or not feeling your content is worthy. Nip this in the bud before you hit the stage by analyzing your audience and understanding what's really important to them. Then review your content. If you are taking to their needs and giving them two to three new insights then you've got a crowd-pleaser on your hands. Remind yourself of the value you’re sharing with a pre-show mantra: “This is powerful stuff, this is powerful stuff, this IS powerful stuff"

• If it happens mid-way through, you might be feeling you’re losing their attention. “Right?” won’t earn it back. Instead, throw in an audience-centered, rhetorical question that highlights the ‘What’s In It For Me?’ factor, like:  “You’re probably wondering how you can apply this…” or “You might be saying, but this is too expensive or time-consuming…”. Packing your presentation with WIIFMs will keep their attention.

• If it happens at the end of your presentation, you likely forgot to create a strong close. Prepare for and practice your wrap up. Be sure to remind them of the take-aways, and WIIFMs and circle back to your opening story or metaphor with a memorable tag line or phase. A mic drop moment doesn't end in a question, it's a powerful statement, right?

Reach out to learn more about our virtual coaching sessions.

Engage your Audience with the Rule of 3

The Rule of 3's

From the genie’s granted wishes to the bronze, silver, and gold—to the stooges—good things come in 3s.

We’re naturally drawn to 3s because they look good, sound catchy, and easily stick to our brains.

So, why do you have eight things on your agenda?

Simplify your presentation to the top three lessons we’ll learn. Let us love and absorb them. In this case, three’s not a crowd; it’s a perfect trifecta. 

Looking for more presentation insights? Connect with me.

Ready, set, go.

Engage your Audience with Relevant Information

Abstracts are for paintings, not presentations

When it comes to art, we willingly search for meaning in the abstract. When we attend a presentation, we want to learn something concrete that will make our lives better. Is your message a little fuzzy? As Bob Ross would say, let’s add some “happy little trees.” 

Tip: Tell your audience about the value you’re giving upfront. What are their key takeaways? 

• The ability to make better decisions? 

• More peaceful sleep, knowing their data is more secure?

• More money through strengthened customer relationships? 

Does it pass the ‘so that’ test?

Instead of, “You’ll learn insights about client behaviors today.”

Try, “You’ll learn insights about client behaviors so that you can drive traffic to your website and increase revenue.” 

Need help making your presentation a crystal-clear masterpiece? Email me for an honest critique.

You Lost Me at Hello

Like you, I’ve been spending a lot of time online watching, listening and learning. Attending webinars to learn new skills and listening to expert podcasts to feel more connected.

On average, most presenters don’t provide value until 5-7 minutes into their content. Why do we waste those first few critical minutes talking about ourselves, reminding each other of housekeeping expectations or starting off with a polling question that we will never reference later on? 

You lost me at Hello.

Your audiences are busy and they’re deciding whether to give you their full attention or multitask during your presentation. Here’s 3 quick tips to earn their attention early on:

1.     Skip the self-intro. In the words of Anthony Parinello, “They don’t give a hoot about you until they know what you can do for them” (Selling to VITO – Very Important Top Officer [LINK]). When we’re training, we send our bio in advance. When we’re speaking, someone else has introduced us. On Zoom, our name is in the participant list, and there’s a chance the attendees have already Googled our name to see what we’re about.

Rock your presentation and they’ll want to learn more about you.

2.     Add value right away. Let the audience know how your topic will help them have a better day. What changes can they make right now to make their lives easier, be more productive, or make more money?

Say it clearly and early on.

3.     Engage. But, really engage. If you use a poll or ask a question, acknowledge their responses and have a conversation about what they share. The audience has done their part, they’ve participated. It’s respectful and impactful to answer their questions and speak about what they care most about.

Make them feel heard and build your rapport at the same time.

If you’d like more virtual presentation tips, email me & I’ll add you to our mailing list.

What should I do with my hands when I present?

What should you do with your hands? Use them.

When we use deliberate, open hand gestures during a presentation, our tone and pace actually change to sound more engaging to the audience. So add some! Start your presentation with an open welcoming gesture to get you started with the right energy. Then look for the most important words or phrases in your presentation, and punch them up with some purposeful gestures.

Practice in front of a mirror until the gestures don’t feel awkward, then go rock them on stage.
You got this!