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November 17, 2010

Concluding Your Talk

Your “Pow” Factor – Part 2

Concluding Your Talk

By Catherine Mowbray-Lorenz

Recently, I have seen some highly-credentialed and competent business speakers, with great topics, who were well prepared. However, I was disappointed in their presentation wrap up.

They actually had no wrap up. Tossing off a quick “my-time-is-up- thank-you-for-having-me” to the audience, is not the best way to leave your audiences wanting more of you, wishing to hire you or motivated to buy your products or services.

Here are 10 quick tips to provide a great conclusion for your talk. You may wish to incorporate several of these in your next presentation conclusion.

1. Tie in your concluding remarks with your “Hook Them Opening”.
2. Decide whether you want to leave your audience with an inspiration, a call to action, a quote, a motivational thought, a challenge. (Note: You will know this when identifying the purpose of your talk or the outcome you wish your audience to have, whilst outlining your initial preparation.)
3. Be cautious about dropping your vocal pitch unless it is to enhance Point 2 above.
4. In most cases, it would be advantageous to leave your audience on a positive, uplifting note. Even when I have seen former POWs speak, the pathos of their powerful stories is incredibly touching, but they still have made their audiences laugh, even through the tears.
5. If the purpose of your talk is to promote your business, your book, a product or service, do not sound too “salesy” at the end of your presentation. If you wish to offer a give-away, you may wish to carefully consider when best to do this, for maximum impact and to avoid losing your audience’s attention.
6. If you wish to appear powerful during your concluding remarks, go front and center stage.
7. Be sure to always use excellent eye contact from left to right, front and rear, especially during the wrap-up.
8. Keep your energy high! If appropriate, use music to accompany your departure off stage.
9. Have warm, gracious, heart-felt comments to impart beyond the simple words of Thank You and accompany these with a genuine smile!
10. Mention the name of the city, organization, company or group, your host, their charity, anything to personalize your appearance with them, which is appealing and memorable.

Written by in CML International, Powerful Presentation Skills 0 Comments
June 29, 2010

Adapt Good Habits When Speaking in Public

When delivering a talk or presentation do you:

· Know how to communicate competently, persuasively, with the various learning styles of the group?

· Use hand gestures, facial expressions and body language for maximum impact?

· Understand how to successfully handle nerves and anxiety?

· Connect authentically and powerfully with your audience?

· Stand and move with purpose and confidence?

If you understand that being an effective public speaker is a key component to lifetime success and especially in today’s challenging economy; if you wish to enhance your leadership abilities and improve the results in your business; then actively pursue improving your skills in this area.

Speaking in public is a valuable marketing strategy, which also complements your social media marketing. If you learn basic communication skills, you can represent yourself, your business persuasively and effectively.

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it.
 
International speaker-trainer and cross-cultural communication expert,Catherine Mowbray Lorenz sees the potential in every individual and company. Her expert knowledge and training moves possibility into profit! If you are looking for simple, no-cost easy ways to boost your sales and  improve relationships in the overseas market, get your FREE communication and presentation tips now at: www.catherinelorenz.com.
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June 26, 2010

Presenting Overseas? Watch your P’s, Q’s and Hand Gestures

Here are five basic tips to get you started and to ensure that you are well received and welcomed back:

1) Refrain from making typical American gestures anywhere while traveling. The OK sign, the index finger and thumb forming a circle, is an obscene gesture in Brazil, impolite in Greece and in many areas of Russia. In Japan it means money and in France, zero or valueless. The V for victory sign, (palm pointing away from you) or the peace sign, if reversed, (palm pointing toward you) would be tantamount to using the impudent middle finger in many countries. Slapping the fist into the palm of your other hand, is another variation of “____you” in Italy and Chile. Thumbs up in Australia is rude. Beckoning someone with the index finger curling toward you is rude in Australia and south-east Asia. Snapping fingers to get a waiter’s attention in France will result in your being ignored as an ill-bred lout. Watch how locals hail a taxi to avoid embarrassment and to actually get your cab to pull over to you.
2) The way you are received by your audience will be greatly determined by their culture, beliefs and practices. Thoroughly research the demographics, psychographics and rules for proximity, prior to your trip. Reading the local papers prior to your presentation, will give you clues as to what their international perspectives are, as well as, provide insights of their current events.
3) Print materials and your business cards in acceptable colors, utilizing their language on the reverse side. Abbreviating states, provinces, titles may result in confusion on the part of your foreign colleague. Learn how to properly give and receive business cards in Asia. Read it respectfully before placing it in your case. Carry your cards in an elegant, tasteful card case and never let someone see you write on their card.
4) Speak slowly and distinctly. Remember that your audience or colleagues may have learned English at Oxford, or in school as a third or fourth language. Your American English may not translate easily. Cultivate a form of International English, without American vernacular, sportsy phrases or slang. If you speak rapidly at home, practice slowing down your talk, so that your international audience or translators can keep up. Running words together, “Whatdayawanna do?” is not easily understood. After all of the preparation, numerous contacts and considerable expense, to not be understood would be a grave error. It is your responsibility to not be misunderstood.
5) Start in your initial e-mails by mirroring their formality, salutations and closings in your replies. Mis-spelled words do not enhance your image. Be doubly careful when using Blackberries or PDA’s to respond. Greeting someone with “Hey” may be acceptable at home, but not to your overseas contact whether writing or speaking in person.
While these tips barely touch on the barest minimum knowledge required for successfully presenting overseas, there are many resources available to bring you up to speed. Do your homework on intercultural communication, prior to your trip and you will feel confident, well-informed and be considered a well-respected world class executive.

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it.
International speaker-trainer and cross-cultural communication expert,Catherine Mowbray Lorenz sees the potential in every individual and company. Her expert knowledge and training moves possibility into profit! If you are looking for simple, no-cost easy ways to boost your sales and  improve relationships in the overseas market, get your FREE communication and presentation tips now at: www.catherinelorenz.com.
Written by in Cross-Cultural Communication, Powerful Presentation Skills 0 Comments
June 24, 2010

Speakers! The Lectern Is Not Your friend!

Many people use the words lectern and podium interchangeably. There actually is a difference. A lectern is most commonly defined as a slanted stand that serves as a support for a speaker’s notes. It often has a microphone and a light attached.

A podium is an elevated platform, as for an orchestra conductor or public speaker. However, because a podium is often requested when someone means lectern, it has become a practice in America, especially, to use the two interchangeably. You may want a lectern, but if you request podium, you may get the platform without the stand.
Remember that the lectern often has a slanted top. Because of this, we recommend placing water on an adjacent stand or table, to avoid spilling on notes or laptop.
The lectern may make a speaker feel more secure, as it can be clutched, cover up trembling knees and generally make a speaker feel more comfortable. However, it is a barrier to good communication. It prevents movement, which is used to shift energy, create a mood and connect with the audience.
Just as meeting with someone with an enormous desk between you, does not bode well for effective communication, speaking with a lectern between you and your audience is a true and energetic barrier.
Yes, you do feel and appear more vulnerable when you step away from the lectern. Many professional speakers turn the lectern sideways and refer to notes placed there with a side glance. This allows them the freedom to move around the stage. Some prefer a music stand to hold notes, which does not separate them from their audience.
Today, with great tools such as PowerPoint and Teleprompters, there is great opportunity to stand front and center with your audience and say, “Here I am! I have come to share valuable information with you, that I am passionate about presenting!”  Ah!  Be authentic, be vulnerable, but be polished. Your audiences will love you!

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it.
International speaker-trainer and cross-cultural communication expert,Catherine Mowbray Lorenz sees the potential in every individual and company. Her expert knowledge and training moves possibility into profit! If you are looking for simple, no-cost easy ways to boost your sales and  improve relationships in the overseas market, get your FREE communication and presentation tips now at: www.catherinelorenz.com.
Written by in Powerful Presentation Skills, Speak Your Way To Success 0 Comments
June 19, 2010

Attention Executive Women!

Here are 3 Quick Tips for Presenting Powerfully

1) When speaking in public, stand firmly on two feet. Create a solid foundation for your body, which will make you appear strong. Hitching a hip, wrapping legs around each other, when standing, can cause you to appear tentative and unsure.

2) Take a step with purpose, rather than being rooted to the floor, or walking aimlessly around the podium or stage. To increase energy or shift the mood, take a few steps. If your nerves are causing your knees to tremble, take a step or two and plant your feet together.

3) Use your movement to connect more powerfully with your audience. Walk toward the front of the stage to connect and if relating a moving story. Move toward a person posing a question, move back to encompass the audience while responding.

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it.
International speaker-trainer and cross-cultural communication expert,Catherine Mowbray Lorenz sees the potential in every individual and company. Her expert knowledge and training moves possibility into profit! If you are looking for simple, no-cost easy ways to boost your sales and  improve relationships in the overseas market, get your FREE communication and presentation tips now at: www.catherinelorenz.com.
Written by in Powerful Presentation Skills 0 Comments
June 17, 2010

To Be a Good Speaker….Listen well!

When watching a speaker present, how well do you listen?

Do you…

1) Tune out people with whom you don’t agree, thereby being prejudicial?

2) Form a rebuttal in your head, while the presenter is still speaking?

3) Give the appearance of listening when you aren’t? e.g texting, emailing.

4) Daydream during the talk?

5) Mentally criticize or condemn the speaker’s clothes, jewelry, shoes, hair, glasses?

6) Allow yourself to be distracted by something going on in another part of the room, or outside?

7) Jump to conclusions without hearing the presenter out?

8) Allow emotions or nerves overtake your enjoyment of the message?

Do you do some, or all of these things, occasionally, often, most of the time? Hmm…it may be time to re-evaluate your listening skills, which can positively impact your communication skills.

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it.
International speaker-trainer and cross-cultural communication expert,Catherine Mowbray Lorenz sees the potential in every individual and company. Her expert knowledge and training moves possibility into profit! If you are looking for simple, no-cost easy ways to boost your sales and  improve relationships in the overseas market, get your FREE communication and presentation tips now at: www.catherinelorenz.com.
Written by in Powerful Presentation Skills, Speak Your Way To Success 0 Comments
May 26, 2010

Calling All Women Executives and Entrepreneurs!

Speaking in public? Have a crucial presentation coming up?

Not to worry, here are 5 Quick Tips to enhance your success:

1) Are your stilettos too wobbly? Save them for your evening out clubbing. Are your earrings jangly? Wear attire that is flattering to your figure and appropriate for the audience and the occasion. As a speaker/presenter, you should always be more dressed up than your audience. Keep in mind that chandelier earrings can be a distraction and necklaces can interfere with the microphone and sound. Consider options that accessorize well and still allow for superb sound. Gaping blouse or hanging hem? Use two sided tape (www.galpal.com) and never worry about showing anything that is best left covered. Great to travel with, too!

2) Coach yourself by practicing often in front of a mirror or using a video camera. If possible have a friend video tape you, so that you can move around and use gestures and expressions to enhance your talk and minimize distractions.

3) Cultivate a pleasing tone and volume to your voice. Record yourself and objectively analyze your vocal qualities. A shrill, high voice is not pleasing to the ear. A well modulated voice with sufficient volume and varied pitch is pleasant to listen to and commands attention. Your voice is your tool and your cachet…use it effectively. If you have a strong accent, work on moderating it for ease of understanding.

4) Stand with weight balanced on both feet, to suggest comfort, power, presence; don’t cock a hip, or cross your ankles while standing. Use expansive, open, welcoming gestures, rather than closed body language. Ensure that your gestures and language support your message at the appropriate times.

5) Stride confidently and smoothly to the stage…this is not the time to make a dramatic entrance to the stage, windmilling arms, while tripping over the strap of a handbag left in your path. (I saw this happen once…showing knickers was involved!)

For more information about how to prepare for a talk, cultivate an attractive voice, or make an entrance with assurance and pose, contact CML International.

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it.
International speaker-trainer and cross-cultural communication expert,Catherine Mowbray Lorenz sees the potential in every individual and company. Her expert knowledge and training moves possibility into profit! If you are looking for simple, no-cost easy ways to boost your sales and  improve relationships in the overseas market, get your FREE communication and presentation tips now at: www.catherinelorenz.com.
Written by in Powerful Presentation Skills 0 Comments
October 17, 2009

Radio Interview

You are invited to listen to an interview featuring Catherine Mowbray-Lorenz.

Catherine Mowbray-Lorenz – BisTalk Radio Interview

Want to use this blog/article in your next ezine, article or on your website?

You can as long as you include this complete blurb with it.
International speaker-trainer and cross-cultural communication expert,Catherine Mowbray Lorenz sees the potential in every individual and company. Her expert knowledge and training moves possibility into profit! If you are looking for simple, no-cost easy ways to boost your sales and  improve relationships in the overseas market, get your FREE communication and presentation tips now at: www.catherinelorenz.com.
Written by in Powerful Presentation Skills 0 Comments