How often have you seen public figures like politicians and entertainers trip over words, suffer awkward pauses, or make it obvious they’re reading a script while on camera? Yes, even seasoned speakers and presenters can bungle a talk if they’re not in sync with the words scrolling on that teleprompter screen.
The cacophony of hoots, cackles and boos from the opposition MPs in Parliament were so loud, Prime Minister Theresa May stopped talking, sat down, and waited until the speaker of the house called the room to order. The red-hot topic was once again, Brexit, and emotions were running high. Regardless of your position on the issue, when it comes to a nightmare scenario of making your case to a contrary crowd, there is strong consensus that this one ranks with the most challenging. While you may never have to present or pitch an idea to such a raucous, hostile group, there are plenty of occasions in business when your audience can be, shall we say, difficult? Here’s how to deal with them . . .
Think you can use phrases like, “a needle in a haystack” or “it’s like herding cats” in your presentation anywhere in the world? Think again, and listen to Master Facilitators Chris Brannen (Asia), Anshu Arora (India) and Sarah Palmer (UK and Europe) give some pointers on how to tailor the three key elements of presenting—Staging, Substance and Style—depending on where you are on the globe. Read on . . .
Whether you're raising a glass at a holiday business luncheon or clinking coffee mugs with friends at a New Year's Day brunch, an artful, heartfelt toast makes the moment even more memorable. Here are a few tips to make the most of holiday toasts...
We’ve heard horror stories, and we’ve heard success stories when it comes to people delivering high-stakes, often technical, sometimes career-making (or breaking) presentations at conferences, conventions, and tradeshows. And that’s why we’re proud to have witnessed hundreds of successful presentations made by professionals who have taken the ConferenceSpeaking™ journey with us. Our two master facilitators talk about the program, describe what participants gain, and offer stories about dramatic improvements they've seen. Read on . . .
When asked what advice she would give professional women on the move, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright replied, “Learn to interrupt.” We doubt that she meant raising your hand and politely waiting to be called on—a common female nonverbal that sends the wrong signal. As a female professional, if you want to be perceived as confident and credible, you need to be aware of the nonverbal signals you send when you communicate. Read on to learn how to align your words with your actions. . .
Here’s the scene: Eight business people sitting around a conference room table. Half of them are heads down, checking their smart phones. One is flipping through paperwork, and another is doodling. A couple of them are talking to each other. And there you are, standing at the head of the table, halfway through your presentation. Ouch.
Capturing and holding people’s attention is a science and an art form that can be learned. Read on for our best tips. . .
According to the National Science Foundation, women currently hold only 13% of engineering jobs and 25% of computer, math, and science jobs in the U.S. In a 2016 study sponsored by Women in Technology International (WITI), only 30% of women surveyed said they knew a woman (other than their mother) working in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) while they were growing up. And even though most of the WITI survey respondents were seasoned professionals, only 13% held C-level or executive jobs.
