This week we are discussing how women should dress for a successful presentation. Next week will be the men’s turn. Important note: With all of these recommendations, ultimately you do you. But I hope the five suggestions below will heighten your awareness of what people notice about how you look BEFORE you even open your mouth to speak. Read more
As it pertains to your overall executive presence, these are the most common questions participants in my live seminars ask about what to wear for a presentation: Read more
You knocked it out of the park with your presentation. You even received a standing ovation. But if you want to be invited back to speak, follow my mom’s advice: “Leave every place better than you found it.” Read more
In the days leading up to a presentation, savvy speakers are mindful of prep work that will help them bring their “A Game” to the platform when it really counts. Read more
Sometimes we are in the least opportune locations doing the most mundane of tasks when struck with sudden bursts of brilliance. We must be prepared to capture these ideas when they come to us. Idea journals are great collection plates for random thoughts and new ideas for presentations. So is your Notes App. Read more
In a physical sense, what are some action ideas to follow in the moments leading up to your presentation so you can bring your “A Game” to the platform when it really counts? Read more
You don’t want a barrier standing between you and your audience. They won’t feel as close a connection with you. Instead of blocking your body by standing behind it, turn the lectern to a slight 45-degree angle and stand to the side of it. That way you are in full view of your audience, and you still can peek nonchalantly at your notes if you need them. You also have access to the lectern microphone if that’s your only amplifying option. Read more
Eye contact may outweigh “ear contact.” Read more
It’s a good idea to remind yourself that your audience probably hasn’t seen a written copy of your speech. They won’t know if you accidentally forget a story, unless you backtrack and decide to tell them. They probably won’t even realize if you leave out a key point.
For example, in No-Panic Presentation Skills seminars, I place a small piece of chocolate wrapped in gold paper at each seat. The candy has a specific purpose, and I explain it about 10 minutes into my presentation.
At a recent women’s conference in Louisiana, however, I totally forgot to tell them about the chocolate, and I didn’t realize it until the end when I noticed no one had touched it. It’s usually gobbled up half way through the program.
How could I forget such a key element in a presentation I conduct 30 times a year? Of course, no one in my audience that day knew any better. They didn’t think twice about the chocolate. They probably just gathered it up with their learning guides and were happy to have a little snack on the way home. I kicked myself, but I didn’t regress and mention it to them. I never said a word.
To customize a keynote or professional development session that will have your audience laughing and learning, contact Mandi Stanley.
Certified Speaking Professional Mandi Stanley works with business leaders who want to boost their professional image by becoming better speakers and writers through interactive high-content keynotes, breakout sessions, workshops, technical writing seminars, and fun proofreading classes.
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