"As Sanow and Lescault delve further into the heart of what makes a presentation great, they provide insight, inspiration, and a toolkit of expert advice."
-Stephen M. R. Covey, author of The Speed of Trust

If you think the only ones who need to concentrate on presentation skills are professional speakers, it's time to reevaluate your perspective.

Whether or not you are trying to speak in front of an audience, close a sale, or ace a job interview, you need to forge connections that last. This starts with presenting yourself as intelligent, successful, and likable.

Written by two expert public speakers, this guidebook delivers

• - proven tips, tools, and strategies to get your message across in a lively manner;
• - fifteen ways to keep your audience awake and energized;
• - guides to using humor, stories, and anecdotes to make your talk more interesting;
• - twelve ways to instantly improve your slideshow presentations;
• - many more proven techniques to increase audience engagement.

Whether you are speaking at a conference, staff meeting, or interview, you need a roadmap to come across as a winner. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you will be ready to master any presenta-tion situation. Learn how to Present with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz!

Present with Power, Punch, and Pizzazz!

iUniverse, Inc.

Contents

Part 1 Powerful Presentations Start with Excellent Communication.....................1Understand Your Audience First.......................................................25 Key Principles in Teaching Adults..................................................9It's How You Say It—Not Just What You Say......................................12Rev Up Your Rapport..................................................................1747 Ways to Create Lasting Connections................................................20Boost Your Likeability IQ............................................................23Meet and Greet: Conversation Starters................................................25Men and Women Do Communicate Differently.............................................28Communicating with Different Generations.............................................31Words and Phrases That Sell..........................................................35Words That Weaken Presentations......................................................38Words and Phrases to Use Carefully...................................................40Simplify for Maximum Impact..........................................................44Assume the Next Message You Send Will Be Misunderstood...............................47Manners Count........................................................................50Table Manners Also Count.............................................................53Part 2 Overcoming Speaker Anxiety....................................................55Overcoming Fear—Why We Get It..................................................5613 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Speaking.............................................59The Speaker's Relaxation Exercise....................................................64Meditation Exercise: Counting Your Breath............................................66Part 3 Preparation—The Key to Powerful Presentations...........................67Planning Your Presentation Step-by-Step..............................................68The 3-1-2 Planning System............................................................73Who Is Your Audience? Preprogram Questionnaire.......................................75A Good Atmosphere Equals A Receptive Audience........................................80The Speaker's Planning Checklist.....................................................83Impromptu Presentations..............................................................87Presentation Emergencies—What to Do When Things Go Wrong.......................89Part 4 Delivering Your Presentation..................................................93Thought-Provoking Quotations.........................................................9441 Quick Tips to Powerful Presentations..............................................10112 Most Common Problems..............................................................1047 Steps to Delivering Presentations with Credibility.................................108Are Your Presentations Boring? 7 Ways to Keep the Audience Awake.....................111What Actors Know That Speakers Should Practice.......................................113Presentation Skills Self-Assessment..................................................122Evaluation Samples...................................................................125Evaluation...........................................................................127The Introduction Sets the Stage......................................................128Attention-Getting Openings...........................................................130Keeping Their Attention..............................................................135Body Language Dos and Don'ts.........................................................146Eliminate Filler Words...............................................................147Your Voice Counts....................................................................149Tongue-Twisters......................................................................151Storytelling.........................................................................152Slides Dos and Don'ts................................................................155Handouts.............................................................................158How to Handle Questions and Answers..................................................160Dealing with Tough Situations and Audiences..........................................1627 Powerful Ways to Close.............................................................164Part 5 Special Types of Presentations................................................167What Is a Keynote Speech?............................................................168How to Facilitate a Meeting..........................................................170Deliver a Successful Briefing........................................................1768 Keys to Chairing a Successful Meeting..............................................180How to Become a Successful Master of Ceremonies......................................184Make Your Sales Presentation Come Alive..............................................187Tips for Panelists...................................................................189Presenting to an International Audience..............................................191Media Interview Dos and Don'ts.......................................................198TV Interviews........................................................................204Radio Interviews.....................................................................207Trials, Juries, and Witnesses........................................................209Webinars That Work...................................................................215Successful Teleseminars..............................................................217Winning Oral Proposals...............................................................225Persuading Investors.................................................................233

Chapter One

Understand others first before having them understand you. —Steven Covey

Everyone learns and comprehends differently based on individual communication styles. That's why one of the most essential parts of any presentation is understanding the various communication styles of your audience. The mistake most presenters make is to speak to others from their own perspective and communication style versus from the predominant style of the person or group they're addressing. For example, in a presentation to sales people, you'd want to have more humor and pictures, and less detail, than you would if you were to address a room of scientists.

To build rapport, relationships, and a connection with your audience, whether that be an audience of one or one thousand, you need to deliver your presentation with the ingredients that they find important—not just what you find important.

To determine your presentation and communication style and learn how to communicate effectively to those who have alternate styles, complete the following assessment:

1. Circle the letters from the list below that...