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November 18, 2011 Leave a Comment

20 Tips for Delivering a Successful Presentation

Presenting to Group

Presenting to Group

Have you been asked to speak or deliver a presentation at an upcoming event? Once you have accepted the invitation to speak or present, you need to start preparing. Where do you begin?

Successful presenters follow a process. They have a system which they have developed over the years. They use a checklist of Best Practices to help ensure that they deliver successful presentations every time!

So, you may be asking … “Where do I get a list of tips? Has someone created a checklist that I can use?”

Fortunately, you have come to the right location! I have created a checklist of “20 Tips for a Successful Presentation” that you can download – for free!

Click on this link to download my 20 Tips for a Successful Presentation as an Adobe PDF.

Here is my list of the 20 Tips that I use whenever I speak or deliver a presentation. These are also the tips that I share with my clients when I coach them to deliver successful presentations.  You will learn about:

  • How to discover your “Words-per-Minute” (WPM) Count
  • The “B-L-O-T” (Bottom Line On Top) Technique
  • The “Power of the Pause”

And 17 additional tips. Be sure to download the complete checklist  of  “20 Tips for a Successful Presentation” to get more information about each tip:

Tips While Preparing Your Presentation

  • Tip #1 – Prepare with your audience in mind
  • Tip #2 – Begin your presentation with “The End in Mind”
  • Tip #3 – Use the classic model to structure your presentation
  • Tip #4 – Prepare by writing out your presentation

Click on this link to download your copy of my 20 Tips for a Successful Presentation

Tips for Delivering Your Presentation

  • Tip #5 – Memorize two sections of your presentation
  • Tip #6 – Communicate and confirm your equipment needs in advance
  • Tip #7 – Get comfortable with the physical setting
  • Tip #8 – Your audience will “Tune-in / Tune out” during your presentation
  • Tip #9 – Remember the “Power of the Pause!”
  • Tip #10 – Maintain Eye-contact with your audience
  • Tip #11 – Pace your presentation

Follow this link to download a PDF of my 20 Tips for a Successful Presentation

Tips for PowerPoint

PowerPoint Tips

Tips for Creating PowerPoint Slides

  • Tip #12 – You are the Presentation!
  • Tip #13 – Do not write complete sentences on your slides!
  • Tip #14 – Take advantage of the “White Space” on your slides
  • Tip #15 – Choose appropriate visual images

Want to get a copy of this checklist – complete with details for each of these tips? Click here to download 20 Tips for a Successful Presentation as a PDF.

Do you want to learn how to use PowerPoint effectively? Click on this link to learn more about my DVD-ROM, “The 50 Best Tips for PowerPoint 2007”

Tips for Engaging Your Audience

  • Tip #16 – Phrases to avoid
  • Tip #17 – Phrases to substitute
  • Tip #18 Encourage audience questions
  • Tip #19 – Audiences remember stories

Get your free copy of this checklist. Click on this link to download 20 Tips for a Successful Presentation

Tip for Delivering a Successful Presentation

  • Tip #20 – Visualize your Successful Presentation!

So, there is the checklist that I use. Be sure to download your copy to learn more about each of these “20 Tips for a Successful Presentation.”

Do you have a favorite tip? What works for you? Add your comment in the area below this article. Or you can send it to me via email: danny@thecompanyrocks.com

Read or Forward this Article from Ezine Articles Website

A variation of this article is purclished on the Ezine Articles Website  – www.ezinearticles.com where you can read it or forward it to your friends and colleagues. Click here for the direct link to the article.

Invitation to Visit My New Online Shopping Website

I have just opened my new, secure online shopping website. I invite you to visit http://shop.thecompanyrocks.com to see all of the products and resources that I offer.

 

 

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Filed Under: Ezine Articles, Powerpoint Techniques, PowerPoint Video Training, Speaking, Words per Minute, Words per Minute Tagged: , , , , , , ,
October 5, 2010 Leave a Comment

5 Tips for Displaying Numbers – Article Published on Indezine

Geetesh Bajaj, Microsoft MVP, started a group discussion, “PowerPoint is Not Excel and Word,”on LinkedIn. I joined the discussion and added a link to one of my PowerPoint Training Videos. Geetesh, in turn, asked me to contribute a written article on this topic for his website – Indezine. Here is the link to the article:

Article on Indezine Website

Published on Indezine

http://www.indezine.com/articles/5tipsfordisplayingnumbers.html

 

I encourage you to visit the Indezine website to find the resources and tips you need to improve your next presentation – whether you use PowerPoint or not.

You will also learn to master PowerPoint by watching my DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for PowerPoint 2007.” The DVD is on sale now – click here to add it to your secure shopping cart.

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Filed Under: Powerpoint Techniques, PowerPoint Video Training, Presentations Tagged: , , , , , , , ,
October 3, 2010 Leave a Comment

My Video Podcast has been downloaded 4,800 times

My iTunes Podcast

Danny on iTunes

OK, so let me brag a little. I launched my Video Podcast, “Danny Rocks Tips and Timesavers,” in June 2010 on iTunes. When I looked at the number of downloads and views, I was amazed to see that the number had surpassed 4,800 – I am thrilled.

Thank you for your support and encouragement. And, one viewer has reviewed my podcast:

Customer Reviews

Concise training      

by ChipAv

These are very specific and concise training modules on individual aspects of Excel and Powerpoint. (Also a few on meeting management and social media.) No nonsense, down-to-business, accurate, and professional. If one of these matches the skill you want to quickly acquire, you should like these.

I invite you to view, download, subscribe or review my video podcasts – either individually or as a whole. Here is the link to my iTunes video podcast:

http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/danny-rocks-excel-tips/id374923275 – If you like what you see, then pass this link on to a friend or colleague.

You can add your comments below and feel free to use one of the Social Media Icons at the bottom of this post.

 

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Filed Under: Add Video to Your Website, Business Communications, Excel Training, Podcast Tips & Timesavers, Powerpoint Techniques, Tips and Time Savers, Word Tips Tagged: , , , , , , ,
September 29, 2010 2 Comments

How to Display Numbers During a PowerPoint Presentation

How many presentations do you “sleep through” – where the presenter displays slide after slide packed with numbers? Probably more that you wish – unless you need to catch up on your sleep!

Numbers are powerful – they help to support your point of view; they help to make your case. But, don’t overwhelm your audience with numbers, numbers, numbers. Don’t make the assumption that “the numbers speak for themselves.” If they do, then why do we need to hire you to advance the slides? Just send the numbers to us. Or… include them in your handout.

If you are going to “present” numbers, you need to direct the discussion of those numbers so that the audience can see and understand the trends that you are pointing out. One effective way to do so is to use Custom Animation in PowerPoint to introduce one chart series at a time.

Watch this short 5 minute video as I share my best practice tips for displaying financial numbers during a PowerPoint Presentation.

Bonus: You can read – and download – the article that I published on this topic. Click here to read “Five Tips for Displaying Numbers During a PowerPoint Presentation” on www.exinearticles.com

How to Display Numbers During Presentations [ 5:03 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (1235)
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Filed Under: Communications, Excel Training, Integrating MS Office Programs, Podcast Tips & Timesavers, Powerpoint Techniques, Presentations Tagged: , , , , ,
July 31, 2010 4 Comments

How to Create Custom PowerPoint Slide Shows

Do you carry around multiple versions of a PowerPoint file – one for each of your five customers? Have you ever carried the wrong version? Have you ever forgotten to update each version with the latest information?

If so, you need to learn how to create and run a PowerPoint Custom Slide Show. You can even hyperlink to custom shows within your main presentation! And, no more File Save As – you only use one file!

You can view this short PowerPoint Video here on my website, download it, or subscribe to my – free – podcast at the iTunes store.

This PowerPoint Training Video Lesson is typical of the tips that I offer on my DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for PowerPoint 2007.” Click here to buy it now.

How to Create Custom Slide Shows in PowerPoint [ 5:07 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (928)
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Filed Under: Podcast Tips & Timesavers, Powerpoint Techniques, PowerPoint Video Training, Presentations Tagged: , , ,
December 30, 2009 Leave a Comment

My New DVD – The 50 Best Tips for PowerPoint 2007

Danny's DVD Series "The 50 Best Tips for PowerPoint 2007" I am proud to announce that my latest DVD, “The 50 Best Tips for PowerPoint 2007,” is now available for purchase.

This is a set of two DVD s containing over seven hours of training! Each lesson averages about 10 minutes. So, when you want to work on one specific part of your presentation you can just put the DVD in your computer, locate the lesson and get a focused coaching session – all within the space of less than 15 minutes.

When you want quick answers and a visual guide for the steps involved, this is the DVD for you.

When you want to learn how to use PowerPoint from a professional speaker & trainer and not from a “techie”, this is the DVD for you.

I am also proud to announce that my online bookstore opened this morning. I invite you to visit the bookstore for The Company Rocks. You can also learn about my other DVDs including, “The 50 Best Tips for Excel 2007.”

Thank you for all of your kind words of support as I have built this website over the past year. I wish you a very happy new year in 2010!

Sincerely,

Danny Rocks

danny@thecompanyrocks.com

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Filed Under: Online Store for The Company Rocks, Powerpoint Techniques, PowerPoint Video Training Tagged: , , , ,
March 9, 2009 Leave a Comment

Are You Interested in Subscribing to a Podcast?

Update: My Video Podcast, “Danny Rocks Tips and Timesavers” is now available – free of charge – on iTunes. I add at least three episodes per week. Follow this link to view, comment, or subscribe to my Podcast.

Based on the positive response to my recent post, “Statistics Do Not Tell the Complete Story,” I am planning to initiate a podcast.

Initially, I am planning to produce two podcasts per month. The subject area is” improving communications skills.”

Are you interested in subscribing? Or do you need more information? Do you presently subscribe to podcasts?

I would like to hear from you on this topic. Please take a moment to “vote” on this topic – I have added a poll  to the right sidebar of this page. (the poll is in the middle of the sidebar.)

Thanks in advance for voting on this topic!

Sincerely,

 Danny

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Filed Under: Business Communications, Communications, Podcast Tips & Timesavers Tagged: , , , ,
February 28, 2009

Statistics Do Not Tell Complete Story

Recently, I was asked to contribute an article on persuasion to another blog. It is a text article. And, I like the way that it turned out.

Here, is a video presentation of that article. Increasingly, I am inclined to contribute video blogs – in addition to traditional text blogging. Both forms of blogging are attractive and each attracts its own audience.

I am interested in hearing your thoughts on both: the topic of video vs. text blogging and on the content of this blog on persuasion.

Here are the Words per Minute Statistics for this article.

  • @475 words.
  • Length is 3:27 minutes
  • WPM Count = 136 – This is slower than my “normal” WPM count of 160.
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Filed Under: Business Communications, Communications, Persuasion, Presentations, Public Speaking, Words per Minute Tagged: , , , , ,
February 25, 2008 2 Comments

Don’t Point Your Finger!

hillary-points-finger.jpgYour mother told you! “It’s not polite to point your finger at someone.” And she was correct on this point. I do not like to have someone point their finger at me – literally or figuratively.

Senator Hillary Clinton – It is time that you started to listen to your mother! Remember what she told you: “It’s not polite to point your finger at someone. It will not earn you any points (votes) and people do not appreciate it.”

obama-1.jpg

Senator Barack Obama also points his finger. What politician does not? But this post – and my blog – is not about “political finger pointing.” I am not writing about shifting the blame. I am posting and blogging about effective communications.

 

I have been watching the videos and analyzing the body language of each candidate vying for their party’s presidential nomination. In reviewing the video of the recent CNN debate between Senator Clinton and Obama I noticed a distinct difference in how each candidate uses the fingers to make a point:

 

  • Sen. Clinton consistently pointed her finger directly at her audience.
  • Sen. Obama usually pointed his finger upwards or to the side.

This may seem subtle to some. And it may prove significant to others. And it may play a role in the outcome of the voting. We will see. We listen to what we see!

 

However, professional speech coaches agree that you should avoid literally pointing or poking your finger at someone. Here is a quote form Joan Detz, the author of “It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It.”

 

“Don’t point at the audience. The simple truth is, no one likes to be pointed at.”

 

At this late date in a heated primary election campaign, Hillary Clinton is probably not listening to outside experts on body language and effective communication styles. She is relying on instinct and (unconsciously) responding in the heat of the moment. In my opinion, she does not respond effectively – especially with ter body language – when feels that she is being attacked or is having her proposals rejected. Who does? I don’t. Do you? Of course not. But we must be aware of how we physically react when we are attacked:

 

We listen with our eyes.

 

No matter what we say, people will remember what they see. We remember more of what we see than what we hear.

 

This is the image that plays back in my head when I see someone pointing their finger at the audience.

bill-clinton-points-finger-2.jpg

 

It is not a pretty picture. It will not win votes. It is not polite. Just ask your mother. She will tell you – and she will not point her finger at you!

When you give a speech or make a presentation you must present your point of view – that’s why you were invited to speak. To be effective you must state your point, present you case and back up your points and finally give your audience a call to action. Make you point. Point out how you differ from your opponent. Just remember not to point you finger at you audience!

They will get the point.

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Filed Under: Business Communications, Leadership, Main Page, Photos, Political Strategy, Presentations, Public Speaking, Speeches Tagged: , , , , ,
February 23, 2008 Leave a Comment

Take Note!

obama-takes-notes-at-debate.jpg As I watched the televised debate between Senators Clinton and Obama, I was struck by one particular piece of “stage craft.” I found it to be annoying. It distracted my attention from what was actually being said. What was it?

Senator Obama was diligently writing notes every time that Senator Clinton spoke – at least during the first 45 minute segment. Why was he doing this?  Surely he had prepared his remarks and rebuttals ahead of time. At this point in the campaign, he had to have heard Senator Clinton’s arguments, stump speeches and 9-point plans ad nauseum. Very little new ground was being broken during the debate. So why was he so preoccupied with his note taking?

It’s simple really! The answer is, it was “staged!” Barack Obama wanted to avoid two things:

  1. Looking directly at Hillary Clinton as she spoke – I felt that his note-taking distracted my attention from her words.
  2. Reacting physically to her comments – he did not wish to convey his agreement with, surprise at or anger about any of her comments. His body language probably would have conveyed defensiveness and weakness had he not kept himself busy scribbling his notes as his opponent spoke.

Was this effective? Perhaps. Several professional observers have commented on Obama’s unconscious physical reactions when he is criticized. He winces noticeably. He tends to withdraw. He looks pained. He looks less than confident.

But the good news is… at least he stopped “raising his hand” asking permission from the moderator to speak! For that reason alone, the diligent note taking was an improvement.

Why does body language matter? Here’s why: Continue reading “Take Note!” »

Filed Under: Business Communications, Communications, Consulting, Main Page, Political Strategy, Public Speaking, Speeches Tagged: , , , , , ,
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