Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• convention speech flashbacks;
• persuasive speaking;
• speech critiques;
• being charismatic;
• PowerPoint and Star Wars;
• making money from speaking;
• speaker gifts;
• and more!

From the Six Minutes Archives

Two Years Ago…

• Speech Critiques – Obama, Democratic Convention 2008 and
  Speech Critiques – McCain, Palin, Republican Convention 2008
  Flashback to the 2008 party conventions, with speech videos and critiques of the headliners.

Recently on Six Minutes…

• What is Logos and Why is it Critical for Speakers? and
  17 Easy Ways to Be a More Persuasive Speaker
  Two articles which complete (at least for now) our series on ethos, pathos, and logos and how every speaker can improve their skills.
• Ready, Set, Go! Nail Your Pre-Speech Ritual
  Guest author Stephanie Scotti shares tips you can apply before you begin speaking.

Speechwriting

• John Zimmer critiques a thought-provoking TED talk by Elif Shafak, shown below.
  [Ed. I'm listing it this week, not only for John's probing critique, but also for the lessons in storytelling that all speakers can gain from Elif's presentation.]

Click here to view the embedded video.

Delivery Techniques

• John Kinde suggests that laughter is contagious.

In my opinion, a common comedy myth is that humor plays best in a dark room.  I definitely feel that you’ll get more laughs if the room is lit.  People need to see each other to maximize the laughter. [...]

The contagious nature of laughter requires that you master the pause.   An audience response will never be instantaneous.  You’ll need to be patient for the contagious element of your audience response to kick in.  In fact, with a really large audience, you may notice the wave-effect as laughter rolls over the audience.

• Nick Morgan gives a video explanation of 4 steps to being a more charismatic speaker.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Visual Aids

• Garr Reynolds provides a humorous look at PowerPoint in Star Wars.

A long time ago — before PowerPoint was invented — in a galaxy far, far away, leaders gave presentations backed by large electronic wall displays. [...] Notice how he uses the entire wide screen to display only visual information [...] Notice too how he has gathered the [audience] close to the front, how he himself stands close to the back-lit screen (even slightly in front of it at times), and maintains eye-contact with the audience, occasionally pointing to key areas of the animation on screen.

• Brent Dykes provides a tutorial on using shadow effects in PowerPoint 2007.

PowerPoint ninjas ensure their shadows are consistent. Approach shadow effects as though the imaginary light source casting the shadow is always in the same position on the slide (e.g., top left corner). In other words, find a favorite style and use it consistently across your slides — same intensity, same angle.

Speaker Habits

• Denise Graveline explains why you should greet your audience at the door.

It’s a great grace note that will make you memorable.

You’re adding value to their experience.

You’ll hear more from the introverts.

It works for introvert and extrovert speakers.

You’re warming them up better than any bad joke can.

You have a better chance of sharing your business cards.

You can assess the mood of the room.

It’s the best introduction you can get.

Professional Speaking

• Barbara Haislip writes that speaking can be a lucrative path to more business.

Give a speech. Win a client.

As simple—or even scary—as that formula sounds, a host of entrepreneurs have found that conquering public speaking can be the route to more contacts and customers. Impressing people with your expertise at a conference, in a classroom or over the radio can sometimes win more business than making sales calls or manning a booth at a trade show. Not to mention that the most successful speakers can take home thousands of dollars in fees for an appearance.

• John Watkis questions the heavy costs associated with poor speaking skills.

How much money are you losing because of poor public speaking skills and lack of preparation? How much credibility are you losing because your speeches are boring? How badly is the reputation of your organization suffering because the executives are simply horrible when they give a speech? [...]

There was  $750,000 on the table, but the speaker gave a $10 speech. He wasn’t prepared and he wasn’t interesting. [...] Poor public speaking and lack of preparation cost him … big time!

• Laura Bergells delights with an unusual story with a great lesson about giving meaningful speaker gifts.
  [Ed. One of the best workplace gifts I ever received was a box of Smarties from a co-worker, months after I mentioned that I liked them. I still have the empty box on my office wall.]

However, you’ve really got a challenge when you give a speaker gift. [...]

[...] One of the keys of giving a truly thoughtful gift is to listen to your speaker. If you’re hiring someone to speak at your event or for your organization, read their blog. Follow them on FaceBook, Twitter, or LinkedIn. Watch for that offhand comment — it may be about a mackerel, a passion for falconry, adventures in beekeeping — who knows? Once you know a little bit more about your speaker, you can find something more personal that the leftover SWAG that’s been gathering dust in your office.

Not the Way to End Your Speech…

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-31] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-26] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-05]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• recently released speaking books;
• another TED talk critique;
• using video in your talk;
• overcoming youth-centric stereotypes;
• moderating a panel;
• and more!

From the Six Minutes Archives

One Year Ago from Six Minutes…

• 6 Key Steps to Dip Your Toe into the Professional Speaking Pool
  Jane Atkinson reveals what you need to do to transition to be a paid speaker.

Recently on Six Minutes…

• Book Review — Boring to Bravo
  A look at the strengths and weaknesses of Kristin Arnold’s recently published book about engaging your audience.

Resources for Speakers – Public Speaking Books

Check out these recently released public speaking and communications books:

• Visual Meetings: How Graphics, Sticky Notes and Idea Mapping Can Transform Group Productivity by David Sibbet
• How to Give a Pretty Good Presentation: A Speaking Survival Guide for the Rest of Us by T. J. Walker
• Demystifying Technical Training: Partnership, Strategy, and Execution by Wendy L. Combs and Bettina M. Davis
• It's the Way You Say It: Becoming Articulate, Well-spoken, and Clear by Carol A. Fleming
• Presenting Yourself With Impact At Work by Gill Graves

Visual Aids

• Gavin Meikle debates the merits of including video clips in your talk.

Less is more is always my mantra. Ask yourself, do I really need a video clip here? Remember you are your own best visual aid and anything else should add value.

• John Zimmer critiques a fascinating TED talk by Roz Savage with a focus on when you should black out the slides to bring attention back to yourself.

Having an image that is incongruous with your words is never a good idea. At best, it will be mildly distracting; at worst, it could be confusing for some members of the audience. Besides, the audience’s main focus for any speech should be the speaker, not the slide presentation. So if in doubt, black it out!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Speaker Habits

• Denise Graveline ponders what to do when your youth undermines your credibility.

I am a 30 year-old executive at a life science company. The blessings of my Asian genes is that I look about 10 years younger, but professionally it is my number one curse. I teach seminars around the globe, speak at universities and give regular presentations before the senior management of companies. Usually the audience is in shock when I begin speaking because they thought I was the intern or assistant. How do I establish credibility in as a public speaker when my looks work so dramatically against me?

• Kathy Reiffenstein offers 5 suggestions to get the most from a presentation skills course.

Be generous in your feedback to others. By generous, I don’t necessarily mean nice, although you certainly do want to look for the positives in others’ presentations and comment on them. But equally important is the constructive feedback — pointing out to others where they could have done something more effectively and what impact that would have had on you, their audience.

[...] And best of all, if you’re generous with your feedback, others will return the favor.

• Ian Griffin shares 10 tips for moderating a panel.

Like any blood sport, a good panel discussion needs a referee. The moderator’s job is to be the voice of reason, the champion for the audience and, if necessary, the inquisitor who probes beneath the surface for compelling comments.

• Lisa Braithwaite reminds us that first impressions form before you speak.

You may think that the moment you walk onstage is the first impression your audience gets of you. However, you are onstage from the minute you arrive at the venue. In fact, you are onstage when someone is browsing your website to determine if they want to invite you to speak!

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-03-06] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-02-06] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-01-02] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2009-12-05]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• storytelling points;
• technical speaking challenges;
• speech editing;
• warming up your voice;
• vocal projection;
• delivery versus discussion;
• handouts;
• using the iPad while speaking;
• Dilbert on speaking fear;
• and more!

Speechwriting

• Doug Stevenson offers a two-part lesson on distilling the point of your stories. Part 1 is an introduction and reader challenge; part 2 reports on submissions and provides commentary. Challenge yourself!

Rather than giving you the point of the story, I want to ask you what you think the point could or should be. What did you take away from the story? What was the lesson for you?

Once you’ve narrowed down what you think the lesson is, challenge yourself to translate the lesson into a Phrase That Pays. Turn the lesson or the point of the story into a call to action. Start the Phrase That Pays with a verb, and use six words or less.

• Denise Graveline offers a pair of articles focused on technical speaking challenges.
  • In the first article, she discusses how scientific presentations differ from other presentation styles.
  • In the second article, she suggests how to balance technical and non-technical information for a mixed audience.
• Cynthia Starks extracts six steps for speech editing from The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One, How to Deliver It.

First, let it rest.

Edit for content.

Edit for organization.

Edit for style.

Edit for language.

Edit for grammar.

• Mark Tamer suggests “closing the loop” — closing your speech by referring back to the opening words.

[...] the exceptional presenter stops for questions several minutes before the conclusion of her presentation. After responding to questions and inviting the thoughts of others, she delivers her strong closing (the message she wants her audience to repeat long after her presentation) [...] Closing the loop can be as easy as rephrasing your opening statement.

Delivery Techniques

• Kate Peters explains how to warm up your voice.

It takes a good thirty minutes to warm up most voices.  Set that time aside before you go on.  In addition, spend as much time off stage practicing as you are going to spend on stage presenting.  That means, if your talk is an hour long, you need to practice an hour a day for a week or two before presenting. If you regularly give presentations that are four or more hours long, as trainers do, you need to make sure you keep your voice healthy with a daily work out, but you also need to make sure you get some vocal rest in between presentations.

• Lisa Braithwaithe discusses tips for vocal projection.

Vocal projection is not so much about being louder as it is about placement. When you are not projecting your voice, it’s because you are speaking to a space right in front of your face. Projection just means that, instead of focusing at a point right in front of you, you focus on a point farther away.

Visual Aids

• Brent Dykes analyzes presentation timelines and advocates devoting ample time for discussion.

Two-way communication is generally encouraged for most presentations. However, communication between audience members can be equally or more valuable than just communication between a presenter and his/her audience. The next time you present in a smaller business setting ensure that you leave ample time for discussion, and you’ll see a difference in the action and success your presentation is able to drive. Don’t let PowerPoint slides interrupt a good discussion!

• Jonathan Thomas offers a tongue-in-cheek look at bad PowerPoint advice.

That font is too big.

I realize this graph is confusing.  How about we make it so small and have it appear and disappear so quickly that the audience only gets a glimpse of it.

I know the presentation looks better with images and less text, but I need my bullet points to remember what I’m talking about.

Don’t worry about the number of slides.  If I can’t get to them all, I’ll just skip the last few.

Make sure my logo, website, and phone number is on every slide.

Speaker Habits

• Olivia Mitchell delivers 13 tips for effective presentation handouts.

Prepare your handouts in plenty of time.

Don’t just print out your slides.

Ensure your handout reflects your presentation.

Add more information.

Include references.

Consider creating an action sheet.

Make your handout stand-alone.

Provide whitespace.

Make your handout look professional.

Consider what additional resources you can provide for your audience.

Consider creating a web page.

Distribute the handout at the beginning of your presentation.

Do tell people if it’s not in the handout.

• Phil Waknell follows up with another perspective on handouts. In particular, he advocates giving out the handouts at the end of the presentation.

Therefore if you tell the audience at the start that you will give them a full set of notes afterwards, so they can concentrate on you and your subject in a proper connected communication session, they will thank you, and they will actually learn more because they are truly listening, not just trying to transcribe.

The iPad and the Speaker

• Gavin Meikle analyzes the usefulness of an iPad while speaking.

The iPad is a fantastic tool and it’s uses are developing all the time. I love it for note taking, planning, organising and mind mapping but it’s not quite there yet as a full blown presentation tool.

• Jan Schultink reports on using an iPad for a 1-on-1 presentation.

[...] not a perfect experience, but I am learning.

Dilbert and Public Speaking Fear

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #81 Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-26] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-05]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• recently released public speaking and communications books;
• stories for a business context;
• presenting as a team;
• handling dominating audience members;
• using props;
• PowerPoint versus Prezi;
• confidence as a speaker;
• and more!

Resources for Speakers – Public Speaking Books

Check out these recently released public speaking and communications books:

• Wedding Toasts Made Easy!: The Complete Guide by Tom Haibeck
• The Power of Eye Contact: Your Secret for Success in Business, Love, and Life by Michael Ellsberg
• Body Language in Business: Decoding the Signals by Adrian Furnham and Evgeniya Petrova
• The Reagan Persuasion: Charm, Inspire, and Deliver a Winning Message by James Humes
• ASTD Handbook for Measuring and Evaluating Training by Patricia Pulliam Phillips

Speechwriting

• Ellen Finkelstein points to a resource for business stories that provides both a set of illustrative stories, and also identifies them according to theme.

Delivery Techniques

• Nick Morgan lists 10 rules for presenting as a team.

Even though you’re all on the same team, nonetheless, it’s more effective to introduce other people than yourself.  It is inherently more believable for someone else to say, “What’s great about Jeff is that he’s tilled in this vineyard for 25 years; he knows everything there is to know about grapes,” than it is for you to say, “I’ve got a lot of experience.”

• Lisa Braithwaite points out strategies for handling dominating audience members.

How many times have you sat in the audience during the Q&A portion of a presentation (either live or on the Web or phone), and felt frustrated by one audience member dominating the questions?

Visual Aids

• Kathy Reiffenstein shows you how to be successful with props.

Hearing the word prop may evoke an image of a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. And while I’d be the first to suggest that a good presentation does have an element of magic, props in a business presentation serve a much more worldly purpose: to aid the audience’s understanding and involvement.

• Denna Jones debates (part 1 & part 2) the merits of ditching PowerPoint for Prezi.

If you want to create better presentations or are eager to learn a new and different presentation method, there is a choice beyond PowerPoint – Prezi.

Speaker Habits

• Jonathan Thomas argues that confidence is key to public speakers.

[...] you can DEFINITELY succeed as a presenter.  But in order to do that, you must have confidence in yourself and what you’re presenting.  [...] If you’re selling a product or service, you have to believe in what you’re selling.

The PowerPoint Coma…

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-03-06] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-02-06] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-01-02] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2009-12-05]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• summer book recommendations;
• adding meaning to statistics;
• speechwriting strategies;
• handling hecklers;
• slide color choices;
• apologizing to your audience;
• introduction etiquette;
• and more!

From the Six Minutes Archives

Two Years Ago from Six Minutes…

• Wrap Your Naked Statistics in a Warm Blanket of Meaning
  Examples which illustrate the importance of adding meaningful context to the statistics you offer your audience.

Recently on Six Minutes…

• 27 Hot Summer Reads for Speakers
  The most popular books being read by Six Minutes readers — maybe one or two can be part of your summer reading?
• 8 Speechwriting Lessons You Can Learn from Songwriters
  Easy techniques you can use to make your speech sing, from guest author Peter Jeff.

Speechwriting

• Rhett Laubach offers a strategy to design your presentation called W5.

1. Why is this information being presented to me?
2. When will I need to use this information?
3. What do you want me to do now to engage in your presentation?
4. Where have I experienced this?
5. Who is an example of what you are telling/teaching me?

• Olivia Mitchell suggests opening your speech with your conclusion.

It seems natural to structure your presentation with the conclusion at the end of your presentation [...]. But most of the time [...] it’s more effective to tell your audience your conclusion near the beginning of your presentation.

• Denise Graveline lists ideas for giving anniversary speeches:

• Connect the anniversary date to something special on the same day in history, and let it suggest a theme
• Use the year and your topical theme
• Sprinkle in unrelated-to-your-topic events, too
• Generate some laughs and a sense of shared experiences

Delivery Techniques

• Sarah Gershman suggests a simple tip: open your speech and let the audience stretch!

It’s a simple, but brilliant idea that instantly raises the level of energy in the room.

• Frank Damelio offers 5 tips on handling heckers in the video below.

1. Stop the attack before it starts.
2. Don’t give them a chance to preempt you.
3. Stop the monopolizer before he starts.
4. No dead time.
5. Give them no fuel to attack by being likeable.

Click here to view the embedded video.

[If you prefer, you could read the advice.]

Visual Aids

• Eric Albertson explains why complementary colors are effective on slides.

[...] using complementary colors to achieve a powerful effect is not a new technique.  Colors that sit across from each other on the color wheel (complementary colors) have high contrast [...]

Need to help your audience focus on a particular option?  Consider using a contrasting color to help draw the eye.  The greater the contrast, the easier it will be for your audience to know where to look.

Speaker Habits

• Lisa Braithwaite urges you not to apologize to your audience.

Don’t apologize, even if it’s in your mind! The audience will sense your discomfort, and you can’t expect them to feel good about your message if you don’t.

• John Zimmer reminds you to wait for your introducer to be seated.

Whenever you are introduced by another person, have the courtesy and the poise to wait until that person is seated before you begin speaking. It might seem like a long wait to you, but in reality it will only be a few seconds.

[...] You will appear calm and in control, and will make a good first impression. And your audience will not be distracted by the movement of the person who introduced you.

The Lighter Side

What should you do if your computer dies in the middle of a PowerPoint presentation?
Keep going!

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #81 Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-31] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-05]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• new public speaking books;
• speech critiques of Meryl Streep, Steve Jobs, and Jacqueline Novogratz;
• tips for speaking to large crowds;
• PowerPoint rules;
• keys to being a passionate speaker;
• and much more.

From the Six Minutes Archives

Two Years Ago from Six Minutes…

• Connect With Your Audience: Don’t Hide Your Emotions When Speaking
  A plea to share your emotions with the audience as a means to connect with them.

One Year Ago from Six Minutes…

• Are… um… Filler Words… ah… Okay?
  A collection of expert opinions on the impact to your speech when you use filler words.

Recently on Six Minutes…

• The 10-20-30 Rule: Guy Kawasaki on PowerPoint
  An examination of this widely quoted PowerPoint rule.
• Speech Critique: Jacqeline Novogratz (TED 2009)
  Analysis of the many techniques which make this a wonderful speech, including her opening, closing, use of contrast, and connection to the audience.

Resources for Speakers – Public Speaking Books

Check out these recently released public speaking and communications books:

• Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently by John C. Maxwell
• Winning Body Language: Control the Conversation, Command Attention, and Convey the Right Message without Saying a Word by Mark Bowden
• Convince Them in 90 Seconds or Less: How to Connect in Business by Nicholas Boothman
• The Yes Factor: Get What You Want. Say What You Mean. The Secrets of Persuasive Communication by Tonya Reiman
• Tales for Trainers: Using Stories and Metaphors to Facilitate Learning by Margaret Parkin

Speechwriting

• Denise Graveline exposes the 5 weakest speaker statements.

1. “As we all know…” and its variants
2. Using yourself as the only data point to prove your assumptions
3. “I know [insert a boundary/rule/time limit/announced topic here], but I’m going to [do the opposite/go overtime/talk about something else]“
4. Any sentence loaded with acronyms
5. Time-wasters at the start

• Ian Griffin critiques the Barnard Commencement speech by Meryl Streep.

Meryl Streep opened her soul to the Barnard College graduating class last Monday. In a compelling commencement speech acknowledging the value of single-sex education, she celebrated both the power of a women’s perspective and the power of empathy to bring real change.

Click here to view the embedded video.

• Jonathan Thomas breaks down the latest Steve Jobs’ product presentation.

It’s no secret that Steve Jobs’ presentation style is considered to be one of the best.  Of course, that “style” has been developed by years of experience and a lifetime of preparation and practice.  His keynote presentations are multimedia extravaganzas more akin to a concert than a corporate presentation.

I decided to take a close look at Mr. Jobs’ presentation to try and break it down for you all of you, highlighting his approach to the WWDC 2010 keynote presentation and what elements create the masterpieces we are used to seeing.

Delivery Techniques

• Marisa Minor shares wisdom for speaking to large crowds.
  [Thanks to Richard Garber for the article discovery.]

• How can executives successfully play to very large crowds?
• When a speaker is talking to several thousand people, how does he/she alter a speech to suit the audience?
• How do speech messages change when the crowd is large?
• How do speakers modify gestures, speech patterns, etc.?
• How about dealing with technical issues?”

• Nick Morgan tackles the complex subject of being a passionate speaker in a series of articles.

Many people will tell you that passion is everything in presentations and communications in general.  “Just be yourself – be passionate,” they say.  There are two problems with that advice.  What if you’re not passionate about the subject?  And what if “being yourself” means being shy, or geeky, or just plain terrified?

Speaker Habits

• Angela DeFinis points out 4 speaking mistakes common among executives.

That’s a lot of time devoted to content creation. My only wish is that the executives would give the same amount of time and attention to actually practicing and rehearsing the delivery.  [...]

The fact is that poor delivery can overshadow great content. Therefore, spend the same amount of time practicing your delivery as you do creating your content.

Being Open to Honest Speech Feedback…

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-03-06] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-02-06] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-01-02] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2009-12-05]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• the rule of three;
• using sticky notes to organize your presentation;
• how to title your speech to grab your audience;
• storytelling advice;
• what to look for when looking at yourself on video;
• time management;
• audience analysis;
• and much more!

From the Six Minutes Archives

Two Years Ago from Six Minutes…

• How to Speak: 7 Speaking Tips from Patrick Henry Winston
  Highlights from the popular presentation from MIT Professor Patrick Henry Winston. Winston’s 45-minute lecture contains one of my favorite speaking quotes:

Your careers will be determined largely by how well you speak, by how well you write, and by the quality of your ideas… in that order.

Last Year on Six Minutes…

• How to Use the Rule of Three in Your Speeches
  The rule of three is powerful speechwriting technique that you should learn, practice, and master.

Recently on Six Minutes…

• Book Review — The Back of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures (Dan Roam)
  Insightful and essential lessons for all communicators. Everyone can benefit by improving their visual thinking skills with the help of this book.

Speechwriting

• Eric Albertson shares an inside glimpse of the Duarte presentation creation process. (You probably don’t have eight whiteboards like they do, but the ideas can be applied to your presentations on a smaller scale.)

We train people how to build effective presentations by writing their main points on sticky notes and then moving them around until they find a compelling flow for their message. Sticky notes are small, easily movable and readily recyclable. They are our friends!

And, we don’t just prescribe them for others, we use them here, too! They are an intricate part of our presentation creation process—for clients and for ourselves.

• Olivia Mitchell reflects on how to write your presentation title to attract a larger audience.

But your presentation title can determine whether you have a smattering of people attending, or standing room only.

The good news is that it’s not that hard to craft a presentation title. There are a number of tried and tested formats which are easy to adapt to your topic. This is the way professional copywriters write headlines.

• Dave Paradi reminds us to trim the details and present only the essential.

Your presentations are to present the result of your work in a way that enables others to use the information to make decisions or use the knowledge to be more effective and efficient in their own work. If you show all the background and data, you lose the audience because it is overwhelming. There is so much coming at them, they don’t know what the most important point is. And they give up trying to figure it out, or, even worse, come to a different conclusion than the one you wanted them to reach.

• Nick Morgan identifies the five basic, powerful stories.

1. The Quest
2. The Stranger in a Strange Land
3. Rags to Riches
4. The Love Story
5. The Tale of Revenge

• Conor Neill outlines his 5-step process for telling great stories.

1. Begin stating the moment in time
2. Introduce the situation and key characters
3. Something out of the ordinary occurs
4. Allow the tension to build — pause, add detail to the complication
5. Resolve the complication

Delivery Techniques

• Kate Peters discusses how to make the most of your voice when reading from a script.

Here are three areas to focus on to improve your vocal image on important calls and conference calls when you must read a script:

1. Practice reading aloud
2. Practice storytelling
3. Practice speaking with intention

• Denise Graveline suggests 8 keys to look for when watching yourself on video.

1. Visual “ums”
2. Invisible gestures
3. A body with a mind of its own
4. How you react to interruptions
5. Expressions that match your words
6. Gestures that match your words
7. Your posture and body language
8. Can you hear your message clearly throughout?

Visual Aids

• Brent Dykes offers two articles (part 1 and part 2) on how to decide whether an image is good for your presentation.

If you’ve read any presentation design books lately (Presentation Zen Design, Slide:ology, etc.), you’ve probably decided to use more images in your presentations. However, you may still be wondering if the images you’re selecting are good, average, or lame. Using more lame or average images in your presentations is about as helpful as adding more bullet points or animations to your PowerPoint slides.

• Dick Knisely reveals the many problems with the ubiquitous data slide shown below.

Speaker Habits

• Olivia Mitchell gives 7 tips for managing your time while speaking.

1. Decide on your “talking time”
2. Find out how long it takes to deliver your material
3. Write a timed schedule for your presentation
4. Write assertions so that you won’t waffle
5. Have a clock or timekeeper
6. Start on time
7. Be ready to adapt

• Diane DiResta reveals 7 tips for speaking internationally.

The greatest rapport builder is to say a few words in the native tongue. The best time to do this is in your greeting. When I spoke in Tanzania, I said, “Good morning. I’m happy to be here” in Kiswahili. The audience broke into applause. Little gestures have great impact.

• Cynthia Starks passes on an acronym to assist with audience analysis.

• Analysis
• Understanding
• Demographics
• Interest
• Environment
• Needs
• Customization
• Expectations

How to Create the Ultimate TED Talk

Longtime readers of Six Minutes will know that TED is an incredible resource for inspirational modern speeches. We have featured several TED talks in speech critiques.

But, today, here’s a tongue-in-cheek look at how to create the ultimate TED talk from Sebastian Wernicke.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #81 Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-31] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-26] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• PowerPoint and the Rule of Thirds;
• new public speaking books;
• persuasive techniques;
• training session tips;
• creating memorable story characters;
• effective use of pauses;
• new features in PowerPoint 2010;
• dealing with hecklers;
• and more!

From the Six Minutes Archives

One Year Ago from Six Minutes…

• How to Improve Your PowerPoint Slides with the Rule of Thirds
  Design tips for non-designers! The rule of thirds is easy to apply, and will make your slides much more attractive.

Two Years Ago from Six Minutes…

• How to Practice Your Presentation
  Part of the speech preparation series, this article shows why practice is essential.

Resources for Speakers – Public Speaking Books

Check out these recently released public speaking and communications books:

• 365 Powerful Ways to Influence by Donald Hendon
• The ABC's of Speaking by Thom Singer
• Body Language: 7 Easy Lessons to Master the Silent Language by James Borg
• The Wall Street Journal Guide to Information Graphics: The Dos and Don'ts of Presenting Data, Facts, and Figures by Dona M. Wong
• Delivering Training Workshops: Pfeiffer Essential Guides to Training Basics by Janis Fisher Chan

Speechwriting

• Nick Morgan delivers a 7-article series on persuasive techniques.

1. Phrase your arguments so that your listeners can hear them.
2. Have a clear goal in mind.
3. Break your communication down into problems and solutions.
4. Deal in stories, facts, and tropes.
5. Make sure your communication is articulate. Is there a real alternative? Is the idea consequential? Do the words shock but not surprise?
6. Cut through the clutter of information overload by dealing with safety issues.
7. Be willing to confess something.

• Diane DiResta offers 13 tips for designing a fun and memorable training session.

1. Understand how people learn.
2. Tell stories.
3. Use props.
4. Let them teach you.
5. Get physical.
6. Play games.
7. Organize creatively.
8. Pair up.
9. Get them moving.
10. Give them aha’s.
11. Provide download time.
12. Use music.
13. Get visual.

• Doug Stevenson details how to create memorable characters in your stories.

The way you describe your characters, physically, allows your audience to form a mental image of them. [...]

Don’t stop with, “My friend Mark was supposed to pick me up at the airport.” Go deeper. For example: “My friend Mark is about 6 feet, 3 inches tall and about 150 pounds. We used to call him “Daddy Long Legs”… with a mustache. He was a real string bean of a guy who worked as a computer tech  – a real nerd, an absolute genius with computers. So Mark, this lanky, nerdy guy, was supposed to pick me up at the airport and bring me home after my long trip.”

• Denise Graveline urges you to be bold in your speechwriting.

[...] you need to be bold to be an effective speaker. Respectful and qualified won’t help you create that vital connection with your audience, whether you’re in a meeting, a presentation or giving a speech.

Delivery Techniques

• Craig Senior discusses effective use of pauses.

What you are doing during pauses:

• listening with the audience (observing them)
• giving the audience time to absorb and respond
• breathing
• thinking
• moving
• getting a prop

What the audience is doing during pauses:

• thinking
• feeling
• laughing
• listening with you (observing you)

• Kathy Reiffenstein offers tips for speaking with a teleprompter.

1. Read the script through several times without the teleprompter.
2. Speak naturally
3. Know your teleprompter operator
4. Have a few people in the audience while you are rehearsing
5. Take a hard copy of your speech with you

• Kate Peters paradoxically offers 10 ways to destroy your voice.

1. Smoke.
2. Scream.
3. Avoid drinking water.
4. Pitch your voice as low as you can get it and force the sound out.

[...]

Visual Aids

• Jan Schultink contrasts two charts drawn from the same data to show how to use visuals to support your persuasive argument.
• Echo Swinford lists 65 new features in PowerPoint 2010.
  That’s a lot of new features. How will you take advantage of them?
• John Zimmer criticizes the 1-6-6 “rule” for PowerPoint.

• I have also seen this rule called the 1-5-5 Rule and the 1-7-7 Rule, with necessary changes to the numbers of bullet points and words per bullet point. I have chosen the middle ground.
• The “Rule” is not a rule at all. It is nonsense.

A recent satirical Dilbert comic has gone up on my office door:

Speaker Habits

• Lisa Braithwaite offers suggestions to overcome your tendency to say too much.

1. The most critical factor is timing yourself.
2. Create a time cushion when you practice.
3. Keep your eye on the clock.

• Jim Anderson studies (article 1 and  article 2) how to deal with hecklers.

The best way to deal with a heckler is to do your best to prevent them from becoming a heckler in the first place. A heckler can show up in any audience and so part of your preparation to give a speech, you need to spend some time taking steps to defuse the things that might set a heckler off.

• Olivia Mitchell also writes about how to handle hecklers.

1. Manage your own emotional state.
2. Let the heckler have their say.
3. Use reflective listening before you respond.
4. Respond.
5. [...]

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-02-06] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-01-02] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2009-12-05]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Six Minutes weekend reviews bring the best public speaking articles to you.

This review features topics including:

• frequently asked questions about Toastmasters;
• tactics for persuasive speaking;
• speechwriting tips;
• storytelling help from a Google ad;
• Obama’s State of the Union address;
• hands in the pockets;
• visual clichés;
• Sarah Palin and notes on her hands;
• the believability of Tiger Woods’ apology;
• and more!

From the Six Minutes Archives

One Year Ago from Six Minutes…

• Toastmasters: Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?
  Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the world’s largest public speaking organization.

Two Years Ago from Six Minutes…

• Electrify Your Audience with a Shocking Speech Opening
  A speech opening example which packs power into just 19 words.

Recently on Six Minutes…

• Book Review — Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
  A review of the bestselling book which enables speechwriters to craft memorable speeches.
• 15 Tactics to Establish Ethos: Examples for Persuasive Speaking
  Practical tips that you can apply to make your audience more likely to be persuaded by your presentation.
• Average Speakers Suck. Don’t Be Average
  The average speaker is largely ineffective, but any speaker can improve their impact as a speaker through hard work and practice.

Speechwriting

• Cynthia Starks shares how to write a speech that matters.
  Click the PDF speech transcript which she attaches at the end of her article. It’s worth a thorough read.

My message to you today is simple – speeches matter.

In the political world, they can win votes, start wars or inspire a generation.

In the business world, they can attract customers, boost sales, motivate employees, influence investors, position individuals as thought-leaders and companies as pace-setters.

If you want to communicate passion, clarity of purpose, and a call to action, nothing beats a speech. Nothing else gives your message a human face.

• Lisa Braithwaite rates the effectiveness of the Google “Parisian Love” ad (aired during the Super Bowl) against the recommendations from Made to Stick.

Click here to view the embedded video.

• Terry Gault delves into the elements of effective stories, also commenting on the Google ad.

• Reveal something personal about yourself, the presenter. What are you really like? What is the company really like?
• Use humility and vulnerability to build empathy. Don’t relate a personal success; instead, describe a personal difficulty so the audience will empathize with you.
• Choose an incident or emotional experience – a common reference point – with which the audience can identify.
• Develop characters for your story and make them come to life. Let the audience see the emotions of the characters in your story.

• Nick Morgan critiques Barack Obama’s State of the Union address.

This new tone represents a remarkable departure for President Obama.  The cynical would say, a new speechwriter got the SOTU assignment.  But presidents control their rhetoric, and they pay particular attention to the State of the Union, since it’s the one speech that everyone listens to each year.  So the new tone is deliberate.

Delivery Techniques

• Laura Bergells criticizes the “hands in your pockets” posture.

It’s the lackluster “hands in pockets” gesture made popular by the slacker dufus in those “I’m a PC” commercials. He’s the guy whose posture represents disinterest. He has nothing to do, so he stands with his hands in his pockets, listening to what the more entertaining fellow has to say.

“Hands in Pockets” might be appropriate during the “Q” part of “Q and A”. It can signal, “I’m open to listening to you”.

But it’s not a polite posture to adopt while speaking.

Visual Aids

• Jan Schultink (via Nikki Smith-Morgan) points to 101 visual clichés.
  How many have you used?

The light bulb

The tape measure

The crystal ball

The stopwatch

The baton

…

Speaker Habits

• Stephanie Scotti suggests the S.T.A.T. formula for speaker introductions.

Speaker — Why this speaker?

Topic — Why is this topic being discussed?

Audience — Why is this topic important to this audience?

Time — Why this subject at this time?

Sarah Palin and Notes on her Palms

First, the video showing Sarah Palin use of notes written on her hand:

Click here to view the embedded video.

• Jerry Weissman discusses the media debate about Sarah Palin’s palm reading, shown below.

Nancy Benac of the Associated Press summed up the sharp exchange on the subject, “Obama’s critics point to his podium and teleprompter as evidence of [his] disconnect. Palin’s critics point to her flesh-and-ink crib notes as one more sign she’s a lightweight. Or maybe all these two have shown is that they’re human and need a little help remembering key points.”

• Scott Berkun puts the focus back where it belongs.

I’m all for criticizing speakers for the quality of their ideas. Ask if the points they make are clear, and smart, and fair, and useful.  Consider if they seem to believe what they say and passionately care about being useful to their audience. These are the questions that matter. Few speakers are able to do this with or without teleprompters or crib sheets.

Getting caught up in the trivia of props and prompters is a a complete distraction. I wish it would stop.

Critiques of the Tiger Woods Apology

View Tiger Woods’ apology statement yourself:

Click here to view the embedded video.

• Bert Decker assesses the strengths and weaknesses of Tiger’s apology.

Although it was painful for Tiger Woods to have his giant size ’statement’ this morning, the key question is: was he believable? Oh, we want facts (is Elin leaving? when is he returning to golf? is he staying in rehab?, etc) but that information we could get from his web page, where he has announced everything else. We want to see him. We want to hear and ‘feel’ him to judge for ourselves.

• Theresa Zagnoli dissects the Tiger Woods apology statement.

As a communication expert, the Tiger Woods media statement today provided much to dissect. As a student of human behavior, there is much to discuss. As a human being, there is a great deal to ponder.

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review #81 Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-31] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-26] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.

Twice each month, Six Minutes weekend reviews bring you the best public speaking articles from throughout the public speaking blogosphere.

Please share them with anyone you feel would benefit from the tips and techniques.

This review features topics including:

• recently released public speaking books;
• storytelling and details;
• remedies for voice malfunctions;
• handling hecklers;
• thanking the audience;
• cartoons in presentations;
• rehearsal strategies;
• a speech critique of Sir Ken Robinson;
• and more!

From the Six Minutes Archives

One Year Ago from Six Minutes…

• Speech Analysis: Barack Obama’s Inaugural Speech
  5 Speechwriting Lessons from a speech with impossible expectations.

Two Years Ago from Six Minutes…

• Should a Speaker Apologize to the Audience
  Examines conventional speaking wisdom that one should never apologize.

Recently on Six Minutes…

• Ethos, Pathos, Logos: 3 Pillars of Public Speaking
  Introduction to the article series which examines these core concepts.
• What is Ethos and Why is it Critical for Speakers?
  Defines ethos along four characteristics: trustworthiness, similarity, authority, and reputation.
• Book Review: Confessions of  a Public Speaker
  An entertaining and insightful insider’s view of public speaking. This review was followed by a contest where Six Minutes readers submitted their confessions and insights.

Resources for Speakers – Public Speaking Books

Check out these recently released public speaking and communications books:

• Perfect Phrases for Communicating Change by Lawrence Polsky and Antoine Gerschel
• The Body Language Handbook: How to Read Everyone's Hidden Thoughts and Intentions by Gregory Hartley and Maryann Karinch
• Voice of Influence: How to Get People to Love to Listen to You by Judy Apps
• Making Learning Stick: 20 Proven Techniques That Produce Results by Barbara Carnes
• The Choreography of Presenting: The 7 Essential Abilities of Effective Presenters by Kendall Zoller

Speechwriting

• Denise Graveline urges you to add compelling details to stories.

Telling a story can be a powerful way to engage your audience, breathe life into a speech or presentation, get away from jargon to explain a complex point, or persuade your listeners.  But if you want the telling to be compelling, you need to sweat the details.

• Fred Miller emphasizes the importance of a strong speech closing.

This is why it is mandatory that you have a strong opening and a strong closing.  And of the two, more often than not, the closing will be recalled more than any other part of the presentation.

Memorize and practice, practice, practice your opening and closing!  Rehearse it so it becomes second nature to you.

Remember, though, it’s the first time this audience will hear it.  Don’t lose the enthusiasm and emotion you had when delivering the closing many audiences ago!

Delivery Techniques

• Kate Peters provides 3 remedies for common voice malfunctions.

1. If your voice croaks like a frog…
2. If your voice shakes…
3. If you get a tickle…

• Jim Anderson wonders how to handle hecklers.

When it comes to dealing with a heckler, a speaker’s options are somewhat limited. What is going on here is a power play – you own the stage, but the heckler is trying to take over your audience. The big unanswered question is which way will the audience go – will they side with the heckler or will they side with you, the speaker.

• Ellen Finkelstein shares a Toastmasters debate on whether to thank the audience or not.

I do like the idea of not making “thank you” your last words, though, and leaving the audience with a final, uplifting point. For example, I might say, “Thanks for your attention and remember that you CAN present complex data clearly!”

• Terry Gault questions responding in the Q&A with “That’s a good question.“

It’s a value judgment about the quality of the question.  If the questioner didn’t think it was a good question, they would not have asked it.

Visual Aids

• Troy Chollar demonstrates how to create an animated countdown timer in PowerPoint. [Ed. I'm going to try something like this to time out the breaks the next time I teach a course.]
• Philippa Leguen de Lacroix weighs the pros and cons of using cartoons in your presentation.

Cons:

1. The cartoon can be a distraction
2. The complexity or subtle humour of the cartoon may be lost on the audience
3. Your credibility may be undermined

Pros:

1. You can reinforce your point
2. The cartoon is a mind-break
3. Cartoons are entertaining!
4. Communication and learning works best using a combination of images and narrative

• Jan Schultink gives a step-by-step guide to effective slides with ample whitespace.

White space is a powerful element in slide design. An image with the subject in the center often does not leave enough space to let the slide breathe a bit. The following image sequence explain a work around. Basically, you stretch the background of the image without stretching and distorting the image subject itself.

Speaker Habits

• Bert Decker sums up one of my beliefs which led to founding Six Minutes: perpetual growth.

You’re either improving or decaying. [...] There is no in between. [...]

We’re all moving along the continuum of effective communicators. Even when you reach your goal as a communicator, the journey continues.

[...] Whatever you have achieved, there is always more work to be done. This is especially true when it comes to your image as a communicator.

• Stephanie Scotti suggests a strategy for rehearsal.

My rule of thumb is that a presentation that’s “well done” on paper is probably about 70% done in reality. On average, it takes three to five focused rehearsals for a speaker to really seal the deal — especially when it comes to critical or career-defining presentations.

• John Zimmer critiques Sir Ken Robinson’s TED speech.

Click here to view the embedded video.

• His talk seemed less a presentation to the audience and more a conversation with the audience.
• He did not need a single PowerPoint slide or other prop to support his talk.
• He involved the audience in many ways: his use of the word “we”; his asking several rhetorical questions; his reference to different things that the audience had experienced while at TED (e.g., his mentioning at 2:50, 13.30 and 17:55 other talks that the audience had heard); etc.
• He told stories! Great ones! Memorable ones! Stories that reinforced his main point.

Professional Speaking

• Cynthia Starks reports on a United States Supreme Court decision that may have consequences for corporate communicators.

“Thursday morning the Supreme Court, by an ideologically predictable 5-to-4 margin, overturned as unconstitutional laws that ban corporations from running TV ads explicitly backing or opposing candidates during election campaigns.”

Startling as the decision is, it’s also an opportunity for communications professionals to craft messages executives should be giving to their stakeholders in the coming weeks and months.

Similar Articles You May Like... Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-08-14] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-07-10] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-06-12] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-03-06] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2010-01-02] Public Speaking Tips: Weekend Review [2009-12-05]

Have a Question? Contact me anytime, or find me on Twitter: @6minutes

Andrew Dlugan is the editor and founder of Six Minutes. He teaches courses, leads seminars, coaches speakers, and strives to avoid Suicide by PowerPoint. He is an award-winning public speaker and speech evaluator. Andrew is a father and husband who resides in British Columbia, Canada.