1. Set up a Solid Structure
Be CLEAR in your intended outcome "Focus on your core message: what you want your attendees to take away and act upon. Give your conclusion first, so they know right away what the most important take away message is and build the rest of the presentation on that main premise. As S. Covey stated:"Start with the end in mind."
Opening:
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have a BIG BANG opening…a quotation, a statistic, a question or a short story that TAPS into their minds, relates to your topic and gets the audience mentally engaged and enthused to hear more.
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make them a PROMISE with benefits they will receive if they take heed to what you say…will they be more confident, happier, have less frustration or stress, gain a promotion, have more workplace or personal opportunities, profit more, enjoy life more…? make it all about and for them, not YOU
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rather than say: Today I’m going to share with you (No one cares what YOU want to share with them!!!) Instead say: Today, you will pick, you will receive, you will discover, you will hear….you…you…you! (the most important word is speaking)
Body:
Closing:
- discuss and debrief...they are more likely to remember if they themselves say it so towards the close you may opt to have attendees shout out 1word answers to questions you may call out, or have them share 1 new AHA item they learned
- tie content together and discuss next steps
- NEVER close with Q&A…if you have Q&A, have it before you close on your own positive, encouraging note
2. Avoid Sameness “Sameness is the enemy of the speaker. “ Patricia Fripp
FYI Adult Retention within 48 hours:
lecture.. 10%; taking notes...50%; discussion on applying info...75%
- in methodology format has variety - avoid a total lecture format Use a balance of lecture, open discussion, small group and partner discussion, fun activities, think, paitrand share, Q&A, writing exercises by audience…
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of visual aids i.e. Power point slides, whiteboard, flip charts, audios, videos etc)
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in voice: in pitch (high/lows), projection (loud/soft), pace (fast, slow) tone (enthusiastic/serious)
3. Use questions
The most important element of a speech or presentation is THE THINKING going on IN THE AUDIENCE'S MINDS. They need to be both mentally and emotionally engaged by listening to their own inner voices as they reflect on their own situations about a specific topic.
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the best questions to ask are the openended ones using the 5 W's. (Who, What Where, When, Why...and How) They could be rhetorical for them to ponder or ones that allow them to verbally answer.
To wrap up: With the privilege of training comes a responsibility to present your content that is focused on and structured around the bottom line while at the same time, sparking and maintaining their interest, emotionally and intellectually ulating, and promising rewards or results for them.
WHICH PROMISES/RESULTS/REWARDS did you state they will receive if they pick up and apply these training tips?
Until next month when you'll receive more training tips! Wishing you terrific training!
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