speaking skills: presenting yourself with polish

Speaking Skills: Presenting Yourself With Polish

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About Albers Communications Group

• Full-service PR, digital marketing and communications agency

• Specialize in integrated strategies• Represent clients in all 50 states and Canada• Create national and local market exposure

Today’s Presenters

Gina Pappas• Gina@AlbersCommunications.com • @GinaPappas

Ann Hadfield• Ann@AlbersCommunications.com• @AnnEHadfield

Today’s Topics

• Why a speaking strategy?• Identifying objectives• Basic rules of speaking• Six elements of a good presentation• Conveying your message• Overcoming jitters• Speakers bureau example• Questions and answers

Why a Speaking Strategy?

• Educate your audience• Share your expertise• Promote awareness of your brand• Inspire positive action

Identifying Your Objectives as a Speaker

• Give a presentation that builds goodwill toward your brand

• Control the message• Earn the respect of your audience• Shape attitudes and change opinions

Identifying the Objectives of Your Audience

• Gain a better understanding of who you are• Learn something new about the discussion topic• Find an opportunity to catch you off-guard• Get answers to their questions

Basic Rules of Speaking

Know the space• Determine audio/visual needs• Arrive 10 minutes early to check out the room and

get comfortable • Test your equipment to make sure it is working • Stick to the timeframe you have been given

Basic Rules of Speaking

Pay attention to verbal cues• Word usage and vocal variety • Vocal clarity• Audible pauses and throwaway words• Stay away from internal jargon and acronyms

Watch your nonverbal communication• Eye contact • Gestures, posture, body language • Movement

Six Elements of a Good Presentation

• Tailor the presentation for your audience• Grab their attention• Be thoroughly prepared• Provide supporting evidence for main points• Maintain appropriate energy• Effectively use visual aids

Six Elements of a Bad Presentation

• A flat opening• No interaction• Dull visuals• Lack of focus• Bad storytelling• No emotional pull

Conveying Your Message

Message points• Understand your message points beforehand• Incorporate them into your presentation• Include message points in your answers• Use data to your advantage

Bridging techniques• Consider questions you might be asked• Consider questions you do not want to be asked• Prepare for and plan to answer both

Overcoming Jitters

• Breathe and slow down• Think of it as a conversation• Visualize the desired outcome• Join a group, such as Toastmasters

Speakers Bureau – Omaha Fire Fighters

• Objectives• Approach• Outcomes

Objectives – Omaha Fire Fighters

• Educate the audience• Address misconceptions• Change opinions

Approach – Omaha Fire Fighters

• Open with an attention-grabber• Utilize research throughout • Know the subject matter• Prepare for questions

Outcomes – Omaha Fire Fighters

• Face time with key local organizations and leaders• Opportunity to share their point-of-view• Respect from the audience

Albers Webinar Series

What’s the Latest Word? Making Sense of Communications Jargon

with Gina Pappas

Wednesday, November 19, 2014 @ 10 a.m.

Register at www.alberscommunications.com/learning-opportunities

Questions and Discussion

Speaking Skills: Presenting Yourself With Polish