Presentation Skills Q & A Pointer: Effectively Control Stage Hogs
Today, I was teaching a presentation skills training program. Participants were most interested in how to handle an audience member who is a “stage hog.” This type of speaking situation often occurs internally with an organization – people that can be considered stage...
You Can’t Ace the Q & A If There Aren’t Any Questions
Last week I blogged about the ABCs of the Q & A. As I said, handling the question-and-answer session is a critical component of successful presentations. But, you can’t master this aspect of public speaking if you can hear a pin drop when you or the moderator ask...
Presentation Skills Pointers: Ace the Q & A
I often hear eloquent presenters deliver interesting presentations. You might say, “Marjorie, that’s great. Isn’t that what you coach people to do?” My response, of course, is, “Yes, it is.” The goal in all presentations (and what I teach) is to: · Craft an effective...
Accountability Presentation at VirtualU on May 18
It’s fair to say that we’re entering a brave new world in lots of ways. One has to do with the shift in how training is being delivered – or at least supplemented. There is no doubt that webinars have a place in the training mix of modalities. In fact, BRODY...
Kenexa’s Rudy Karsan: Focus on Your Audience
I recently read an interview with Rudy Karsan, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Kenexa, which appeared in the April 2010 issue of Smart Business Philadelphia. He was talking about leadership and communication. Karsan said, “The single biggest mistake I see leaders...
Greeting Card Conundrum: Paper or Electronic?
Mother’s Day is approaching – a great time for the greeting card companies. Granted, there are eCards for everything, but are they valued the same way? The answer I’ve gotten is mixed. According to the Greeting Card Association, more than 7 billion paper cards were...
The Power of Presence – It Can Be Learned & Shared
For many of us, the ability to shake hands, look someone in the eye, stand tall, and at least appear confident is second nature. But, many people feel they haven’t earned the right to appear this way – owning their achievements and projecting confidence. I remember...
Manners Matter — in Life & Work
As little as 10 years ago, we weren’t teaching cell phone etiquette, and about 15 years ago, business casual wardrobe policies were unheard of. But making others feel comfortable never has been been – or will be -- out of style. A smile, a good hand shake, proper...
Intention is Critical, But Then Take Action
I am starting to prepare a presentation to be delivered this summer at a Foundation Event at the National Speakers Association Convention. Topic: “Getting Business in These Challenging Times.” Of course, I have my ideas, but decided to tap the collective wisdom of...
Relentless Exploration: How a Speaker’s Message Can Resonate
During a long flight, I was catching up on my reading, and came across an interesting article in Newsweek (March 29, 2010) by Jon Meacham. The article was about Bill Clinton’s comments regarding President Obama’s oratory, and what he needed to do to be better...