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BWH Communication & Public Affairs
presents…
What’s Your Point? Effective Strategies For Getting
Your Message Across
Presenter:
Erin McDonough Senior Vice President Communication & Public Affairs
Fear Factor
Fear of Heights? (Acrophobia)
Fear Factor
Fear of spiders? (Arachnophobia)
Fear Factor
Fear of death? (Necrophobia)
Fear Factor
1.Fear of public speaking (Glossophobia)
2.Fear of death (Necrophobia)3.Fear of spiders (Arachnophobia)4.Fear of darkness (Achluophobia, or
Myctophobia)5.Fear of Heights (Acrophobia)
Today’s agenda
• Honing your presentation skills
Effective Presentations
Activity
What’s your definition?
Effective Presentations
• Our definition– Authoritative– Energetic & Engaging– Clear & Concise
Establishing Your Authority
• Who are you?• Why are you talking about this?
Be Yourself, if…
• You are – Confident– Enthusiastic– Engaging
Know your Audience
• Who are they?• What is their level of understanding?• What is their connection to your
message?
Know your Audience
Activity
Tell it to your Grandma
Know your Audience
• Find out as much as you can • Tailor your message to your
audience• Avoid jargon• Anticipate questions
Anticipate Questions
• Consider what else they might want to know
• Pinpoint details they may challenge – what might be controversial?
• Develop your exit strategy
Develop an Outline OPEN
What’s the Big Idea, Mission, or Theme of the
Presentation?
BODY Talking Point 1
BODY Talking Point 2
BODY Talking Point 3
CLOSE Summary or Call to Action
Restate your main idea
The Open
• Capture their attention! – a question– a startling fact– a story– a scenario (imagine, what if…)– a humorous quote & story – caution!
OPEN What’s the Big Idea,
Mission, or Theme of the Presentation?
The Open
• Tell them what you are going to tell them
• Tell them what they will gain• Make it interesting!
The Body
• 3 – 5 key points• Details and proof• Use of Data & Stats
– limit & make them memorable!
BODY Talking Point 1
BODY Talking Point 2
BODY Talking Point 3
“Facts bring us to knowledge, stories bring us to wisdom.”
The Close
• Tie it all together• Tell them what you told them • Conclusions or call to action• Reiterate your big idea or theme
CLOSE Summary or Call to Action
Slides: A picture is worth 1,000 words
• 3 – 5 points per slide• Use bullets, key phrases, not
sentences• Always check for mizpelled words!• Use at least 20-point font• Use different size fonts for main
points – And secondary points
• This will help make things clear to your audience
What Works & What Doesn’t• If you use small fonts, your audience won’t be able to see it
• CAPITALIZE ONLY WHEN NECESSARY – OR IT WILL SEEM LIKE YOU’RE YELLING!
• Don’t use complicated font• Save bold and underline for special
emphasis
What Works
• For critical points, reveal only one at a time– Helps the audience concentrate on what you
are saying– Prevents the audience from reading ahead– Helps you keep your presentation focused
What Doesn’t
• This page contains too many words for a presentation slide. The slide is not presented in bullet point form and therefore is much more difficult for your audience to read and for you to present each point. In short, your audience will spend too much time trying to read this paragraph and not enough time listening to you.
What Works
• Use a color that contrasts with the background
• Use color to emphasize a point!– But only use this occasionally
• Don’t get too creative with your use of color!!!
What Doesn’t
Do not use too much animation
Do not use distracting animation
Approaching the danger zone with the animation
Enough already with the animation!
What Works - Images
If they are clear If they are memorable
Items Sold in First Quarter of 2002
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January February March April
Blue Balls
Red Balls
What Doesn't Work - Images
Review
You know your audienceYou’ve got your outlineYou’ve got your slidesYou’re ready to go – right?
Activity
What’s your challenge?
Practice, practice, practice!
• Do several “dry runs” in advance
• Use a mirror, tape recorder, video – whatever works for you!
• Find a friend (have someone watch & critique)
Why Practice?
• You “hear” it, refine your message• Become fluid and conversational• Plan pauses, inflection, gestures• Delete jargon
Why Practice?
• Internalize the message• Convey confidence• Practice your timing • Establish a Plan B• Reduce anxiety!
How Important is Style in Communication?
Activity
You be the coach
Elements of Style – Body Positioning
• Always be aware of your posture• Don’t stand in front of your slides• Laser pointers never work out
Elements of Style – Movement
• Be animated as you present
• Move purposefully
• Don’t make erratic movements, like bouncing, rocking, pacing
Elements of Style – Hands
• Gesture naturally, not mechanically• Do not use your hand excessively,
unless you do naturally• Be aware that some gestures could
be culturally offensive – OK?
=
Elements of Style – Facial Expression
• Be aware of your facial expressions – use them purposefully. Show me:– Thoughtful– Questioning– Annoyed – Empathetic– Touched– Proud– Exasperated
Elements of Style – Vocal
• Volume • Pace/Pauses• Tone • Fillers• Inflection
Inflection Changes Meaning
• I did not say I want a raise this year• I did not say I want a raise this year• I did not say I want a raise this year• I did not say I want a raise this year• I did not say I want a raise this year• I did not say I want a raise this year
Elements of Style – Eye Contact
• Make eye contact – include your audience, focus on multiple people
• Not too long – that’s creepy! • If they’re not looking, they’re not
listening
Elements of Style – Appearance
• Be aware of the image you are projecting
• Dress appropriately for the occasion/audience
• Avoid distracting colors & patterns• Project calm and authority
Elements of Style - Nervousness
• Accept it- everyone gets nervous!• Preparation is key.• Have confidence in you – your
audience does.• Breathe deeply
What’s your challenge?
Review
√ You know your audience√ You’ve got your outline√ You’ve got your slides√ You’ve practiced, and practiced, and
practiced√ You look good√ You’re ready to go! (Really this time!)
Questions?
