How to Structure Your Business Proposal Presentations
Following up on last week’s Killer Keynote Speech Structure Post, is another speech structure, the Business Proposal Speech. Many of the same supporting structures (Story, Humor, Activity, Reference/Quote, Props/Photos) can be used in a business proposal as in a keynote, but a different structure can be more effective. A typical business presentation might look […]
Killer Keynote Speech Structure
Want a solid way to structure a keynote presentation that will be memorable and get you asked to come back? Click this link for a pdf of the diagram below: Killer Keynote Structure Do you need to create a presentation in a hurry? Do you want a repeatable method for presentation creation. Sign up for […]
The Book-It Method: Write a Speech by Looking at a Book
Do you need inspiration for your presentation topic? A quick way to select your main points and get that speech written? Try the method that I call, The Book-it Method. In short, you take a look at the table of contents of books on the subject matter you want to speak on. Preferably, the books […]
Post-It Note Speech Planning
Use the lowly sticky note to bring your presentations to new heights! The little squares of paper can help you design a presentation for maximum effectiveness, while allowing the flexibility of changing your mind and trying out new approaches. 1. Brainstorm with sticky notes. This can be done alone or in a group. You can […]
How to Adjust Your Speech When Your Allotted Time Changes
As the time for his speech to end came and went, the well-known, retired news anchor showed no signs of closing. My speaking slot was after his, and it was apparent I wasn’t going to get the full 60 minutes I had been asked to prepare for. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Finally, at 15 minutes […]
Finding My Voice: My Toastmaster Testimonial
This is me at three: Big teeth. Big smile. Bad hair day. Some things never change! However, one thing that did change for me at three was that I began to realize the power of the spoken word. My mother had brought me to work to meet her boss and coworkers. One look at her […]
Open Your Mouth and Don’t say “Ahh”
Ah . . . Um . . . You know, filler words are, like, bad when they are excessive. While I’m not in the militant camp that feels they need to be eliminated entirely, I do feel most people could reduce their use. Filler words can be distracting and they can reduce your credibility, making […]
How to Deliver a TEDTalk: The Catchphrase
Would you like to know the secrets of the world’s most inspiring presentations? In his book, How to Deliver a TEDTalk, Jeremey Donovan shares nuggets of wisdom mined from studying the most popular TED Talks. Just in case you are somehow unaware of TED Talks, TED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading worthy ideas […]
Speaker Checklist for the Day of the Event
The day of a speaking event can get hectic, so I use a checklist to make sure I don’t forget something critical! Speaker Checklist: Confirm time/location/agenda/AV set up Presentation Notes Equipment (computer, cords, remote, flash drive, etc.) Clothing (jacket on hanger), back-up clothing Introduction (for person introducing you—large font, name phonetically spelled) Cell phone Contact […]
Transitions in Your Speech Bridge the Gap
Transitions help your speech flow smoothly as one unified, coherent presentation. They link from one part of your speech to the next. A transition can be as simple as an extended pause. That’s right. Silence. Just be silent for a couple of beats and then go to your next point. You can accompany “movement” to […]