4.The Generation Y is 22 and younger. I think they are called generation Y because that is question they often ask “why?”. These are children of baby boomers and so far are one of most creative generations we have seen in a long time. Generation Y want to work where they are allowed creative expression, flexible approach and control over their own hours. In workplace they show little loyalty because they know they will have about 10 careers in their lifetime. They get bored very quickly and need incentive to work other than just a paycheck.

When we look at value differences at a glance notice your judgements about generational values that do not match your own. Notice we may label an attitude or value as right or wrong. This is one cause of conflict and communication breakdown in workplace. We need to build our sensitivity around understanding where a person may be coming from based on their generation. A master communicator learns to recognize differing perspectives among generations and then to come up with creative solutions that appeal to each of different generational belief systems.

Other articles or sites on topic of generations: www.usatoday.com/money/jobcenter/workplace/communication/2002-11-15 www.bbhq.com/bomgenx.htm

This article may be reprinted and used for your publication with following by-line:

Cheryl Cran www.cherylcran.com is author of “Say What You Mean – Mean What You Say” and an international speaker specializing in communication strategies for improved leadership, teams and customer care.

Ask. . . What do they need to know to do this? What do they need to feel to do this?

Then provide 3-4 points in body of your message and provide transitions between points.

3. Great speeches have great stories. Sprinkle them throughout your presentation. We delineate our thoughts visually and your audience needs to “see” what they “hear.”

4. Technology is just a tool. Do not be a master of ceremonies to your PowerPoint. It is not presentation.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

Necessity - is this visual aid going to enhance audience’s understanding Clarity – to help people understand Simplicity – PowerPoint with words – no more than five words per line and five lines per slide. Color – color enhances slide – but only use a few (we’re not talking about your kid’s 300 Crayola box of crayons) Visibility – keep it large and clear

5. Your voice is source of power. FDR, Martin Luther King, Churchill used power of their voice. Remember people need to see what they hear. Slow down, add a pause, whisper . . .use your voice to change tones, be loud or soft as needed.

6. Use your eyes – to make contact with audience. Focus on one person at a time and all other people will feel as if you are talking to them also. This will help you to connect with people and make them feel you are there for them.

7. Interact – provide your audience with short role plays or partnering exercises. This gives them an opportunity to practice what you are telling them to do. Give them an opportunity to tell someone about their challenge and get some feedback as to how to resolve it. Then they can walk out door at end of program ready to think or act differently. This is what every great speaker wants!

8. Join a fre*e Teleclass to learn how to speak like a pro on June 30, 2004 from 8-9 p.m. (EST) http://www.schrift.com eleclasses/index.htm