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September 2014  IN THIS ISSUE:
 
In the next series of newsletters, we'll focus on business presentations, examining common errors and how to remedy, or even avoid them. As a business professional, it is imperative for your success to have your meeting attendees  focus on your proposals and seriously consider buying in…while you appear to them as calm, confident and competent!
     Click here for audio: Business Presentations: Series 1
                       
  • Series 1: Openings of business presentations
  • Sept. 13th Storytelling Seminar: SOLD OUT (message below)
  • Oct. 4th  seminar "Going from Free to Fee Speaking"          - first steps! (scroll down for details)

 

Quotations of the month:
 
 "Great is the art of beginning, but greater the art is of ending."         - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
 
“Good communications, written or oral, begins with an understanding of the audience.  If you can get inside their heads, you can find a way to connect.” - Debra Bennetts
 
Business Presentations: Big Bang Openings!
I’m sure you realize that the higher up the corporate ladder you go, the more important your presentation skills become. A higher job title along with accompanying higher pay mandates increased responsibility. If this is your goal, get ready by setting yourself above the rest... NOW!!
It’s very natural and normal to be nervous when presenting to our colleagues, and even more so, to senior management. That said, they cannot see how you feel within, but they can hear what you say, how you say it and how you look and act.
In the next series of  newsletters, we will focus on Business Presentations…common errors and how to remedy or even avoid them so you can Talk your way to the Top!
 
BIG BANG OPENINGS!
 
Weak Openings:
  • stating unpleasant pleasantries (weather, ... nice to be here…etc)
  • starting with a joke, an apology, a long-winded story
  • verbally waffling around not getting to the point,
  • physically shuffling around the floor appearing confused, indecisive or anxious
  • what else have you seen or possibly done as a weak opening?
Please note: you have fewer than 60 seconds to make a first and lasting impression. The Law of Primacy states that people remember what they hear and see first  
 
Strong Opening:
  • walk up confidently and  then stand grounded with feet planted firmly on the ground
  • start strong… state what’s it in for them…BENEFITS…i.e. “For you this means…” ensure the benefits are readily obtainable
  • followed by a roadmap “And this comes to you in the form of… i.e. a 4 Step Formula, 3R’s , the A B C Guide to Greatness, etc.”
  • open with your conclusions. Don't make your group, especially senior level audience, wait to find out why you are there. If you give your conclusion first, they know right away what the most important take away message is and that the rest of the presentation (the secondary points, facts and examples) is built on that main premise
Remember: Good presentations are not mystery novels- don’t hide the major objective/point of your presentation and keep them waiting for it (reminder once again - especially to senior management!)
   
I invite you to join me again next month; we continue discussing Business Presentations.
 
The topic next month will be: Business Closings: common errors and remedies
 
Until then, happy speaking!   Wink
 
       

  My Two Fall Seminars
 
  • Storytelling: the most powerful tool you can use in speaking (the 9C's to master storytelling) is sold out, but if you are interested, email me as there may be  a cancellation kathryn@kathrynmackenzie.com 
  •  From FREE to FEE Speaking (first steps) Sat. Oct. 4, 2014 
                                   
Click here for audio on what to expect
 
Click here for details
 
 Have you been thinking about getting paid to speak but wondering too how you get started in the business of speaking? Well, wonder no more ! Join a handful of keen aspiring speakers like you and discover the first steps.Listen to the good, the bad and the ugly of my own early experiences, and pick up new enlightening ideas!
 
  
  ____________________________________________________________________
Individual Speech Coaching or Group Instruction
  • if you're a toastmaster wanting a competitive edge over average speakers
  • if you wish your group to be more effective presenters to successfully sell their services, products or ideas and increase profit margin
  • if you're in business and need to confidently and competently address a group with a powerful, professional presentation but don't know how to plan its structure, its compelling content and then, dynamically deliver it  
416 489 6603 (Toronto)
Let's first discuss your needs and/or those of your group
 (no fee for consultation) 
 
   
   
 
 
Kathryn MacKenzie, M.Ed. DTM
Presentation Skills Instructor / 
  Keynote Speaker/Coach

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Email: kathryn@kathrynmackenzie.com | Phone: 416.489.6603

 
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