Claudia Raab's Blog

It's Friday and for those of you who have to give a presentation today - in particular in the afternoon - it might not be easy to get the full attention of your audience: It's the end of the week, people are tired, exhausted, mentally already in a "weekend mode" or effected by another day of extreme heat that is predicted for Melbourne.

A terrific way to get your listeners' attention right from the start or to get the attention back throughout your presentation is to get them participate. How? Easy! Ask for a show of hands! However, give them a little warning before, so they can prepare. "I'd like to ask for a show of hands! How many of you had at least one meeting to attend last week?"

Asking questions get your audience thinking about a topic you want them to think about and reduces the risk of your audience drifting away. Asking for a show of hands after your question does even more: You'd get them physically involved and let them connect not only with you as the presenter but with also their co-listeners, the person next to or in front of them since they might share the same experience. You've stimulated their interest.

How about giving this new technique a go today? It's safe and fun and makes your task as a presenter a lot easier!  In case you need more easy to use presenting idea that guarantee great results call 0425 785 143 or send an email to info@raabconsulting.com today! We're here to help!

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In yesterday's blog entry we mentioned the expression "I'm in seventh heaven". Curious why it had to be the seventh heaven we tried to trace the word's origin and found the following explanation that could well and truely be a wonderful inspiration if your looking for a creative way to start your presentation:

Some of the Middle East's ancient religion believed the afterlife consisted of seen celestial layers, each more prosperous and beautiful than the one before. The first heaven was emerald, the second silver, the third pearl, the fourth ruby, the fifth gold, the sixth jacinth, and the seventh pure white light - the best of all.

There you go - a perfect entry for any presentation. Just be creative! Enjoy!

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"If you can't write your message in a sentence, you can't say it in an hour."

Dianna Booher

Business writing expert Dianna Booher couldn't have worded it better: Only a clear message guarantees a clear presentation that - in return - gurantees your success. Make finding and formulating your message the starting point for your presentation preparation.

Nothing is worse for the audience than a "muddled up" speech where the presenter leaves and nobody really knows what it was about. Not only would your audience feel they have wasted their time, but they would blame you.

So, sit down, find your message, put it into one single sentence and half of your preparation is done. Your one step closer to your success and have saved yourself a lot of time! Well done!

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If you're invited to give a presentation where someone is introducing you, keep in mind that it's this introduction that sets the stage for your speaking success. The goal of an introduction can easily be compared with a lead of a newspaper article. It's purpose is to get the attention of the audience, to get them excited and interested in what is going to follow, in what you're going to tell them as well as in you as a person and expert. It should motivate and persuade your audience to continue reading or continue listening attentively.

For this reason, you have to carefully plan your introduction in advance! My advise: Don't leave it up to the organiser of the speaking event or the Master of Ceremony (MC) to put an introduction for you together. Get in contact with them before your presentation and provide them with an introduction in writing. Plus allow time for them to read and incorporate it in their planning.

What should a startling introduction contain?

1. Start by telling your audience about your accomplishments: Why did the organisers call you in to give your presentation? What qualified you to be on the stage? What's your expertise? What are your achievements? Where did you get them from? Are there any titles you hold, any relevant accreditations, etc.?
2. This will automatically lead to the title of your speech that you'll introduce after you've revealed your accomplishments.
3. In part three of your introduction you invite the audience to welcome you, the speaker, and state your name.

According to the length of your presentation plan the length of your introduction. A short presentation requires a short introduction. In case of a longer presentation you can include more relevant personal background details.

However, do not give away too many information and content of your presentation. An introduction is a teaser that should get your audience into the mindset "I am totally excited about what this person is going to present to me." An introduction is a perfect chance to promote yourself. Plan it carefully and dedicate enough time to writing it. Remember: We're here to help, simply give us a call on 0425 785 143 and we help you to create a great introduction to raise your professional image and impress with your expertise.

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It's the time of one Christmas function and Christmas function speech chasing  the other. The more socially engaged you are (or have to be) the more speeches you have to listen to or give.

If your speech is coming up soon and you want it to be new, better and different from the standard ones we've heard so many times before try "mind mapping". "Mind mapping" will help you find a new approach, new idea, even a new way of wording well known old facts easily and quickly.

Mind mapping is a diagram that visually represents an idea or a word with as many associations as you like. Take a blanc page, preferably A4 or larger, write a word you like to find inspiration for in the very middle, circle it in and write or event paint what ever word, idea, picture you can think of close to your centre word.

Circle it in, too, and link it with a line to your first word. Find as many associations to the centre word as possible. Continue to do the same for your secondary words, etc. until your page is full. Be creative and don't restrict yourself. Jot down whatever comes to your mind - even if you consciously can't understand why you made the connection between the two words you have chosen.

Once it's done, lean back and sort through all your writing or painting and see how you can use some or even all of them in your speech. You'll find that your mind map provides you with a totally new perspective and let's you see an "old" topic from a new, fresh angle which is beneficial for your speech.

Think outside the square and see how this will catch your audience attention immediately! Have fun! You'll be surprised how great your results are!

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