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Electronic Newsletter                 Issue 2007-05

 

May 2007

In this issue:  Striking Statistic, Timely Tip, Computer Clue, Group Gathering and Quick Quote

This bimonthly

e-news is made available to further the mission:

 

“To help organizations increase employee and system potential to produce results.”

 

 

 

 

 

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Providing:
Classroom Delivery, 
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and Team Building.

 

 

Copyright 2007
Shirley Lee
All Rights Reserved

www.ShirleyFineLee.com

Striking Statistic

According to The Book of Lists by Wallechinsky and Wallace, the fear of public speaking ranks above the fear of death and disease as number one in the minds of the majority of people.

 

Timely Tip

When preparing a presentation, consider using the four P’s of action to help you with your structure.  The four action P’s are:  Plan, Prepare, Practice, and Perform.

1.  Plan

  1. Consider your audience and why you are giving the presentation.  What appeals to them and why do they want to know about your subject? 
  2. How much time do you have and what type of visual aids may be relevant and usable at the location of final presentation.

2.  Prepare

  1. Start with the beginning and ending, and then add the detail in the middle that supports your strong start and end. 
  2. How can you make the presentation memorable?  Now that you know what to say, develop any visuals that may accompany the presentation making sure their flow matches the presentation.  You don’t want people fumbling with handouts or noting spelling errors when they could be listening.

3.  Practice

  1. Rehearse the presentation out loud and time yourself giving it to make sure you can get your main points across in the time allotted and that it flows well.  If not, revise your presentation.  This also gives you the opportunity to determine where to add speech emphasis, use hand gestures, or add in a pause for effect.
  2. Practice again with someone observing.  Ask the observer to give you honest feedback to improve your presentation. 
  3. If possible, plan time to practice in the actual setting for the presentation.  This allows you to find potential problems and find a work-around before the presentation.

4.  Perform

  1. Be sure you have an introduction prepared so if you are not introduced, you can give your own name and credentials. 
  2. Don't read directly off your visuals or try to memorize the entire presentation. Know your subject well and let it flow naturally. 
  3. Since you practiced, you will be confident and should be able to avoid too many um’s and uh’s, grasping the podium, or putting hands in your pockets. 

  4. Don’t forget to thank the audience for their time or make some statement that let’s them know you are closing. 

NOTE:  A form for developing a presentation plan is available on pages 12-13 of the book "R.A!R.A! A Meeting Wizard's Approach" or by emailing Shirley Lee . 

 

Computer Clue

Visuals vastly improve the chances that your audience will get the message and handouts increase retention afterwards.  Remember text-based visuals should be used to emphasize key points only, not as a replacement for talking time whereas handouts may include detailed notes or items the audience may wish to investigate later.  Also when developing visuals, consider that a picture is worth more than words. With all the great software options on the market today your presentations can be enhanced with graphs, photos, clip art and sound.

 

Group Gathering

To improve speaking skills, join a group that will allow you to practice while learning key elements of good presentation.  Also, using a evaluation at the end of a presentation is a great way to find out what people really think and get suggestions for improvement.  For a sample briefing evaluation,  check out http://www.shirleyfinelee.com/FreeForms.htm.

 

Quick Quote

"It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech. " - Mark Twain

R.A!R.A! A Meeting Wizard's Approach

BOOK SUCCESS

 

Recent book reviews and recommendations have been published by:

 

 

ISBN: 1-4196-5367-9

 

Order book on www.Amazon.com, www.Borders.com,  www.Target.com,

or thru local bookstore.

 

 

 

 

KEYNOTE

SPEAKER

AVAILABLE!

 

 

The Meeting Wizard has openings on her calendar to speak at seminars, meetings, or Lunch N Learns. 

 

Contact Shirley Lee

at 214-457-5736

 

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