Tag: public speaking

4 Tips to Make Your Presentation Clear and Concise

clear and concise

presentation

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

speakers

May 22, 2015

If you’re confident by how your slides turned out and your audience still tunes it out, take a step back and analyze how you speak.It’s your job as the speaker to stimulate engagement and effectively get your message across.[sg-blog-modules module=three]Here are four simple ways to help you deliver a clear and concise presentation.

Use Precise Words

There are many ways to express one idea, but clarity shouldn’t be sacrificed for novelty.Cut down your speech while giving life to your words by using precise language. Choose words that most accurately depict what you want to convey.Note the difference in the following paired sentences:Good: “Some audiences prefer eye contact to establish strong emotional connections.”Better: “70% of audiences use eye contact to form emotional connections.”The second example gave an actual statistic to help the audience visualize what it truly meant. In the same way, let your audience know what exactly you’re talking about by giving more precise examples.

Use Familiar and Easy-to-Understand Words

Public speaking demands that the speaker is understood easily and instantly. It’s not the best time to show off your extensive vocabulary.Your audience won’t have time to check their dictionaries, so keep your word choices simple and straight to the point. For example:For example:“A ubiquitous technique among presenters is the projection of a precarious method in order to indemnify their audience’s attention.”The previous sentence is not only difficult to understand, it also makes the speaker seem highfalutin. This may cost you your credibility, so instead of difficult jargon, say “common” instead of “ubiquitous,” “risky” instead of “precarious,” and “ensure” instead of “indemnify.”

Use Short and Simply Constructed Sentences

Even the most intent listeners can lose track of long and complicated sentences.Express complex ideas by using easily understood sentences. Refer to the following statements:Good: “We are at the threshold of a crisis situation which threatens to destabilize the status quo and usher in the dawn of a new era of change.”Better: “We have a crisis at hand. This threatens to destabilize the status quo and usher in a new era.”The first example is too long-winded and confusing. The second one, on the other hand, punctuates two independent clauses and lets your listeners pause and think about each statement.

Provide Verbal Guideposts

Use verbal guideposts to signal the importance of ideas or a shift to another idea. These can come in the form of repetitions or transition signals.Repetition allows you to emphasize an important thought.Example:“Presentations conducted in person are still effective. Yes, they are still effective in terms of establishing personal connections with your clients.”This example uses repetition to emphasize the problem and add more information to the primary idea.On the other hand, transitions are words, phrases, or sentences that show relationships and suggest movement between ideas.Examples:“I have discussed the nature of the problem. Let me now discuss the solutions.”“I have come to the most important part of my presentation. Please listen well.”In both cases, the second sentences of each statement signal the start of the speaker’s discussion. Similarly, use transitions to let the audience know you’re about to discuss something important.–People’s attention spans are short. The bad news is that they’re getting even shorter. Best engage your listeners through clear and concise language.Keep these four tips in mind next time you take the stage. Good luck and happy presenting![sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“3 Ways to Cut Back Your Text-Heavy PowerPoint Slides.” SlideGenius Inc. February 24, 2015. Accessed May 22, 2015.”Cues.” Bethel.edu. Accessed May 22, 2015.”Self-Evaluation Guide after a PowerPoint Presentation.” SlideGenius Inc. Accessed May 22, 2015.Watson, Leon. “Humans Have Shorter Attention Span than Goldfish, Thanks to Smartphones.” The Telegraph. Accessed May 22, 2015.

Canons of Rhetoric: Applying Invention to Presentations

classical rhetoric

five canons of rhetoric

invention

presentation skills

public speaking

Rick Enrico

SlideGenius

speech skills

May 21, 2015

Every presenter aims to craft a powerful speech that leaves the audience with lasting impact.[sg-blog-modules module=three]The ancient Greeks and Romans were at the forefront of developing such effective speeches. Today, we’ve picked one canon of classical rhetoric to discuss how it can become the backbone of your presentation.

The History of Rhetorical Knowledge

Although the Ancient Egyptians were renowned orators, the Greeks were the first civilization to codify public speaking into what is now known as Rhetoric. It was the great philosopher, Aristotle, who introduced the basics of rhetorical knowledge. Speakers from Rome further developed the idea with further studies, which gave rise for the Five Canons of Rhetoric.These phases were: invention, arrangement, style, memory, and delivery, these canons serve as principal outlines for designing a persuasive speech.Let’s focus on the rhetoric of invention.

What about Invention?

Roman scholars Cicero and Quintilian described invention as the process of developing and refining your argument. In the twentieth century, researchers reinvented it, considering it the most crucial process since it sets your message’s direction.Does science come to mind when you see the word “invention?” This canon is a presentation science that you can use for smoother speeches.Invention controls the whole idea of your main discussion. It lets you classify your key points so you can deliver the right spin required for each idea.Doing research streamlines your thoughts automatically.

Applying Invention

When planning your persuasive piece, the invention phase is the start of your main idea. It’s like devising a new gadget where you need to collate facts and perform research collectively.We’ve listed a few of Aristotle’s rhetorical topics to help you form your arguments:

Comparison

Comparison comes after you’ve identified a specific issue to discuss. This is the stage where you can use playful language. Get the message across by using figures of speech like metaphors, similes, and even analogy.

Cause and Effect

The cause and effect relationship has been around for decades. Use this to establish a strong stand for your arguments, while also persuading your listeners to accept the whole idea.

Circumstance

The great thing about circumstance is that lets your audience determine what’s possible and impossible. Complement your argument with a realistic appeal by drawing facts and testimonies from reliable sources.–The rhetorical canon of invention offers a great framework for organizing your thoughts. If applied correctly, you’ll have fewer worries about delivering your speech with a more persuasive and effective lens.Start your presentations right by mastering invention using the rhetorical way.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“Cicero’s Classical Canons of Rhetoric: Their Relevance and Importance to the Corporate Workplace.” Maryvican.worpress.com. April 23, 2008. Accessed April 29, 2015.”How to Organize Your Ideas with a Presentation Storyboard.” SlideGenius, Inc. September 1, 2014. Accessed April 29, 2015.”Improve Your Presentations with the Power of the Metaphor.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 17, 2014. Accessed April 29, 2015.Newbold, Curtis. “How the 5 Rhetorical Canons (Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, and Delivery) Will Make You More Persuasive.” The Visual Communication Guy. April 6, 2015. Accessed April 29, 2015.McKay, Brett & Kate. “Classical Rhetoric 101: The Five Canons of Rhetoric – Invention.” The Art of Manliness. January 26, 2011. Accessed April 29, 2015. Featured Image: “Hades and Persephone” from wpclipart.com

How to Maximize Eye Contact for Presentations

audience engagement

emotional connection

eye contact

persuasion

public speaking

Rick Enrico Blog

SlideGenius

speech communication

May 21, 2015

A study from the University of Pennsylvania revealed that 70% of non-verbal communication is based on body language.Among other forms of body language, eye contact plays a significant role in building a deeper connection with acquaintances, friends, and strangers. This proves that eye contact is an important part of interacting with other people.[sg-blog-modules module=one]

Eye Contact in Non-Verbal Communication

We often forget how much our eyes contribute to our daily interactions. In most cases, we’re unaware of how our gaze can make communication more powerful and effective.The eyes are the most expressive parts of the human body. We can determine someone’s inner thoughts or feelings by just looking at their eyes.Conveying positive emotions and confidence is essential for any effective presenter. This works the same way for your audience. Eckhard Hess, an American psychologist and ethnologist, discovered that the our pupils dilate when we are interested in a conversation. If the pupils contract, it shows disinterest. These, in a way, gauge how effectively you can establish rapport and persuade the audience.Here are further reasons why eye contact is necessary:

It catches attention

People lose interest if they sense a lack of passion from the presenter. Once you’ve successfully established eye contact, show them that you’re confident to stand and talk in front of them. They’ll become more attentive and interested in your pitch.

It engages the audience

Speech coach Patricia Fripp writes about the positive effects of eye contact. According to Fripp, not only is it effective in convincing people, it also boosts self-esteem, another crucial factor in delivering a winning pitch.If you conduct business presentations, establishing stable eye contact makes the audience feel that you’re interested in them, allowing you to build trust and rapport. Make them feel that they are involved in their presentation.

It makes a good impression

Great presenters avoid looking at their notes while speaking, letting their audience read and understand the message by making eye contact.Your audience’s first impression of your performance can either increase or decrease your credibility. Doing well makes them understand that you are knowledgeable and confident.

How long should you maintain eye contact?

Leadership trainer Dan Rockwell advises presenters to keep eye contact for at least three to four seconds per person in each group.If you’re discussing something that’s related to your subject, know when to pause so they can catch up to the ideas you’re highlighting.–It takes practice to master eye contact.Learn and practice this technique to achieve your audience’s expectations.Since the eyes convey your emotions, you need to give off a friendly yet confident impression for your audience during presentations.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“Build Emotional Connection Through Good Eye Contact.” Patricia Fripp. 2009. Accessed May 21, 2015.Hess, Eckhard H. “The Role of Pupil Size in Communication.” Sci Am Scientific American 233, no. 5 (1975): 110-19.”Power Your Presentations with These Body Language Tips.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2014. Accessed May 21, 2015.”Presentation Tips: 5 Easy Ways to Establish Your Credibility.” SlideGenius, Inc. November 04, 2014. Accessed May 21, 2015.Rockwell, Dan. “Secrets to Great Presentations.” Leadership Freak. June 18, 2014. Accessed June 21, 2015.

4 Ways to Gain Self-Esteem Like a Presentation Expert

building self-esteem

presentation anxiety

public speaking

Rick Enrico Blog

SlideGenius

speech skills

May 18, 2015

As a presenter, you must speak confidently no matter how large your audience is. Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself.It not only gives higher levels of confidence, enhanced initiative, but also overall pleasant feelings—all essential for a successful marketing presentation.If you don’t feel up to the task every time you have a pitch, here are four ways to improve your self-esteem like a presentation expert:[sg-blog-modules module=one]

Engage in Self-Affirmation

You won’t get far if you continuously bring yourself down. Instead, highlight your strengths and recall your positive qualities.It’s healthy to remind yourself of your successes, big or small. Inevitably, you might self-criticize and blame yourself for past failures. You can’t erase these experiences, but you can learn to handle them positively.Focus on how much you’ve changed or are willing to change to improve yourself.

Seek Out Nurturing People

Seek out people who make you feel good about yourself. Build on their optimism and ask for their constructive advice for self-improvement. Avoid people who find fault in everything.Disassociate with people who compare themselves with others. You won’t achieve your best with unfair comparisons. Look for people who support you and appreciate your skills as a better gauge of your worth.

Set Realistic Expectations

Being successful, even with minor tasks, builds self-esteem. Holding yourself to ridiculously high standards only leads to disappointments and lowers your confidence. A project’s failure is not your failure as a person.Treat these moments as opportunities for further self-improvement.Even successful people have experienced failure. Look at failures positively and constructively instead of as excuses to never try again.

It’s Okay Not to Be Loved by All

It’s a common error to assume that successful people are universally loved.It wrongly makes you pander to everyone, when not everyone can possibly like you.There’s no person in the world who’s loved by everyone. In a large enough group of people, you’ll inevitably meet someone who thinks differently from you or dislikes you. This is perfectly acceptable.–The longer you’ve been struggling, the harder it is to kick the habit. But with enough dedication and patience, it’s perfectly doable.A professionally-designed PowerPoint gets the best out of your marketing presentation.Contact our PowerPoint specialists and we can offer you a free quote.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

Baumeister, R. F., J. D. Campbell, J. I. Krueger, and K. D. Vohs. “Does High Self-Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Healthier Lifestyles?” Psychological Science in the Public Interest 4, no. 1 (2003): 1-44.”Dig into Your Presentation Audience’s Key Learning Styles.” SlideGenius, Inc. May 8, 2015. Accessed May 18, 2015.

Three Powerful Ways to End Your PowerPoint Presentation

communication

presentation delivery

presentation ending

public speaking

Rick Enrico Blog

SlideGenius

May 18, 2015

How you end your PowerPoint presentation is as powerful as the first few minutes of your speech.Calls-to-action let you leave the room on a high note, but as leadership trainer Bruna Martinuzzi suggests, there are other ways to close your discussion with a bang.[sg-blog-modules module=one]Most presenters end a PowerPoint with a “Questions” slide, adding unnecessary length to your deck. Instead of doing that, consider these to create an effective final statement:

Cite a Quote

Cite a relevant quote that resonates with your key message. Never underestimate a quotation’s ability to positively reinforce your audience. To motivate your listeners, consider specific industries and appropriate personalities when quoting. Turning to quotes that aren’t suited for your pitch might dampen your credibility.For example, something on marketing efforts can come from a notable business person.An example of an appropriate statement for such a presentation would be: “‘Word-of-mouth marketing has always been important. Today, it’s more important than ever because of the power of the Internet,’ according to content marketing pioneers, Joe Pulizzi and Newt Barrett.” But a similar quote from actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger would sound out-of-place.Choosing to end on a quote can either move your audience or tune them out, depending on what you use and who you cite.

Use Videos

We can’t deny the power of videos in effectively engaging audiences. They’re ideal for highlighting a reel that demonstrates who you are, what you do, and how you can make their lives easier. This creates a strong connection and immediate impact, especially for viewers who prefer visual data.A combination of audio and visuals also contribute to better information retention, getting your message across, and wrapping up your pitch in an interactive way. You get to take a break from the discussion’s information-heavy part.

Practice Humility

A touch of humility works well in influencing your audience. It ties back the points you’ve made in your PowerPoint slides while generating sympathy from your audience.When you make an outstanding claim, contrast it with humility for a good ending.–Your audience’s positive response relies on a dramatic ending statement. Pick a strategy that creates a huge difference in your presentation’s overall impact and success.Whether it’s citing a quote, using videos, or practicing humility, the choice is all yours.As presentation design experts, SlideGenius can help you achieve the perfect pitch that leverages your message from beginning to end. Check out our portfolio for some of our recent projects.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References:

“Frank Sinatra: Make Your PowerPoint Presentations Sing.” SlideGenius, Inc. May 12, 2015. Accessed May 18, 2015.”How to Spend the First 3 Minutes of Business Presentations.” SlideGenius, Inc. May 6, 2015. Accessed May 18, 2015.Martinuzzi, Bruna. “12 Ways To Nail Your Presentation In The Last 30 Seconds.” American Express. Accessed May 18, 2015.

Using Inclusive Words to Connect During Sales Presentation

audience engagement

communication

inclusive words

presentation tips

public speaking

Rick Enrico Blog

SlideGenius

speech training

May 18, 2015

Apart from creating an effective PowerPoint sales presentation, a powerful way to connect with your audience is to use inclusive words. More than content, visuals, and performance, your listeners want you to show that you care about them.[sg-blog-modules module=three]According to keynote speaker Kristin Arnold’s book, Boring to Bravo, inclusive pronouns such as “we,” “our,” and “us” create a lasting connection with your audience, making them feel included in your speech. Instead of using “you” and “your,” incorporate inclusive words to indicate that they’re part of your presentation.

Turning “You” into “We”

Help your audience understand that your goal is to connect with them. As public speaking consultant Steven D. Cohen suggests, “You must solve this problem” differs from “We must solve this problem.”The former indicates that your audience is solely accountable while the latter signifies that both you and your audience are responsible, making them realize that you can work things out together.

It’s All About Them

It’s normal to worry about how you look while performing or how your pitch will compel audiences to purchase your product.The entire speaking engagement isn’t about you. It’s all about them. They must know if you’re addressing their needs rather than your own. Make them see that you’re not selling at all.

Understanding Their Beliefs and Interests

Before writing your speech, learn your audience’s background and culture. This is why audience analysis is important. Your pitch’s content should be relatable to each group of individuals.Make your pitch sound more conversational and add a personal touch to capture their attention faster. Telling your own stories helps them relate to what you’re saying, making them more interested in your speech.

Listen and Adjust

To show that you care about your audience’s needs, observe their behavior while delivering your speech.Since you’re in control of the entire presentation, focus on your audience rather than yourself. If you takeIf you take time to listen, you can adjust your technique while speaking, depending on your audience’s reactions. This prevents you from losing their interest and ending your performance ineffectively.–Inclusive words make your presentation more powerful and engaging, connecting you with your audience in a way that keeps them interested and convinces them that you value them more than anyone else.If you want to learn more about making appealing presentations, SlideGenius can help you out to address this concern.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References:

“4 Types of Audience Members You Need to Present For.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2013. Accessed May 18, 2015.Arnold, Kristin J. Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve and Inspire Your Audience to Action. Austin, TX: Greenleaf Book Group Press, 2010.Cohen, Steven D. “It’s All About the Audience.” University of Balitmore. Accessed May 18, 2015.

What Makes an Effective Presentation Expert Voice?

communication skills

Powerpoint

public speaking

Rick Enrico

voice projection

May 13, 2015

Your PowerPoint is only one thing—a visual aid to help you explain your message. Don’t skimp out on improving your main presentation tool: your voice.Let’s get into the different important characteristics of an effective presentation expert voice, and how to best improve each of them.[sg-blog-modules module=one]

Audibility

An audible voice isn’t necessarily loud. Audibility is being heard with little effort from your listeners. Adjust your volume to the particular speaking situation. You shouldn’t use a deep, booming voice in a private conversation, nor should you whisper at a public speaking event.Practice to get to the perfect speaking volume. Try speaking in front of three different groups: one of fifty, one of eight, and a single person. This trains your voice for different audience sizes while also building your confidence.

Pleasantness

According to marketing guru Jim Joseph, your tone of voice can greatly affect people’s perception of your brand. A voice that is resonant and well-modulated is pleasant, while a high-pitched and raspy voice is unpleasant.Speak in your most audible yet relaxed voice, neither sounding too strained nor bored. Get constructive feedback from friends or family members. Alternatively, record yourself speaking and note problem areas for improvement.

Fluency

Fluency refers to language’s smooth, easy, and effortless flow, which you can achieve by speaking at an appropriate rate. You can also do this by using pauses.Your rate of speaking depends on the ideas you’re discussing.Slow down when emphasizing important points, and speak a little faster through your speech’s more routine parts. A pace that’s too slow bores an audience to sleep, while a ridiculously quick pace exhausts and tunes out your listeners.

Flexibility

Flexibility refers to variations in vocal qualities to express different moods, emotions, and meanings, including pitch, volume, rate, and quality.Use what you’ve learned from the previous characteristics and put them all together in various ways for each presentation. Rely on experience and personal judgement to adapt to different situations.

Conclusion

Even the best-designed slides can’t talk directly to an audience.It’s still your responsibility to communicate with them. Don’t neglect your most important communication tool and pave your way towards consistently successful presentations.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References

“Engage a Disinterested Audience Like a Presentation Expert.” SlideGenius, Inc. May 5, 2015. Accessed May 13, 2015.”Fluency: Concepts and Research.” Big Ideas in Beginning Reading. Accessed May 13, 2015.Joseph, Jim. “Your Tone of Voice Can Boost or Bruise Your Personal Brand.” Entrepreneur. May 28, 2014. Accessed May 13, 2015.”Your Voice Is The Most Valuable Presentation Tool.” SlideGenius, Inc. January 27, 2015. Accessed May 13., 2015. Featured Image: “The Voice” by Ed Schipul on flickr

Sales Presentation Skills: Stay Relevant to Pitch Ideas

persuasion

presentation q&a

public speaking

Rick Enrico

May 11, 2015

The best speakers are at the top of their game because they stay relevant to their topics and audiences. They know who they’re talking to and what to say to keep listeners hooked.This is why their slides are impactful, and why their body language and manner of speaking captivate and encourage audience participation.In his article in Marketing Magazine, Interbrand’s Chuck Brymer notes leading brands in the world such as Coca-Cola, Apple, Starbucks, and BMW, which utilize the technique to staying relevant.They reap profit because they maintain a deep understanding of their consumer base and keep up with what happens in their lives. They also make use of simple yet innovative ideas in their advertising. By keeping up with their customers, these brands always make messages that people can relate to.Presenters can apply this principle to their sales presentation skills using three important tips:

1. Shared Beliefs Connect You to Your Audience Faster

One important factor in connecting effectively with other people is an exchange of shared beliefs. Make a mental list of the right words, tone, and emotional triggers to use so you can connect with others better.Do your clients specialize in manufacturing and distributing sports goods? Use action-oriented content and designs, then incorporate the core message of either seizing the moment while you can or finding satisfaction in breaking your physical limits.Are your clients a tech-oriented company? Maybe you can bank on a common objective of providing devices that make people’s work easier and more productive.Regardless of the industry, you need to know your audience in order to adjust your sales presentation skills accordingly.

2. Connect With Them on an Emotional then Rational Level

Understanding the people you talk to gives them a sense of empathy. After making this connection around a similar set of experiences or ideals, rationalize it by citing concrete examples.Look at Nike: their “Just Do It” tagline sells to everyone regardless of age, gender and occupation. This message connects with their intended customers since it reaches out to them on an emotional level.

3. Know the Right Questions to Ask

Involve your listeners in the discussion. Work with what you learn from the people you speak to so you can give a relevant presentation. Stay updated with information relevant to them and more importantly, it gives you information that you can translate to relevant PowerPoint content to use either now or in the future.Renowned author, Jim Aitchison, cites the Kaminomoto hair restorer ad campaign’s discreet tone worked because the ad agency realized that their customers didn’t want to be reminded of their baldness.They preferred an ad with a message that only they would understand. Their execution included random objects with hair growing out of them and a tagline that read “Be careful with the Kaminomoto”.

Conclusion

Your audiences are human just like you. Each person grows and learns new things while refining their purchasing standards (or investing in pitches in the presenter’s case).To connect with them and convince them of your ideas, form an emotional connection to reach out and effectively sell your ideas. 

References

Aitchison, J. (2004). Cutting Edge Advertising: How to Create the World’s Best Print For Brands in the 21st Century. Singapore: Prentice Hall.”A Presentation Expert’s Guide to Knowing the Audience.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2015. Accessed May 11, 2015.Brymer, Chuck. “WHAT MAKES BRANDS GREAT?” Marketing Magazine. Accessed May 11, 2015.Just Do It. Nike. Accessed May 11, 2015.

The Simplest Way to Sell Convincing Investment Presentations

models of communication

Nike Shox

persuasion

public speaking

Rick Enrico

May 11, 2015

All successful presentations depend on how well you convince your audience. You can use presentation techniques such as relating to common ethics, simplifying your pitches and following a three-part structure to your advantage.[sg-blog-modules module=one]The one secret that connects all of these is an understanding of the most basic models of communication.These basic communication models have three things in common:

  1. Sending a message (in this case, your pitch)
  2. Receiving/understanding it (on the side of your clients/audience)
  3. The noise or factors preventing others from properly interpreting your message

Once you familiarize yourself with these three, you will be able to compose more specific and understandable messages for your audience, regardless of the presentation technique you use.According to brand specialist Carmine Gallo, a great way to practice this is making your topic short enough to fit a Twitter headline. This strips your pitch into a concise statement that guides the rest of your presentation. It also keeps your audience grounded on what you want them to hear and see.

The Communication Model

One of the most basic models of communication was developed in 1948 by Claude Shannon, a mathematician and electronic engineer, and his co-author, Warren Weaver. From a presenter’s point of view, the sender is the speaker giving the pitch, the channel is the PowerPoint deck, and the receiver is the audience.During the decoding process, the receiver translates the message into mental images or symbols that make sense to them.Your audience needs to visualize exactly what’s in your mind. When structuring your message, the words and images that you use should show exactly what you’re thinking.For instance, if you want to pitch the idea that Nike Shox helps you jump higher (Aitchison, 2004), center your topic and your investment presentations on that specific idea

Watch Out For Noise

In their work, Looking out/looking in, Adler and Towne identify another component of this model: noise.While not limited to disruptive sounds, noise includes anything that prevents you from properly sending your ideas to your clients. Poorly constructed and text-heavy PowerPoint slides, a sloppy manner of speech and cluttered image layouts all contribute to noise. Prevent these problems by keeping your message concise and grounded on a specific main idea.If the Nike Shox ad was presented with technical explanations and scientists in a lab, would it be as effective as Vince Carter jumping over Gary Payton and his huge wig?

Feedback

Since pitches have a Q&A part, your audience can and will react with their own feedback.This ranges from clarifications on your costs, the implementation of your proposal to praises and sometimes, negative feedback.Clients may object to your proposal because it goes against their current corporate strategies, costs more than what they plan to invest, or simply because the pitch was not properly explained.Remember that regardless of the feedback, addressing it properly can give your clients the impression that you have thoroughly composed your pitch and solidified it enough to answer any concerns.–This basic model forms the basis of all investment presentations.As long as messages are built around a clear and specific idea, any presenter will be able to successfully deliver their messages while minimizing the amount of negative feedback.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References:

“Ad Agency Tricks: Outsell Competitors in Sales Presentations.” SlideGenius, Inc. 2015. Accessed May 11, 2015.Adler, R., & Towne, N. Looking out/looking in (2nd ed.). New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1978.Aitchison, J. Cutting Edge Advertising: How to Create the World’s Best Print For Brands in the 21st Century. Singapore: Prentice Hall, 2004.Nike Shox. TV Ad.”Communication Models.” Tutorialspoint. Accessed May 11, 2015.

Presentation Ideas from Ancient Greece: Explaining Ethos

Aristotle

ethos

improving presentation skills

On Rhetoric

public speaking

May 08, 2015

Whether it’s due to democracy, free speech, or delicious Mediterranean dishes, Ancient Greece was the center of human culture and thinking.It’s no surprise that most models of interpersonal communication improve upon that era’s important building blocks.[sg-blog-modules module=three]

The Building Blocks

In his book, On Rhetoric, famed Greek philosopher Aristotle laid down the three pillars of rhetoric: logos, pathos, and ethos.Logos is persuading by means of reasoning. It’s an appeal to the audience’s logical side. Pathos is persuading by means of passion, appealing to the audience’s emotions.Ethos is convincing by means of character, projecting an impression that you’re someone worth listening to. It’s regarded as the most important element of rhetoric.

What is Ethos?

Because it’s considered the most valuable pillar, let’s focus on Ethos for now. Andrew Dlugan of Six Minutes shares that audiences base a presenter’s trustworthiness based on their ethos.The way they carry themselves and speak in front of a crowd reflects their credibility and truthfulness. While a person’s ethos can’t be measured, it’s very effective in terms of persuading people to listen to your points.Just think of it as how much your audience feels that they should listen to you. This affects how much patience they’ll have as listeners, and how well you can get your message across.However, don’t let people’s first impressions dictate your performance. Increase your perceived credibility by focusing on ethos’ important aspects.

Enhance Your Ethos

Stay Composed

Audiences are less engaged if you’re nervous or anxious.People can easily detect obvious symptoms of anxiety such as stammering, unnecessary interjections (uh’s, um’s and er’s), fidgeting, shaking, and shuffling speech notes.These signs of an unprepared or unqualified speaker distract your audience.

Sociability/Extroversion

Extroverted speakers—friendly, likable, and outgoing—hold more credibility. They command more attention and influence while listeners tend to be more skeptical of people who seem timid, less animated, and less talkative.Engage your audience by looking warm, friendly, and approachable when taking the stage.

Look Good

The status generalization theory, which has been confirmed by scholars such as Linda Jackson, John Hunter, and Carole Hodge, suggests that more attractive people possess a higher level of competence.This doesn’t mean that only beautiful people are believable. Anyone can be physically attractive, given the right strategy.Improve your personal appearance with appropriate grooming, proper hygiene, and flattering wardrobe choices.–The Ancient Greeks didn’t have access to the important visual aids that we have now, but they honed their public speaking skills to freely express themselves and properly govern their city-states and colonies.Build on their knowledge to get presentation ideas and improve general communication skills.[sg-blog-modules module=two]

References:

“Avoid These Filler Words When Writing for Your Presentation.” SlideGenius, Inc. July 02, 2015. Jackson, Linda A., John E. Hunter, and Carole N. Hodge. “Physical Attractiveness and Intellectual Competence: A Meta-Analytic Review.”Social Psychology Quarterly 58, no. 2 (June 1995): 108-22.Rapp, Christof. “Aristotle’s Rhetoric.” Stanford University. May 02, 2002. Accessed May 8, 2015.”What Is Ethos and Why Is It Critical for Speakers?” Six Minutes. Accessed May 8, 2015″Presentation Ideas from Ancient Greece: Pitching With Pathos.” SlideGenius, Inc. September 4, 2015.