Presenting with a PartnerWritten by Mike Faber
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Record your task and segment assignments and keep them handy as a reference during presentation. Make sure you have a back-up plan in case you need to make changes at last minute. Years ago, I presented a leadership development class to a group of 20 professionals. The final video case study was a real tearjerker, a plant manager who poured his heart and soul into his work and his employees. He literally cried on camera as he spoke of his devotion to his work force. With a riveting introduction, I popped videotape into machine…and saw a blank screen! It turned out that last video segment had been deleted from presentation! My back-up plan was not well prepared, and I ended up acting out final video as though I were on stage. My audience was amused, though probably not impressed or educated! Since that "surprise", I've made a habit of double-checking my resources and material beforehand, and outlining for myself what I'll do in event that things don't go according to plan. In case of my missing video, I should have had a brief summary of video's key message handy, so that I could encourage group discussion to bring out learning points.
Mike Faber is a professional coach, helping people improve their sales and public-speaking skills. Mike has 25 years of experience as a television and radio broadcaster, and spent the last 17 years in financial services sales. At the end of 2004, Mike left a large San Francisco-based investment firm, to start his own coaching practice.
| | Four Golden nuggets of Effective ListeningWritten by Eric Plantenberg
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Ask clarifying questions. Many times what we think we heard and what speaker intended to communicate are two different things. By jumping to conclusions or making assumptions, we frequently guess wrong. Often times people find that while they are thinking about meaning of past comments they are missing what person is currently saying. If you are not sure you understand what person said, make sure to ask a question or two that will clarify their comment. This should be welcomed by whoever is speaking, as it shows you are both listening AND interested in truly understanding what they are saying. Realize that much of communication is non-verbal. It is equally important to listen with your eyes as it is with your ears. By making good eye contact with speaker you will pick up much more of meaning behind what is being said. Facial expressions, hand gestures, and body language all play a vital role in understanding full message. By actively watching person speaking, you will also show your engagement and give them more confidence and energy in what they are saying.Mastering art of listening certainly doesn't happen overnight, so be patient with yourself while you are putting your new skills to test, enjoy process, and as always…. Be FREE!
Eric is president of Freedom Speakers & Trainers, www.deliverfreedom.com & an instructor & personal coach on memory, goals, attitude, time management & communication. He is a national know memory trainer that has worked with thousands of companies to enhance their memory. He is co-author of Winning The Name Game, an at home study course that teaches individuals how to remember the names of everyone they meet. www.winningthenamegame.com
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