Lecturing from the Lectern

Most people love to hide behind the lectern.. It makes them feel more secure. The only reason speakers should use a lectern is to hold notes.
Here are a few guidelines to make the lectern work for you.

Don’t lean. Create some space. Step back six to twelve inches from the lectern so that you can’t lean against it.

Stand up straight. Slumping posture will create a sloppy appearance.
Anchor your feet shoulder width apart and stay grounded. If you sway back and forth, you’ll look like a metronome. You don’t want to put people to sleep with hypnotic movement.

Prepare the lectern in advance. Place a glass of water underneath it. Position your notes for maximum readability.
Get familiar with any dials or buttons. Know how to turn on the reading light. Adjust the microphone. You don’t want to fumble with the panel.

Don't staple your notes. Place your manuscript to the left. Slide the top page from the left to the right. This will prevent the noisy flipping of pages.

Gesture high and wide. The lectern is a barrier. If your gestures are waist high, your audience won’t see them. If you don’t use gestures, you’ll appear stiff.

Push your energy. You’re not entirely visible and you’re reading your notes. So increase your vocal variety and enthusiasm. It may seem exaggerated to you, but it will sound just right to the audience.

Step to the side of the lectern. Don’t stay glued behind a wall of wood. Begin your presentation by stepping out in front to make your opening remarks. Then step behind the lectern to begin your speech. Find places where you can come out once again by telling a short story or giving an example. This helps you to connect with the audience.

Adjust the lectern for height. In some cases you may be able to request a special lectern if you’re very tall or very short. If you're shorter than 5 feet three inches, you may want to stand on a platform behind the podium to give you added height. Another option is to use a table podium.

Don’t make the lectern a barrier between you and your audience. Practice these principles for a polished presentation.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

The Hierarchy of Presentations

I like this posting by Seth Godin.

A presentation is a precious opportunity. It's a powerful arrangement... one speaker, an attentive audience, all in their seats, all paying attention (at least at first). Don't waste it.

The purpose of a presentation is to change minds. That's the only reason I can think of to spend the time and resources. If your goal isn't to change minds, perhaps you should consider a different approach.

1. The best presentation is no presentation at all. If you can get by with a memo, send a memo. I can read it faster than you can present it and we'll both enjoy it more.
2. The second best presentation is one on one. No slides, no microphone. You look me in the eye and change my mind.
3. Third best? Live and fully interactive.
4. Powerpoint or Keynote, but with no bullets, just emotional pictures and stories.
5. And last best... well, if you really think you can change my mind by using tons of bullets and a droning presentation, I'm skeptical.

A presentation isn't an obligation, it's a privilege.

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2009/04/the-hierarchy-of-presentations.html

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Empowering Women to Breakthrough and Speak Out

I was a guest along with a great work-life expert Kathy Caprino, on a fabulous show: Live with Lisa! Radio – hosted by Lisa Wexler. The engaging discussion focused on the issue of women and reinvention, career transition, and speaking up with power. As a communications consultant and author of Knockout Presentations, I've seen how women sabotage their leadership and success by the way they communicate. Women, more often than men, tend to take fewer risks, wait for perfection before taking action, and speak with less conviction and authority.

It's clear that once women learn what confidence looks like, sounds like, and how to speak the language of confidence they gain greater respect, get promoted, and increase their salaries.

Click here to listen to the interview:

http://www.livewithlisaradio.com/

The show will be rebroadcast on Saturday,August 29th at 10:30 EST.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Create a Knockout Opening

Your opening and closing are extremely important. You have 30 seconds or less to grab attention. Here are a few ways to begin your speech:

* Startling Statement - This could be a statistic or statement that immediately gets them to sit up and focus on the topic. Shock appeal is more effective in persuading the audience to understand the seriousness of your position.

* Surprising Action - Do something unexpected. Act clumsy when using technology. Then regain composure and ask the audience for their reaction. Drive home the point that your platform is easy to use and you will avoid looking foolish when you use technology that works.

* Humor - People love a good laugh. It relaxes them, makes them feel good, and breaks the ice. Don't tell jokes unless you are a really good joke teller but do use humorous statements and anecdotes.

* Purpose Statement - This is a direct way of letting them know your point. This opening technique is a good choice when there are time constraints or when your audience has a short attention span. For example, "In today's presentation, I am going to explain the four styles of leadership and why you must think of yourselves not as managers but as leaders."

* Begin with the End - Occasionally, you may start with your conclusion and then build your case taking them from beginning to end. By starting with the end result or bottom line you capture attention and can lead them to your way of thinking.

* Ask a Question - The speaker begins with a rhetorical question that makes the audience think. When posing a question make sure it is meaningful to the audience. Otherwise it will have little effect.

* Quote - A well-known quote can colorfully introduce the point you want to make. This is especially effective for business presentations when you want to acknowledge an industry leader or in house expert. You will need to skillfully weave the quote into your topic.

* Visual aid - Visual aids can be very effective in focusing attention. Cartoon strips work well as do thought-provoking pictures or props.

* Personal Experience - This technique builds good will and creates a connection with the audience. It helps you relate on a personal level. Many comedians take every day personal experiences and exaggerate them. The audience can relate because they have experienced it.

* Anecdote - A short story is a powerful way to open or close a presentation. An anecdote or story can help to lower the listeners' defenses. Stories draw the audience into the content. But the story must lead into the presentation topic quickly or the point will be lost.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

How to Present at Tradeshows

Tradeshows are show business according to Susan Friedmann,the tradeshow coach and author of Meeting Planning for Dummies and Riches in Niches. "People need to prepare. They think miracles are going to happen just because they are there. You need a specific purpose." Friedmann poses these questions: Do you want to get new customers? Are you looking for new leads? Are you there to educate your target market? In addition to having a clear purpose you must have a quantifiable measure of your goals.

"Beware of trick-or-treaters" warns Friedmann."These are people looking for freebee items." She provides the perfect remedy for avoiding visitors who are not serious prospects. "Offer items that are related to your business such as a white paper or tip sheet. Only the people who are really interested in what you have to offer will take them,"she explains.
The biggest mistake in tradeshow presentations is that people don't know why they are there. Companies send their employees to the exhibit without any training. This is why you'll find exhibitors on cell phones, reading, or eating in the booth.
Friedmann says,"You are on display! When you're in the booth you're an actor on the stage. You have a role to play. She trains companies to be successful exhibitors but will also do phone coaching for small businesses.

Another issue is getting traffic to the booth. Friedmann reiterates that this is due to lack of planning. "To attract people you need a pre-show campaign. Send postcards prior to the event. Give customers and prospects an incentive. Show or tell them something new. Target quality visitors. When it comes to tradeshows, it's quantity not quality." You can qualify prospects using a letter system. On the back of the business card write a letter A for a hot lead (ready to buy), a B for an interested lead, etc.
Friedmann's number one tip for tradeshow success is Know clearly what you want!

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Get Set to Podcast

Setting the stage is not limited to conferences and theaters. If you plan to start podcasting your message,you don't need to visit an expensive recording studio. But you'll need to set up a studio from your home or office. Matthew Ebel, a musician and podcaster, presented tips at Boston podcamp.

First, consider the room shape. Ideally, you'll want to start with an empty room. He recommends rooms with high ceilings to reduce echos. Wall-to-wall carpeting will prevent the sound from bouncing. A walk in closet is an ideal venue for your studio.
Keep in mind that windows and doors will allow sound to seep in. Add curtains to windows, install bookshelves and add tapestries to the wall. This will absorb sound.
To reach Matthew visit matthewebel.com/

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

The Power is in the Follow Up

One of the most overlooked practices in business presentations is follow up.
Speakers spend so much time preparing (pre-work) and delivering the message, yet they forget to complete the process.
You can wow them from the platform but as soon as they lexit, your message may be left at the door. To reinforce the message, follow up with an email or phone call. Leave them a card with a few of your tips.

If you speak to market yourself, the power is in the follow up. Most people will not call you. It may take several contacts before anything happens. I spoke in 2003 at a networking breakfast. In 2004, someone from the audience called me to do business. Why not in 2003? They didn't have a need.

In April of this year, I sat next to someone who had been at the same 2003 event and remembered me. She asked if I did presentation training. I stayed in touch through emails, phone calls and lunch. In August we are going to run some seminars for the company.

Follow up is relationship building. This is especially true in networking. How often do people take a card and do nothing? Some networkers meet once and if nothing happens they move on. Success is not transactional. Success is about relationships.
Building the know-like-trust factor takes time. It's not about you-it's about them.
Focus on what you can do for others and follow up.

To create a followup system try this amazing tool http://www.creativefollowup.com

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Business Presentations: What I Learned At The Paul McCartney Concert

On Saturday night I went to the Paul McCartney concert at Citifield, the new Shea Stadium. The doors opened at 5:30. The time on the ticket was 6:30. The warm up act didn't play until 7:30. Warm up act? Hardly. There was a 45 minute intermission before Paul came on stage. Even thought the group from Dublin was good,the energy fizzled and was sublimated into fries, hotdogs and beer. The lesson? There was no flow to this event. The reason was obvious. All that down time is planned so that people will buy food.
And yes, Paul was amazing and the crowd rocked. But overall, I wasn't impressed by the event planning at Citifield. There was no build up. The energy waxed and waned. I was bored waiting for the main event.

Presenters need to understand the importance of staging. A presentation,like a concert is a performance. Just like a rock concert is not a ballgame, not all presentations should be staged in the same way. Speakers need to think strategically about their purpose, the outcome, the mood, the tempo, and the energy of the event. The person who introduces the speaker is a type of warm up act. Do they create excitement and anticipation or do they speak dispassionately?

If there's too much time between networking and the main event, the audience gets restless. If you're Paul McCartney you can transcend poor staging. But for most of us, when it comes to presentation performance, it's all about energy and flow.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Business Presentations: Your Voice is Your Brand

This morning I called Sue Levine of CTS Travel 800-726-2757 x 113 to book my business trip. When I spoke to her on the phone she greeted me excitedly like an old friend. She said, "Hi Diane! Your voice mail says exactly what you do. Your tone is so upbeat and outgoing. I thought Wow! She doesn't have to use any promotional material because she spoke her message." Sue continued, "If I were looking for your service and heard your voice mail you'd be my number one choice. I could imagine you as a speaker. People must sit there listening to every word you say. In 35 years in the travel business, I can fathom from the voice and words what people and saying and not saying. And most voice mail is voice jail."

This was the first time I ever spoke to Sue. Talk about impact!

She got me thinking about a speech I gave last week on Presenting Your Brand. Even though the voice is 38% of the message in face-to-face communication,on the telephone your words and voice are 100% of the message. Yet, how often do we hear inappropriate personal voice messages, dispassionate tone, or garbled, rushed speech? What's the impact? A negative impression. We spend so much money on promotional materials and resumes to create a positive visual brand only to lose business because of an ineffective voice message. Your VOICE is your brand.

To hear my voice mail message call 212 481-8484 x312.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Speaking Skills for Women

In May we offered a public seminar for women to empower them in the way they present themselves. Today we successfully brought the program in-house to a new corporate client. Why a program for women? Generally speaking, women tend to take fewer risks, are perfectionists compared to men, speak more tentatively, and exhibit some unique behaviors that can undermine their credibility.

Speaking Skills for Women addresses fear and blasting through false beliefs, understanding the look, sound, and language of confidence and how to project authority and confidence. As a guest speaker, I've spoken about Creating Confidence: Ten Ways Women Sabotage Their Communication in the Workplace. Audience members told me that they learned practical tips that they could use immediately.

Speaking is a critical success skill and I believe everybody can be successful once they have self awareness and start to wear the uniform of confidence.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

What Sarah Palin Can Teach Politicians

Sarah Palin shocked her constituents today as she gave an unexpected resignation speech. She didn't read a teleprompter. She didn't have a script. What she did do was speak from her heart. Whether you love her or hate her, the woman knows how to connect with an audience. She began by talking about her love for the people and state of Alaska. Her passion was genuine. She sustained eye contact as she spoke of both her accomplishments and challenges. Her language was straightforward and her message was clear as she shared her proud moments and her pain. There was no hesitation-just conviction. While some believe her premature resignation is career suicide, few doubt her ability to draw future crowds with her speaking ability. People find her candor and direct, folksy style a refreshing contrast to overly packaged politicians. The pen may be mightier than the sword but authenticity is the new competitive weapon.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

To Touch Or Not To Touch

What do we communicate through touch?

Haptics is the study of contact cues. How frequently we touch, the intensity of the touch, the type of touch and who we touch, sends a distinct message.
With communication being 93% non-verbal, touching can speak volumes in the way we present ourselves.

In business presentations, the first haptic message is the handshake. Is the handshake a tight grip or a weak contact? Do you shake quickly and withdraw, is it a full handshake, or do you hold on longer than you should? The first example communicates nervousness or resistance, the second example is appropriate, the third example may be construed as sexual. If you grip and turn the hand over, you're trying to show dominance.

Where you touch is important. The safe zone is from the hand to the elbow.
A pat on the back between co-workers shows friendliness. A pat on the head is condescending.

How often you touch can reveal the nature of the relationship. Frequent touching indicates intimacy. It could also reveal aggression if it's finger poking or pushing.

Who you touch can signal hierarchy. The CEO might put a hand on a subordinate's shoulder but the subordinate would not touch the CEO.

People who are "touchy feely" may be perceived as warm and approachable or they may be seen as intrusive if the recipient is a person who doesn't like to be touched.

Realize that touching is communication. And like all presentations the type and frequency of your touch depends on your audience.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

To Win Business It Takes a Team

The World is changing at warp speed. According to Richard Saul Wurman of Information Anxiety, ‘

The Persuasive Power of Words.

You may have heard the communication study that cites words as only 7% of the message.Well, that doesn't mean your words aren't powerful. A good speaker uses words to create pictures, evoke feelings, and persuade an audience.Think about it.
You don't persuade your listeners by pantomiming a message unless you're playing charades. An audience is influenced by your words. In direct mail marketing there are certain words that will increase the response rate. Words such as free, gain, results, money, guarantee are well known "selling words."

But now there is a single word that has been identified as so persuasive that when you use this word you will gain a 50% increase in the agreement to the requests you make of others.

According to the book, Yes!: 50 Scientifically Proven Ways to Be Persuasive by Noah J. Goldstein, Steve J. Martin, and Robert B. Cialdini, that single word is....because.

In experiments of people asking to cut ahead of others in line, the person would say "Would you mind if I get in front of you because...."
In most cases people would comply with the request. Even with flimsy excuses such as "because I have to make copies," people honored the request. Following the word because is a reason.
So whether you're speaking one-to-one, to a large group, or to the media, don't just ask for what you want-give a reason and use the word because.

Be a persuasive communicator. Call 212 481-8484 x312.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

7.5 Million Americans Have Trouble Using Their Voices.

For immediate release DiResta presents at The Voice Foundation

Philadelphia, PA (Jun 7, 2009) — Diane DiResta, a licensed Speech Pathologist and author of Knockout Presentations, spoke at The Voice Foundation, the 38th annual scientific symposium on the voice. The conference attracts International otolaryngologists, speech scientists, vocal coaches, and speech pathologists who want to learn about the physiology and care of the professional voice.

Click here to read the full press release.

Want Funding? Practice Your Elevator Speech

I've seen it time and time again. You're at a networking meeting. People introduce themselves. You turn to your partner and say, "I still don't understand what he does."
If you can't describe what you do and the value you provide, you'll forfeit funding, business partners, and new clients.

In a study by the University of Maryland's business school, they concluded that the business plan will not do much for attracting interest from venture capitalists. The reason is that they won't read all that documentation.
One venture capitalist said he'd rather hear the evidence in PowerPoint slides or in somebody's presentation.

Investors don't want to read a 50 page plan. They will read an "elevator pitch" executive summary. If that's well developed and well delivered they'll continue to read.

Mr. Goldfarb, from the University of Maryland business school, agreed that entrepreneurs should write a "150 word elevator pitch and to practice with anybody who will listen.

When I work with business clients, the first thing we do is to set a clear objective.
For example, is the outcome to be invited to a second stage meeting?
The second step is to profile the audience.
The third step is to write a clear elevator pitch or summary of the presentation.

Only after that elevator speech is clear, concise, and focused, can we begin to pare down the presentation and deliver a compelling case.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

Smiling: An Asset or Liability?

A smile can be your greatest asset or a liability-especially if you're a woman. Flashing those pearlie whites can dazzle an audience. Think Julia Roberts. Her smile lights up her face and has become her signature.

Too often speakers mistakenly believe that to be professional you must be serious. Actually, the opposite is true. It takes confidence to smile and show expression. If you're too serious you'll appear nervous. In fact, the absence of a smile can be downright intimidating. One executive I coached was perceived as aggressive and arrogant.. Why? Because he showed no facial expression. He listened with a deadpan expression. It was chilling. We had to teach him to show teeth. When he started to smile he was able to connect with people. Smiling warms up the audience making you more approachable.

But smiling can also be a liability. Grinning like a Cheshire cat or plastering a non-stop smile on your face smacks of insincerity. When smiling is genuine you can see it in the eyes. Smiling too often can be more detrimental for women than for men. Women need to strike a balance between a serious expression and a smile. Excessive smiling can be perceived as subservient, people pleasing, or lacking confidence. Smiling is also situational. It's inappropriate, for example, to smile when announcing layoffs. Trying to break the tension with humor can backfire in that situation. Maintain a serious demeanor to demonstrate empathy and respect for the employees.
So to show you mean business-get serious. To connect and engage your audience- smile. When you smile and look somebody in the eye you acknowledge their presence. A smile says, "I see you. You're important. I care.". Your smile is your gift.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

The Healing Power of Words

During my last Science of Mind class we had to give yet another presentation from the podium. One of my classmates approached the platform and before he began he said,
"I really need the support of everybody here." He disclosed that this would be difficult for him.

As I watched him, he appeared confident and knowledgeable. When he returned to his seat I said, "What are you talking about? You were great. I didn't see any evidence of nervousness. You have nothing to worry about." He grabbed my hand and I could feel it was sweaty.
He shared that my words meant so much to him, especially because I was a speech coach.
He said my words gave him confidence.

My intention wasn't to deliberately boost his confidence with words of encouragement. I was honestly flabbergasted that he felt this way since we had been giving class presentations last year. The only sign of nervousness was his sweaty palm. My advice?
Don't shake hands immediately after the presentation. (Just joking).

It made me realize once again the power of our words to change lives. Words can elevate people's spirits, infuse them with confidence, bathe them in love. In these times of transition you may not have money to pay somebody's mortgage or be able to give someone a job. But you have a gift that is more powerful than anything tangible-your words. Your words can heal.

You can change a life today. Give the gift of your words.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!

The Voice of Authority: Preserving Your Speaking Voice

Whether it’s the rich, resonant tones of Richard Burton, the breathiness of Marilyn Monroe, or the nasality of Fran Drescher, the sound of the voice conjures up an image, an impression, and can influence perception. Communication studies indicate that the voice is 38% of the message.
Effective CEOs know how to use the voice for effect but don’t always use the voice effectively.

If you do a lot of speaking , one of the bigger problems is laryngopharyngeal reflux, an inflammation near the back part of the larynx due to acid rising to that point. Thirty-five million people in the U.S. have acid reflux. Reflux is most common because executive speakers are on the go, stressed and may have poor diets.

The big five symptoms are:
• Vocal fatigue
• Lack of Projection
• Hoarseness as the day wears on
• Throat clearing
• Increased phlegm in the throat

To preserve the voice, don’t talk over noise or constantly clear your throat.

Another common voice problem is vocal paresis, a weakness in one or both vocal muscles manifesting in breathiness or fatigue. Vocal paresis can be caused by a flu or viral infection.
Even a monotone may be an indicator of a minor defect or partial paralysis. And also, speakers who have difficulty projecting could have some vocal fold asymmetry.

When hoarseness is the problem, first determine that there is no hemorrhage. Then start a process of hydration and steam. For frequent travelers, a dry hotel room can be harmful to the voice.

Avoid alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine before a speech. They dehydrate the mucous membranes.
To keep the voice in top shape, drink eight glasses of water a day, avoid dairy products, and eat a balance of protein and carbohydrates. Practice “safe speaking

Does Your Audience Choose A Blackberry or You?

Speakers continually complain that their audiences are always checking their blackberries instead of listening. It's a constant challenge.
They can take a lesson from a flight attendant named Holly.

On a crowded Continental Express flight to Chicago, before the attendant began her announcement she asked people to remove their coats
from the overhead compartment to make room for baggage. She explained that smaller bags and coats must go under the seat. This was an FCC regulation for our safety to enable us to easily evacuate.

Then she began her presentation. I continued reading. I already knew the drill. She said,"Okay. Holly's Rules."
That was different. I was curious and looked up. She followed with "I'm going to show you how to walk, talk, and breathe."
Now she really had my attention. Holly told us to expect a bumpy ride and not to hold on to the back of the seats when walking. "That will only cause people to wake up," she joked.
She demonstrated how to hold on to the edge of the overhead panels when walking down the aisle. "Well, that takes care of walking and talking.
Now how do you breathe?" Holly told us that if the oxygen cups descended we would know if oxygen was flowing by noticing little beads in the clear air tubes. Pulling on the tube would activate it. In all my years of flying I never heard that. I actually learned somethng new. She wanted us to be informed because her oxygen mask didn't reach far and she wouldn't be able to get to everybody in an emergency.
Everyone was now paying attention and fully engaged!

Finally she asked if anybody read the instructions about electronic devices. She confideded that she doesn't read them either and that's why they make announcments.
She listed the devices that could be used. Restricted devices were anything that required an electonic signal. She said that if you tried to use a blackberry it would constantly look for a signal and this would drain the battery. I didn't know that either.

One last thing. She asked the passengers if she should make one pot or two pots of coffee. We voted. Then she confided that she was shy and didn't like making
presentations.
At the end of her presentation the passengers applauded. One person remarked, "That was the best presentation I've heard."

Why do most people tune out during take-off? Because most flight attendants are reading or reciting data. Like so many boring presenters, they are just talking heads.

So what did Holly teach us about speaking?

She began by establishing rapport.
She didn't speak to one person; she spoke to the group about storing bags under the seat. (Teachable moment)
She grabbed attention by saying something unexpected. (Holly's rules)
She provided an agenda of her presentation. (Walk, talk, and breathe).
She managed our expectations. (It's going to be a bumpy ride).
She personalized the messsage.
She modeled behavior. (Demonstrated how to walk during turbulence).
She always offered a rationale after making a request. (FCC regulation to help you evacuate).
She used humor.
She provided new information. (Look for the beads in the air tube).
She was clear, simple, and brief.
She used self-disclosure. (I don't like giving presentations).
She engaged the audience. (One pot or two?).

Holly"s presentation set a lighter, pleasant tone for the trip.

Lesson learned:
If you want your audience to focus on you instead of a blackberry, be compelling.

DiResta Communications, Inc.Communicating With Impact!