Archive for June, 2009

I recently had the privledge of giving a one-hour motivating lunch ‘n learn seminar to 55 engineers at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a United Technologies Company based in Stratford, CT. The topic was “Don’t Bore Your Audience: learn to avoid the most common presentation pitfalls.”

My goal was to help them become more aware and intentional about how they plan, design and deliver their presentations. The first step was learning what and how to avoid the most common presentation pitfalls. So far, I have accumulated 17 common pitfalls that can trip up competent subject matter experts when they present their stuff.

As a “PowerPoint-FREE speaker, I designed and delivered this presentation without the use of PowerPoint. They responded well to this and the overall  level of audience engagement was high.  One of the feedback sheets that I received after the presentation stated

“I don’t believe you defined the 3 phases clearly. There is a very fine line between planning and design. This should be made clear.”

I think this is very fair feedback and I’m grateful for it. It gave me cause to really think more deeply about the three phases of presentation: planning, design and delivery. I am motivated to share my deeper thinking on the subject. Please feel free to comment on this article and share your perspective on this topic. Let’s get the conversation going.

What are the 3 Phases of Presentations?

1. Planning phase
2. Design /Build phase
3. Delivery phase

What should you do doing during each phase? Read the rest of this entry »

Breakfast of Champions

“That was the best “mistake” that  ever happened to me.” – Lindsey Pierret, scholar-athlete from Quinnipiac University, CT,  reflecting upon how she discovered her own presentation preparation ritual to ensure her best performance. What we can all learn from this motivated college student and budding entrepreneur.

What’s my story?

Pack your duffel bag…check. Prepare you snacks…check. Lay out your racing clothes…check. There is something exciting to look forward to the next morning, but what is it? What is one thing that gets you pumped up about what is to come? It is Morris County Championships tomorrow and I have never been in better shape. Now, get a good nights sleep, but keep focusing in on that exciting factor!

First thing in the morning have a glass of water! Just a small 8oz glass will do. A ham, peppers and onions omlette, a slice of whole grain banana bread and a non-fat yogurt smoothie. That was the best “mistake” that  ever happened to me. I call it my “superhero breakfast.” My sophomore year of high school I had my “superhero breakfast” before the cross-country county championships. I ran what was arguably my best performance at the time that day.

When reflecting on my race afterward my dad and I decided that my preparation ritual could have had a positive effect. The next time I had a race I mimicked the preparation ritual I went through that morning with the same positive results.

Who Am I? My name is… Read the rest of this entry »

Don Gilbreath of www.comcam.net made this animated video clip using part of my last blog Prop Yourself Up During Your Next Presentation. Aren’t we lucky to life in an era where technology allows us to bring our messages to life in memorable and entertaining ways… and to have networking friends that are generous and creative!

Please enjoy this short video (1.5 minutes long). I especially like the funky chicken dance that the character does. Interesting observation: the robotic vocal pattern used by the character in my opinion diminishes the meaning of the message.

Think about how you use your vocal inflection to engage your audience and bring your message to life in your next presentation. Thanks Don for creating this clever animated video for me and my community. And remember…Death to PowerPoint!

What Don Gilbreath has to say about this new technology:

“This XtraNormal application has appeal to me as a compelling infomercial or edu_tainment tool. The monotone aspect will get better over time but finding its sweet spot is worth playing with for both commercial and expanding my kid’s horizon point of view. My business world is mashing science with science fiction. To find better ways to get any message out in today’s world is worth pursuing.”

- Don Gilbreath, CEO and founder of www.ComCam.net

What do you think? What technology  are you using to make your marketing communications more compelling and enagaging? Please share your ideas and favorite resources with the rest of us. We can all get better at this…