Category Archives: C.O.D.E.

Using “Glance & Grab” to Perk Up Your PowerPoint

Posted on September 30, 2011 by

Make sure your presentation has a crystal clear overall theme or idea. Then make sure each slide also has a distinct central thought. Don’t forget to use visuals — again, think “glance and grab” and you’ll have your audience on the edge of their seats. Continue reading →

Posted in C.O.D.E., Design / Media Support, Express or Delivery Skills, Presentation Tools / Equipment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The “Curse” of Overthinking Your Presentation

Posted on September 5, 2011 by

Is it possible to over think what could be a career-defining presentation?… In a word, yes.
If you’re in the midst of preparing for your next presentation and suspect you might be over thinking it, try this quick test.

Are you…
• Obsessing rather than progressing?
• Feeling as if you’ve hit a wall?
• Frantically looking for that magic bullet to get back on track?

If you answered “yes” more than once, take a moment to step away (physically and mentally) and clear your head. Chances are, you’re falling victim to one of three common traps. Here they are, along with some tips for breaking free and ensuring that you’ll be confident, heard and inspiring when you step up to speak. Continue reading →

Posted in C.O.D.E., Express or Delivery Skills | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Do Better Listeners Make Better Speakers?

Posted on June 10, 2011 by

There is another, often overlooked, way to become a stronger presenter that has nothing to with preparation, visuals, or delivery. To read more: http://speakernotes.wordpress.com/2011/06/06/do-better-list…etter-speakers/ ‎
Continue reading →

Posted in C.O.D.E., Express or Delivery Skills, Presentation Tools / Equipment | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

RIGID THINKING: Getting Rid of Presentation Misconceptions

Posted on May 5, 2011 by

When recently coaching business leaders,  as they prepared for various presentations, I kept hearing the same question again and again. No matter what we were working on, or whether it was an individual or team consultation, at some point someone … Continue reading →

Posted in C.O.D.E., Express or Delivery Skills | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

3 Top Tips (readers choice!)

Posted on May 2, 2011 by

Your input and interest have been the inspiration for many of the articles featured in SpeakerNotes. You’ve emailed questions, reflections, and comments, and I appreciate each and every one. Based on your feedback, here’s a recap of the three tips that really resonated with the SpeakerNotes community: Continue reading →

Posted in C.O.D.E., Engagement Skills, Express or Delivery Skills | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get It! Instead of getting through it

Posted on March 3, 2011 by

Even enthusiastic presenters can sometimes overlook the importance of having your listeners truly grasp your message. For speakers, “getting it” is a commitment to yourself and your audience — it is recognizing the influence you have, and sincerely wanting to connect with your listeners and inspire them to action.
On the other hand, simply aiming to “get through it” is not the engaged mindset of the successful high-stakes speaker. And your intention — or lack thereof — is certain to come through in your presentation. If you are distracted and not personally engaged, your audience will allow their minds to wander to more pressing matters as well. Continue reading →

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Why What You See Isn’t Always What You Get

Posted on February 1, 2011 by

Most presenters realize too late that they’re sabotaging their effectiveness by not paying an equal amount of attention to the “how” as well as the “what” when they’re speaking. I’m sure you’ve witnessed a situation where a speaker’s words were contradicted by their body language or voice. Chances are, these contradictions made you question the presenter’s credibility. Continue reading →

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The King’s Speech — Royal Revelations on Finding Your Voice

Posted on January 7, 2011 by

Watching Colin Firth as Albert, the Duke of York in the movie “The King’s Speech” brings to life the potential difficulties and triumphs of speaking in public. Haven’t seen the film yet? Be sure to watch for these four proven success strategies. Continue reading →

Posted in C.O.D.E. | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Eye Contact: 10 Tips to Elevate the Effectiveness of Your Next Presentation

Posted on September 21, 2010 by

10 Tips to maintain direct, roving and continuous eye contact during your next present. Continue reading →

Posted in C.O.D.E., Express or Delivery Skills | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Lessons in Authenticity from Steve Jobs

Posted on September 8, 2010 by

Ever watch Apple co-founder and CEP Steve Jobs on stage? Sure, you have — the media gives us regular glimpses of his famous keynote addresses, generally delivered during a high-profile product launch like the iPad or iPhone 4.

But have you ever seen an awkward, under-rehearsed and somewhat uncomfortable Steve Jobs presentation? I have. The speech I’m talking about is Jobs’ address to the 2005 graduating class of Stanford University. Under rehearsed, looking rather awkward and clearly reading his script, he still managed to keep me glued to the computer screen. Watch this video and see what you can learn. Continue reading →

Posted in C.O.D.E., Engagement Skills, Express or Delivery Skills | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments