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I’m sure you realize that the higher up the corporate ladder you go, the more important your presentation skills become. A superior job title along with an increase in pay mandate added 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, to our subordinates and even more so, to senior management. That said, though they cannot see how you feel within, they can hear what you say, how you say it plus your body language behaviour.
In this series of newsletters on Business Presentations…we'll examine 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 about 42 seconds to make a first and lasting impression-
7 seconds to determine if they like you and the next 35 seconds if they want to listen to you! The Law of Primacy states that people remember what they hear and see first
Strong Openings: 
- 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 benefits9 promises/results) 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:
Great business presentations are not mystery novels- don’t hide the major objective/points of your presentation and keep them waiting for it (especially when presenting to senior management!)
I invite you to join me again next month for another speaking skill
The topic next month will be: Business Closings: common errors and remedies
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