Having a typographical error, or typo, on a slide is not only embarrassing but distracting as well. Although some audiences may tolerate minor speaking blunders, very few, if any, will forgive spelling errors. Yes, we all make mistakes, but first impressions of printed errors leave many viewers unhappy. Continue reading
When you have related elements in the foreground of a chart, arrange them in a darker-to-lighter pattern from the bottom of the chart, upward. This “Earth-to-Sky” pattern is the way we view color naturally; that is, from the earth to the sky. Continue reading
The common belief is that when interacting with someone, you should always make as much eye contact as possible. This is true when you are LISTENING. You would like to appear 100% attentive, so making eye contact with the person is critical. But what about when you are SPEAKING? Continue reading
Some say the nervousness before a performance is both natural and necessary. While nature may create the feeling, it is certainly not necessary. If you can eliminate the jitters BEFORE a presentation, you will be able to deliver your message more effectively. Continue reading
Have you even been asked a question and you did not know the answer? Whether this happens to you in a presentation, meeting, phone conference, or just in casual conversation, the feeling of not being able to respond immediately can be frustrating. Well, don’t despair! Help has arrived! Continue reading
Improvisation is mostly associated with theatre, where actors create a story (sometimes humorously) without a predetermined script. To develop consistency, improvisational performers use many techniques, one of which is an exercise called “triggers and handles“. This exercise can be quite useful, especially when developing consistency among “team” members. Continue reading
We discussed using nouns, verbs and adjectives that relate to the overall theme, but the emotions of the audience are easily tapped from the use of good, powerful, one-of-a-kind adjectives! Continue reading
The element of caring is one of 21 skills preferred by audiences. One of the challenges to caring is a presenter’s use of sarcasm when delivering a talk. Continue reading
One strategy to building an effective message is to focus on the overall “theme” or “approach”. Then, make a list of NOUNS, a list of VERBS, and a list of ADJECTIVES that relate to that overall theme. The nouns support the facts, the verbs drive the action and the adjectives create the emotional intensity. Continue reading
Understanding “relationship” is critical to effective communication. We plan our actions in “relation” to others. In scripting, your relationship to a particular audience can be described in terms of the way you would normally relate to another person. In that regard, messages can be targeted effectively. Continue reading