Ever wonder why you remember some presentations and not others? It could be because good speakers do more than just address what you hear. They address what you see. Here are 3 hints for making the visual part of your speech memorable: Make your photos BIG on the screen. It’s easier to get an emotional reaction the crowd when you monopolize their visual space. Think like Steven Spielberg. Your audience is used to not just good…but GREAT…visuals. Use close up photos. Wide shots are useful but your audience might miss what you really want them to notice. Use videos. Millennials expect action.
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Posted by Jean Palmer Heck in Good and Great Speeches, Heck of a Blog, Public speaking. Leave a Comment
An attendee at one of my presentation skill training sessions told me the thing he knew he must change: his facial expression. Because I video each speaker, he got a chance to see what his audience saw–that he looked pained and uncomfortable up in front of a group. Frown lines were apparent. What kind of message did that send to his audience? It gave them the impression that he really didn’t like spending time with them and sharing this information. However, that was not the case at all. He did feel confident that he knew his information well. He liked his colleagues. But his facial expressions and body language did not echo that. Whether or not you like being in front of a group, you must make the audience sense that you are comfortable with your information … and yourself…and them. If not, they won’t think you are a credible speaker. In any case, my advice is the same. Think about what your audience sees when they look at you. A smile goes a long way to help you appear more approachable. If you have the chance, videotape yourself when you make a presentation. You may be surprised at the message you send.
Continue reading "Enjoying your own speech"
Posted by Jean Palmer Heck in Heck of a Blog, Public speaking. Leave a Comment
Gone are the days when speaking publicly meant only that–speaking. Today’s audiences expect your presentations to include visuals that elicit emotions, give direction, clarify hard to understand concepts, and are easy to look at and comprehend. Graphic artists can do amazing things to make your words come to life. Another way to WOW your audiences is to use videos. Here is Part 1 of a series I shot to demonstrate how to shoot good videos your audience will want to watch. Enjoy.
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Posted by Jean Palmer Heck in Public speaking, videos. Leave a Comment
If you are one of the dozens, hundreds, thousands, millions of people who dread public speaking, you know that knot-in-your-stomach, sweat-soaked feeling is nothing you can wish away. The more you speak in public, the easier it gets. To speed up your learning curve and overcome your fear of speaking, there are specific techniques you can use. Here is a video highlighting public speaking tips that can be used in your next presentation.
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Posted by Jean Palmer Heck in General articles, Public speaking. Leave a Comment
Do you get the chance to speak in front of an audience that is made up of people whose native tongue is not yours? If so, you may get the chance to have a translator for your presentation. Here is a great article from a colleague of mine, Alan Stevens, who is a media relations guru and crisis management specialist from London. He is currently speaking in Beijing, China, and has these tips for working with a translator: If you speak regularly, there’s a good chance that at some point you will speak to an audience that doesn’t understand your language, so you may require a translator. The most common type by far is simultaneous translation, so allow me to offer you a few tips. Send your slides at least a week before the event Include presenter notes with the slides you send, so the translator can prepare Use words on your slides (even if you normally don’t) Meet the translator before your speech Slow down Be very careful with humour Talk about global issues and brands Everything will be translated, including your asides to the organiser You may need access to translation during the Q&A Always thank the translator. You may need them again one day Also, bear in mind that you may not be able to deliver as much information as usual. It’s more important to ensure that your audience understands one point in detail rather than several points in outline. Lastly, I always supply a text summary […]
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Posted by Jean Palmer Heck in Public speaking. Leave a Comment
