Life is a Presentation and Passover is No Exception

I continually tell audiences that life is a presentation and that everybody is a public speaker. Here's an example of how speaking skills can impact your personal life. What to do when your wife complains your Seder is boring and your story of the Jews' freedom from bondage is as long as Cecil B deMille's movie "The Ten Commandments?" You get a coach and she doesn't even have to be Jewish.

Tired of his wife's criticisms every Passover, a man I'll call Burt, hired me to help him with his Seder presentation. Being Christian I had to do a quick study of the Haggadah,(the guide for conducting a Seder containing prayers and songs). With not a moment to waste, we got down to work.

We began paring down his story and I showed him how to tell it in an animated voice. He needed to shift from being a lecturer to an emcee. Then we created index cards with one sentence descriptions of each Seder food to be read by guests. Each of the ten plagues were also written on cards for the children to recite, followed by the refrain of a group song that each of the ten tables would sing.

The key to a successful presentation is to engage the audience. Group participation raises the energy level and keeps peple interested and engaged.

The Seder will be held on March 30th at a New York City restaurant. The Indian chef has learned to cook Jewish food with a unique blend of Indian spices. I look forward to attending the Seder and hearing the new and improved presentation.

DiResta Communications, Inc. Communicating With Impact!

Jobs, Obama Say, “Welcome To My World!

Ruth Sherman recently wrote an article for Fast Company comparing the presentation styles of Steve Jobs launching the iPad and Barack Obama giving the state of the union address. Their styles are different but they each have their own strengths. Read what Ruth had to say in this interesting article. http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/ruth-sherman/lip-service/jobs-obama-say-welcome-my-world?1264802296

DiResta Communications, Inc. Communicating With Impact!

Presentations That Lose Business. What Was Google Thinking?

Good presenters get better jobs, receive promotions, make more sales and get more business. They also build a strong brand reputation. Consider Steve Jobs of Apple.He uses the platform to launch his new products to an audience that's engaged, excited, and eager to hear his message.

Now consider the launch of Google's new Nexus 1 phone. Here was an opportunity to create buzz for the new technology with their presentation. Instead of opportunity, the company became the target of much ridicule. Why? Because of their presentation. It takes seven seconds or less to make a first impression and the visual impact was immediately negative. The presenter used an overhead projector. Why would anyone use an outdated way of presenting when they are touting the newest technology? This was a disconnect for the audience. In addition, the presenter appeared nervous and dispassionate.

When launching a new product, companies must choose the best presenters. Speakers who are confident, dynamic, and passionate sell products. The impact of the presentation was negative. News shows mocked the presentation and this affected the brand reputation.

Whether you're launching a product, seeking funding, or pitching business your communication must be congruent. And be sure to put your very best presenter forward!

DiResta Communications, Inc. Communicating With Impact!

How Long Should A Presentation Be?

I hear this question frequently. In fact, I was interviewed by WNAV-AM 1430 news talk radio in Baltimore this morning. The question about timing came up there as well.When it comes to creating a speech, less is more. The audience will actually remember more of a shorter, more concise speech.

The ability to get your point across clearly, concisely, and quickly is an advantage for any speaker. I tell my audience to always have a short version of their speech. If you have a one hour presentation, be sure you can deliver a 10 minute version. If your time is cut short, you'll still be able to deliver a powerful message.

Watch how Steve Jobs cut a 90 minute keynote into a 60 second speech. Do you remember the points? You bet.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz1-cPx0cIk]

DiResta Communications, Inc. Communicating With Impact!

Unhitch the Technical Glitch

Murphy's Law was in full effect. My associate and I conducted a live teleseminar together. We rehearsed the night before using the conference service. She did a live recording of a different class the day before and it went off without a hitch. So we knew the service was reliable.

The day of our teleseminar we hit a glitch. As soon as we started the recording feature several people were kicked off the call. A flurry of emails warned us that they couldn't get back on. While my colleague furiously contacted tech support I carried on with my part of the seminar.

What should you do when you've prepared your presentation and you still get derailed?

Take a lesson from champion ice skaters. When they fall on the ice they get up and keep going. Immediately after the call, we recorded the same content without any listeners on the line. We then sent the link to everybody who registered. We offered them the recorded call, an offer to call us with any questions, and a refund if they were not satisfied. Only one person asked for a refund. (We sent her the link anyway).

What's the lesson here?

1. Always anticipate what could go wrong and have a back-up plan.
2. Choose reliable technology. (Higher priced plans provide better service).
3. Rehearse using the technology and know that it can work well one day and not the next.
4. Keep going. Continue your presentation with the people who can hear you.
5. Do the right thing. Your reputation and integrity are more important than any profits. Your reputation is your profit center. If requested, we would have refunded every participant. Your content is only part of the message. Customer service is the REAL message.