"The Leadership Solutions Network is an online magazine focusing on interesting and relevant topics for the student, career-seeker, and leader."
Grand Slam Communication: Workshops That Wow (Part 2)
By Ryan Underwood
Fear of death.
Fear of cats.
Fear of speaking.
In a study on fears, Americans listed the fear of speaking as the number one thing that made them a “big fraidy cat.” There are a number of reasons people fear presenting - and near the top of the list is being another boring speaker.
So instead of being scared to death to speak, turn that fear and stress into presentations full of life! Whether you call it a seminar, presentation, symposium, break-out session, or workshop - fear no more! You’re about to find out how to turn a mere audience into a group of engaged, excited, and enthusiastic fans! If you can remember the basics of baseball or softball then you’ve got the key to presenting a winning workshop!
Step #2 is covered in The Outfield: it's workshop delivery - knocking your message "out" of the park!
Note: For the first part of this article, the Infield, click here.
What Gets LEFT Out?
Left Field in our Grand Slam Communication model contains all of the things you should not do in your workshop. We say they should be “left” out of your presentation. Here is a quick list of key mistakes not to make during your workshop:
—Do not forget to introduce yourself
—Do not pretend you are something you are not
—Do not fidget
—Do not READ to your audience (either from your media, notes, or cards)
—Do not go over time
—Do not tell tasteless jokes
—Do not make excuses, apologize, or put others down (including yourself)
—Do not hide behind the podium
—Do not make up information or forget to acknowledge your sources
—Do not use fillers (“um”, “err”, “and”, “ya know,” “like”, “okay”, “uhhhhh”)
—Do not chew gum
—Do not show up late
—Do not do activities without processing them and debriefing
—Do not talk too fast
—Do not “count off” to divide participants into groups (use colors, fruits, words, etc.)
—Do not pace
—Do not rock the boat (sway back and forth)
—Do not lock your knees (unless you want to pass out)
—Do not single out participants (unless they volunteer)
TRI TIP: Check your facts! Nothing detracts from credibility more than a presenter that either doesn’t know their stuff, pretends that someone else’s story actually happened to them, or doesn’t practice what they preach. If an audience finds out you are lying to them—your credibility is shot and so is your message!
What’s RIGHT On?
Right Field in our baseball/softball field is everything a presenter should do “right” to deliver a powerful message. This is where you turn mere chocolate into mile high mud pie and truly tantalize your audience. Here is a quick list of ways to get it right in your workshop:
—Do vary your speaking pace, tone, and volume
—Do check the room, equipment, and set up early
—Do greet audience members prior to your workshop
—Do prepare a biography for a workshop host to introduce you
—Do reconfirm with your host that the schedule and rooms have not changed
—Do make eye contact with your fans
—Do smile and keep a pleasant look on your face
—Do deliver your introduction and close without referring to notes
—Do share your enthusiasm and energy for your topic
—Do research your audience and location
—Do number your note pages in case they get out of order
—Do empty your pockets and remove anything that can cause fidgeting
—Do use the whole room (present from all corners, the center, standing on a chair, etc.)
—Do pick an original theme for your session to make it distinct
—Do prepare back up activities for “just in case”
—Do use visual aids to make your point (props, Power Point, overheads, toys, etc.)
—Do use music to create buzz and energy (check the lyrics!)
—Do debrief all activities, energizers, and icebreakers
—Do use incentives and prizes to mobilize your audience
—Do provide practical things audience members can do when they leave
—Do break up the audience into smaller work groups to create connection
—Do bring garbage bags if your activities are going to create trash
—Do incorporate eye candy (decorate the room, welcome banner on the door, etc.)
—Do control enthusiasm levels (respect the space of others presenting near you)
—Do turn off your wireless phone before presenting!
—Do be yourself
—Do have fun!
Find Your CENTER!
Center Field is reserved especially for YOU! What are you centering on to improve your presentation ability? Great presenters have their own style. Rookie presenters try to emulate great presenters and avoid the pitfalls of others. That’s a safe way to begin. But, to get really good you need to develop your own style based on your strengths. Identify the things you are working on and center on improving them. Great presenters use each opportunity to get better, try new material, and polish. They seek coaching, review evaluations, and center on ways to get better!
Get ON DECK!
Near the batter’s box on every baseball field is what is called the On Deck Circle. This is where a batter warms up before taking their turn. Successful presenters, like athletes, feel the tension of wanting to do well. To overcome stress they know they must warm up and practice before they perform. Here are some keys to controlling nervousness and increasing confidence:
Breathe: Take in a breath deeply and slowly, and then release. Ahhh... now repeat! According to experts breathing relieves stress because it decreases acidity in the blood and increases oxygen to the brain. When we’re nervous we tend to hold our breath rather than concentrating on air flow.
Get Sleep: Fatigued minds and bodies cause more stress because you have to think and work harder to do everything. Give yourself a break—get some rest!
Stretch: Reach for the sky, lift your shoulders, roll your head, stretch your arms. Stretching relieves muscle tension and makes you look more natural and at ease.
Get into Uniform: Feeling good about what you wear and how you look is part of the presentation—and it’s one of the easiest ways to decrease stress. From your undergarments to your overcoat, wear your favorite “power outfit” and make sure you feel pressed, polished, and ready to perform!
Get Pumped: Repeat to yourself, “I’m exited to be here... I’m excited to be here!” Fill your mind with positive thoughts. If you focus on “not messing up,” it’s almost certain you will!
Practice: Know your message. Know your cues. Know your stories, quotes, and statistics. Practice out loud—get used to your voice. Video yourself: no one will be a tougher critic than you. Get a trusted friend to review your presentation and coach you. There’s no substitute for good old-fashioned practice!
Ryan Underwood is the Chief Leadership Officer of TRI Leadership Resources, LLC, and the publisher of the LSN. Click here to learn more about Ryan and how to contact him!
Current Average Article Rating: 4/5
Rating articles lets the LSN Staff know which articles you like best, which helps us to produce more articles like the ones you found most helpful.
|
|
© Copyright TRI Leadership Resources, LLC 1991-2003. Copying and stealing information from this website without express written permission from TeamTRI is strictly forbidden and an indicator that you are not a leader. If you aren't a leader, then keep surfing this site: you're in the right place and we can help. Contact us at PO Box 912, Jacksonville, OR, 97530 or call 888-786-7526 for assistance.
|
|
|
Not currently receiving the LSN? Get the premier source of leadership and career knowledge sent straight to your e-mail box! Click here to subscribe! |
 Click here to see Team TRI in action in the Institute For Leaders video! |
Find out how TRI can help your organization, and learn more about the folks who write for the LSN!
"You're never ready... you're just less unprepared."
--Gene Platt |
|
