Sometimes, when you stand in public for presentation, all things you have prepared can be lost instantly. To overcome this problem, there are three-step strategies that you can try.
First, be aware that your feet stand on the ground. This act can provide peace of securities for the presenter. Second, breathe and make sure that you are aware of breathing. When nervous, most people often hold breath, and this will make them feel worse than before.
Third, speak with your heart. When making presentation, it means that the presenter is building a relationship with listeners. Therefore, it is suggested that the participants hear what the presenter says and the presenter should be able to understand the participants. In this case, the presenter should look at them personally, not as a group. He can try to make conversation with one or more participants to a more relaxed atmosphere.
Another tip that can be done is to reduce the words that are not important like the murmurs or other words that are often repeated. Repeating the words will make the presenter look less preparation which will ultimately reduce the credibility of the presenter.
To reduce or eliminate the repeated words, try to record your presentation and count how many words are repeated. After that, train not to say the words anymore during the presentation.
Also, be careful with the postures and body language. Walk with a confident step. Consider also your body language. Stand with hands at your sides, not by crossing your arms or entering your hands into your pants pocket. Notice also the motion of your hand not to disturb the concentration of the listeners.
The things you should watch out for is if presentation is done by using a projector or other supporting technologies. The technology could be suddenly damage when you really need it. Therefore, prepare a plan B by using a substitute technology or anything that could make you resume the presentation.
Just remember to keep smiling and enjoy the times when doing presentation. So, stay confident and speak according to the insight of audiences.
Related to the use of projector for your presentation, you should also remember to prepare its replacement lamp. One of the projector replacement lamps available in the market is Proxima projector lamp. This replacement lamp is designed to replace the original lamp of your Proxima projector. If you need further information about it, just go to www.projectorreplacementlamp.org.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Zane_L_Marquez
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Putting Pen to Paper - Speech Structure
Whether they are preparing for a business presentation, wedding speech or fundraising event, many of my clients explain that they know what they want to say, but just can't get the words on the page.
The important thing to remember at this formative stage is that the finished product needs to be read aloud. It's all too easy to fall into the trap of writing an 'essay' that looks great on paper, but sounds downright odd when you read it out.
So how do you write a speech that will come across well on the day?
1. Use short, punchy sentences. Six to eight words is ideal.
2. Break up longer sentences into manageable sections. Use dots...to mark convenient places for you to pause...and breath.
3. Don't be afraid to use conjunctions (and/but) at the start of some sentences. It may not be perfect grammar, but they reflect the way that people speak out loud, and can keep the flow of the speech moving without any awkward pauses!
4. Type each section of your speech separately. For example, after the section where you introduce yourself, hit the Return key a couple of times so you have a few lines of space. This will help you remember where to pause.
5. After a few minutes of writing, step away from the computer to clear your head. When you return, have a look at what you last wrote. Then delete every word that doesn't seem to add any value.
6. Read sentences aloud after you have written them. This may make you feel a bit bonkers if you're sitting alone in front of a computer, but it's an invaluable way of instantly discovering what sounds right (and, more importantly, what doesn't). This technique will help you get rid of tongue twisters and other worlds that you just aren't comfortable delivering.
7. Use the Word Count function on your computer. Work on the basis that 500 words should take you approximately five minutes to deliver. If maths isn't your strong point, that means that to keep the speech within 10 minutes, you need to keep it under 1000 words!
I appreciate that much of this (as ever) is just common sense, but I hope it helps you get started. If not, I would (as ever!) be delighted to write it for you.
Lawrence
Lawrence is a professional speechwriter, with vast experience in corporate speech writing, as well as speeches for weddings
Likes: Writing; old-fashioned service; hearing that your audience loved it.
Dislikes: Dull speeches and presentations; cheesy, recycled gags; over-complicating things.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_G_Bernstein
The important thing to remember at this formative stage is that the finished product needs to be read aloud. It's all too easy to fall into the trap of writing an 'essay' that looks great on paper, but sounds downright odd when you read it out.
So how do you write a speech that will come across well on the day?
1. Use short, punchy sentences. Six to eight words is ideal.
2. Break up longer sentences into manageable sections. Use dots...to mark convenient places for you to pause...and breath.
3. Don't be afraid to use conjunctions (and/but) at the start of some sentences. It may not be perfect grammar, but they reflect the way that people speak out loud, and can keep the flow of the speech moving without any awkward pauses!
4. Type each section of your speech separately. For example, after the section where you introduce yourself, hit the Return key a couple of times so you have a few lines of space. This will help you remember where to pause.
5. After a few minutes of writing, step away from the computer to clear your head. When you return, have a look at what you last wrote. Then delete every word that doesn't seem to add any value.
6. Read sentences aloud after you have written them. This may make you feel a bit bonkers if you're sitting alone in front of a computer, but it's an invaluable way of instantly discovering what sounds right (and, more importantly, what doesn't). This technique will help you get rid of tongue twisters and other worlds that you just aren't comfortable delivering.
7. Use the Word Count function on your computer. Work on the basis that 500 words should take you approximately five minutes to deliver. If maths isn't your strong point, that means that to keep the speech within 10 minutes, you need to keep it under 1000 words!
I appreciate that much of this (as ever) is just common sense, but I hope it helps you get started. If not, I would (as ever!) be delighted to write it for you.
Lawrence
Lawrence is a professional speechwriter, with vast experience in corporate speech writing, as well as speeches for weddings
Likes: Writing; old-fashioned service; hearing that your audience loved it.
Dislikes: Dull speeches and presentations; cheesy, recycled gags; over-complicating things.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_G_Bernstein
Saturday, June 5, 2010
10 Tips For Effective Presentations
Are you looking for the 10 Commandments of Great Presentations? Well you need not look further. Below are ten effective presentation tips that can help you navigate that pitch, keynote speech or training program.
1. Plan Ahead.
You may well be the master of "winging it", but a discerning audience can always tell if a speaker is unprepared. True, you may have been giving talks since dinosaurs roamed the earth, and you're a subject matter expert. But it always helps to invest extra time researching new trends, studying notes or psyching one's self up. Every audience is different, and must be approached differently. The more comprehensive your planning process is, the better your talk will be.
2. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Practice is the greatest of all effective presentation tips. No matter how simple the presentation is, it's important the speaker stays confident by troubleshooting problem areas as early as rehearsal. Remember, your visual aids are simply accompaniments; at the end of the day it's still all about you delivering the speech.
3. Prepare Back-up.
Ah, technology. They can be a blessing or a bane. To be safe, always have back-up soft copies of your talk on a separate flash drive or CD, just in case the one you have doesn't work. Better yet, prepare printed copies of your visual presentation so that you would still be able to go on in spite of technical problems. But the best thing really is to test every equipment --- as early as the night before the presentation.
4. Image is Important.
Effective presentation tips must always include a section on image and branding. Dress properly and appropriately for your presentation. It's okay if you are slightly overdressed compared to your listeners. As a presenter, you are expected to be the more credible person, so the more polished and professional you look, the better.
5. Mind your Body Language.
Body language should be in the effective presentation tips you should keep in mind. Maintain eye contact, as people will trust you more if you look at them straight in the eye. Be aware of gestures and facial expressions that contradict the message you are delivering. Don't slouch. Always stand and sit upright.
6. Modulate your Voice and Pacing.
Voice is as important as your appearance. Speak clearly; not too fast, not too slow. Not too loud; not too gentle. Don't be monotonous. Go for a conversational rhythm with enough pauses for your audience to ask questions and clarify.
7. Don't Memorize your Speech.
Lists of effective presentation tips are unanimous: never present as if you're reciting a piece memorized word for word. Bring notes instead, and let keywords serve as recall aids. While there are parts that are advisable to be memorized, like your introduction and closing, it's simply ridiculous to memorize the entire thing. If you get lost in a purely memorized speech, it's difficult to get back on track.
8. Use Quotable Quotes.
Using quotes from famous people adds credibility to your presentation. It would be nice to include at least one quote per chapter of the presentation. Quotes can also be an ice breaker; you can pause your speech and ask the audience if they agree with the quoted words or not.
9. Insert Stories.
People like anecdotes, jokes or trivias. To better illustrate your point, tell a real life example or a human interest. Stories may or may not be personal, but they should always be related to the subject.
10. Speak More Often
Talk to strangers and start small talks. They may not be as formal as a presentation, but they will definitely help you gain the confidence and practice necessary to becoming a better public speaker.
Follow the above effective presentation tips, and you'll be an old pro in no time.
Leon van der Walt is an author on effective communications and a passion of his is continuing to educate people on good presentation skills.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leon_Van_Der_Walt
1. Plan Ahead.
You may well be the master of "winging it", but a discerning audience can always tell if a speaker is unprepared. True, you may have been giving talks since dinosaurs roamed the earth, and you're a subject matter expert. But it always helps to invest extra time researching new trends, studying notes or psyching one's self up. Every audience is different, and must be approached differently. The more comprehensive your planning process is, the better your talk will be.
2. Practice. Practice. Practice.
Practice is the greatest of all effective presentation tips. No matter how simple the presentation is, it's important the speaker stays confident by troubleshooting problem areas as early as rehearsal. Remember, your visual aids are simply accompaniments; at the end of the day it's still all about you delivering the speech.
3. Prepare Back-up.
Ah, technology. They can be a blessing or a bane. To be safe, always have back-up soft copies of your talk on a separate flash drive or CD, just in case the one you have doesn't work. Better yet, prepare printed copies of your visual presentation so that you would still be able to go on in spite of technical problems. But the best thing really is to test every equipment --- as early as the night before the presentation.
4. Image is Important.
Effective presentation tips must always include a section on image and branding. Dress properly and appropriately for your presentation. It's okay if you are slightly overdressed compared to your listeners. As a presenter, you are expected to be the more credible person, so the more polished and professional you look, the better.
5. Mind your Body Language.
Body language should be in the effective presentation tips you should keep in mind. Maintain eye contact, as people will trust you more if you look at them straight in the eye. Be aware of gestures and facial expressions that contradict the message you are delivering. Don't slouch. Always stand and sit upright.
6. Modulate your Voice and Pacing.
Voice is as important as your appearance. Speak clearly; not too fast, not too slow. Not too loud; not too gentle. Don't be monotonous. Go for a conversational rhythm with enough pauses for your audience to ask questions and clarify.
7. Don't Memorize your Speech.
Lists of effective presentation tips are unanimous: never present as if you're reciting a piece memorized word for word. Bring notes instead, and let keywords serve as recall aids. While there are parts that are advisable to be memorized, like your introduction and closing, it's simply ridiculous to memorize the entire thing. If you get lost in a purely memorized speech, it's difficult to get back on track.
8. Use Quotable Quotes.
Using quotes from famous people adds credibility to your presentation. It would be nice to include at least one quote per chapter of the presentation. Quotes can also be an ice breaker; you can pause your speech and ask the audience if they agree with the quoted words or not.
9. Insert Stories.
People like anecdotes, jokes or trivias. To better illustrate your point, tell a real life example or a human interest. Stories may or may not be personal, but they should always be related to the subject.
10. Speak More Often
Talk to strangers and start small talks. They may not be as formal as a presentation, but they will definitely help you gain the confidence and practice necessary to becoming a better public speaker.
Follow the above effective presentation tips, and you'll be an old pro in no time.
Leon van der Walt is an author on effective communications and a passion of his is continuing to educate people on good presentation skills.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Leon_Van_Der_Walt
Friday, June 4, 2010
Public Speaking Essentials
Glossophobia, better known as the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common phobias around. In fact the majority of people are freaked out when they discover that they must stand in front of a group of people and deliver some form of speech.
Although this is not a usual situation for most people there are times in life when it is necessary to deliver a speech. Depending on the type of job you have you may be required to give a leaving speech when you retire or leave the company.
Thankfully this is rare. However, there are times in almost everyone's life when they must deliver a speech and what's even worse is that, in those times, they must also write the speech themselves!
The most common type of public speaking is experienced at weddings. Wedding toasts are very common in almost every culture on the planet and therefore it is almost inevitable that you will have to write and give a speech at some point in your life.
This may be the father of the bride speech, father of the groom speech, mother of the bride speech etc., or the best man speech or groom speech.
Whichever type of wedding toast that you are required to give makes little difference to you when you don't even know where to start. For a great many people trying to write a wedding toast is like trying to talk in a different language with no training or experience.
When you find that it is necessary to become involved in public speaking the first thing to do is to study other speeches that are similar to the one you must give.
When you review examples of speeches that have been given by people in similar situations that you are in you will learn what needs to be done to create the perfect speech for you.
You can study some great examples of professional wedding toasts by visiting best man speeches and groom speeches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_O'Reilly
Although this is not a usual situation for most people there are times in life when it is necessary to deliver a speech. Depending on the type of job you have you may be required to give a leaving speech when you retire or leave the company.
Thankfully this is rare. However, there are times in almost everyone's life when they must deliver a speech and what's even worse is that, in those times, they must also write the speech themselves!
The most common type of public speaking is experienced at weddings. Wedding toasts are very common in almost every culture on the planet and therefore it is almost inevitable that you will have to write and give a speech at some point in your life.
This may be the father of the bride speech, father of the groom speech, mother of the bride speech etc., or the best man speech or groom speech.
Whichever type of wedding toast that you are required to give makes little difference to you when you don't even know where to start. For a great many people trying to write a wedding toast is like trying to talk in a different language with no training or experience.
When you find that it is necessary to become involved in public speaking the first thing to do is to study other speeches that are similar to the one you must give.
When you review examples of speeches that have been given by people in similar situations that you are in you will learn what needs to be done to create the perfect speech for you.
You can study some great examples of professional wedding toasts by visiting best man speeches and groom speeches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_O'Reilly
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Best Way to Write Wedding Toasts
When it comes to public peaking nothing can be more terrifying than the thought of standing up in front of family, friends and strangers to give a speech. This is especially worse because your one is not the only one that will be heard that day and it will also be compared to every other speech of the night. And, because wedding toasts are so common, your one will also be compared to every other similar wedding toast that was ever given!
It is no wonder then, that with such pressure on you to write and give a good speech, that this form of public speaking is the biggest phobia amongst the populace and one of the most frightening things you can ever do.
However, there are a few things you can do to lessen your fear by ensuring that you are well prepared and are confident that the speech you have written is great quality and follows all the usual wedding protocols and will entertain the wedding guests.
The first thing you must understand is that sticking your head in the sand will not help your situation. Many people leave writing their wedding toast to the last minute preferring to totally ignore the subject because it makes them feel uncomfortable.
This is a mistake.
You must give yourself plenty of time to research and then write your content so that you can make adjustments and rewrite bits as necessary until it is perfect.
Making an early start also allows you to write your speech in portions so that it does not become all consuming or take on more importance that it deserves. It is merely a part of the day - a day does not revolve around your public speaking appointment!
Another tip that will prove invaluable, if you use it, is to seek out wedding toast examples. These are fairly easy to find especially if you have to write a groom wedding speech or a best man toast.
When you study other examples you will quickly learn how to best structure your speech and what elements you need to incorporate into it. You will also get some great ideas for stories to weave into your script and jokes to tell.
So, don't try to do it all on your own. Use speech examples to help.
Do you need help writing an important wedding toast? Would you like examples of great wedding speeches? Then check out bestman speeches and groom speeches for great ideas and examples now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Samuel_Jones
It is no wonder then, that with such pressure on you to write and give a good speech, that this form of public speaking is the biggest phobia amongst the populace and one of the most frightening things you can ever do.
However, there are a few things you can do to lessen your fear by ensuring that you are well prepared and are confident that the speech you have written is great quality and follows all the usual wedding protocols and will entertain the wedding guests.
The first thing you must understand is that sticking your head in the sand will not help your situation. Many people leave writing their wedding toast to the last minute preferring to totally ignore the subject because it makes them feel uncomfortable.
This is a mistake.
You must give yourself plenty of time to research and then write your content so that you can make adjustments and rewrite bits as necessary until it is perfect.
Making an early start also allows you to write your speech in portions so that it does not become all consuming or take on more importance that it deserves. It is merely a part of the day - a day does not revolve around your public speaking appointment!
Another tip that will prove invaluable, if you use it, is to seek out wedding toast examples. These are fairly easy to find especially if you have to write a groom wedding speech or a best man toast.
When you study other examples you will quickly learn how to best structure your speech and what elements you need to incorporate into it. You will also get some great ideas for stories to weave into your script and jokes to tell.
So, don't try to do it all on your own. Use speech examples to help.
Do you need help writing an important wedding toast? Would you like examples of great wedding speeches? Then check out bestman speeches and groom speeches for great ideas and examples now.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Samuel_Jones
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Get Rid of A Public Speaking Fear by Making Your Speech Interactive
This is one of the easiest ways to develop a genuine connection with your audience, and break out of the mindset of just giving a lecture that you think no one wants to hear.
What do I mean by "making a speech interactive"? What I mean is involving your audience directly in the content of your speech not only by presenting material that is informative and interesting, but also by giving members of your audience a chance to actually participate in your speech.
Many speakers actually discourage audience participation in a speech, for a variety of reasons. Some think that encouraging audience anticipation would open the door for heckling; others think that it will make it too hard for them to stay focused on the material in their speeches; still others simply fear the idea of interacting with audience members.
However, audience participation can be a very valuable tool for gaining your audience's trust and support, and for presenting a speech that audience will take home with them and remember for years and years. When you get your audience involved in your speech, you are teaching them, not just telling them. And people learn more and retain knowledge better when they are taught material, instead of just having it told to them.
So, how can you make your speech interactive, so that you can engage your audience, and create a conversation rather than a lecture? First, make sure that you ask questions that are audience focused. Sometimes, this will mean that you are directing a question to the entire audience in general; other times, this will mean that you are directing your question at the audience as individuals.
Sometimes it's okay to address the audience in general, but more often than not, you will want to ask questions that make each individual audience members feel that you are talking directly to them. Instead of opening your speech with, "So how are all of you today?", you can ask, "So how are you today?".
If you want to dig to a deeper level and make your opening even more personal to each individual member of the audience, you can ask questions designed to make individual audience members think about their own personal experiences and feelings - here's an example:
"Good morning. How has your day been so far? Have you accomplished what you hoped to accomplish before you came to this presentation? How do you feel about the way your day has gone so far?"
See, a simple "How are you?" is a very general question. If you stopped and counted, you'll probably find it people ask this question to you at least a couple dozen times a day. And so how do we respond? Usually, it's, "Fine, thank you. And you?" The problem with that is that we never actually stop and think about how we really are feeling at that particular moment in time. We hear the standard question, and we give the standard answer. There's no real thought involved, and we don't really get to take inventory of how we're feeling about our lives right
now.
So, asking specific, directed questions can help your audience not only stay involved in your speech, but also take inventory of their own experiences and feelings. And once you bring them to that point where they are evaluating experiences in their own lives, you can rest assured that they will stay involved in your presentation, and support you while you are giving your speech.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Severt
What do I mean by "making a speech interactive"? What I mean is involving your audience directly in the content of your speech not only by presenting material that is informative and interesting, but also by giving members of your audience a chance to actually participate in your speech.
Many speakers actually discourage audience participation in a speech, for a variety of reasons. Some think that encouraging audience anticipation would open the door for heckling; others think that it will make it too hard for them to stay focused on the material in their speeches; still others simply fear the idea of interacting with audience members.
However, audience participation can be a very valuable tool for gaining your audience's trust and support, and for presenting a speech that audience will take home with them and remember for years and years. When you get your audience involved in your speech, you are teaching them, not just telling them. And people learn more and retain knowledge better when they are taught material, instead of just having it told to them.
So, how can you make your speech interactive, so that you can engage your audience, and create a conversation rather than a lecture? First, make sure that you ask questions that are audience focused. Sometimes, this will mean that you are directing a question to the entire audience in general; other times, this will mean that you are directing your question at the audience as individuals.
Sometimes it's okay to address the audience in general, but more often than not, you will want to ask questions that make each individual audience members feel that you are talking directly to them. Instead of opening your speech with, "So how are all of you today?", you can ask, "So how are you today?".
If you want to dig to a deeper level and make your opening even more personal to each individual member of the audience, you can ask questions designed to make individual audience members think about their own personal experiences and feelings - here's an example:
"Good morning. How has your day been so far? Have you accomplished what you hoped to accomplish before you came to this presentation? How do you feel about the way your day has gone so far?"
See, a simple "How are you?" is a very general question. If you stopped and counted, you'll probably find it people ask this question to you at least a couple dozen times a day. And so how do we respond? Usually, it's, "Fine, thank you. And you?" The problem with that is that we never actually stop and think about how we really are feeling at that particular moment in time. We hear the standard question, and we give the standard answer. There's no real thought involved, and we don't really get to take inventory of how we're feeling about our lives right
now.
So, asking specific, directed questions can help your audience not only stay involved in your speech, but also take inventory of their own experiences and feelings. And once you bring them to that point where they are evaluating experiences in their own lives, you can rest assured that they will stay involved in your presentation, and support you while you are giving your speech.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dennis_Severt
Monday, May 31, 2010
Communication Skills - Why Keeping it Simple is Not So Stupid!
Organizing genius Kelly Johnson who took a leading role in the design of 40 aircraft, first coined the acronym KISS - "Keep it simple stupid."
On one occasion, Johnson set a team of jet aircraft design engineers a challenge. Handing them a set of tools, he asked them to design the aircraft so that an average mechanic in the field, equipped solely with this set of tools, could carry out the necessary repairs. Oh, and it also had to be possible under combat conditions!
The KISS acronym has been used widely since, with various interpretations.
In the context of this discussion on communication skills, it also has a very practical application. For your presentation or speech to have the desired effect, it must be simple.
Here are 2 guidelines for keeping it simple:
1. Avoid Jargon And Unfamiliar Terms
Unless your audience is made up of specialists in the field you are talking about, avoid technical terms and acronyms the average person has no idea about.
Some make the mistake of thinking it makes them appear sophisticated, knowledgeable, and educated. Actually, it can have a far different effect on an audience.
Some may perceive the speaker to be pompous or just a plain 'show-off'. Others may get irritated, wanting to understand the speaker's dialogue but getting frustrated with the road blocks the speaker keeps putting in the way.
Many will just 'switch off' and not even attempt to concentrate from there on, believing this is all 'over their head'.
2. Use Simple Sentences
Using simple sentences does not mean speaking continuously in short bursts. A simple sentence can be short. It can also be longer, perhaps between 15 to 25 words. As long as complicated sentence structure is avoided a sentence will be simple and easy to understand.
So when delivering your presentation remember to split up longer thoughts into separate sentences, rather than linking them all together in a continuous style.
For example, suppose you were giving a presentation to college students on the importance of goal setting.
You could say: "One thing we have to realize is that if we don't set goals it is unlikely we will get anywhere because if we don't know where we are going we will be a little bit like a boat on a river just drifting away from the bank being carried along by the current that happens to catch it at the time."
Phew!
Notice how much more effective this thought is when it is expressed in simple sentences:
"Goals get you to your destination. Without goals you could end up anywhere. Who wants to be like a boat drifting on a river just carried along by the current."
Notice with the trimmed version above, unnecessary wordage such as "One thing we have to realize is that" is left out. It adds nothing to the clarity of the message and amounts to useless 'filler'. Just get straight to the point and say what you mean.
Conclusion
Avoid the tendency to drown excellent information in a sea of words. Use a variety of sentences, long and short, but make sure they are uncomplicated. Be sure to explain unfamiliar terms or avoid jargon altogether.
Keeping the KISS principle in mind in the preparation stage of your presentation will make sure your own mind is sharp and focused. Then you can be sure your presentation will come over that way to your listeners also.
Remember to add the "Keep It Simple" principle to your list of communication skills. As Leonardo Da Vinci is quoted as saying: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
Would you like to transform your presentation skills? Do you need help with preparing and developing an upcoming presentation? I offer an Online Workshop and Personal Coaching. Check out the details here:
http://www.vitalpresentationskills.com
Follow me on Twitter for great tips and suggestions for public speaking and skillful presentations:
http://twitter.com/VPSkills
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_F._James
On one occasion, Johnson set a team of jet aircraft design engineers a challenge. Handing them a set of tools, he asked them to design the aircraft so that an average mechanic in the field, equipped solely with this set of tools, could carry out the necessary repairs. Oh, and it also had to be possible under combat conditions!
The KISS acronym has been used widely since, with various interpretations.
In the context of this discussion on communication skills, it also has a very practical application. For your presentation or speech to have the desired effect, it must be simple.
Here are 2 guidelines for keeping it simple:
1. Avoid Jargon And Unfamiliar Terms
Unless your audience is made up of specialists in the field you are talking about, avoid technical terms and acronyms the average person has no idea about.
Some make the mistake of thinking it makes them appear sophisticated, knowledgeable, and educated. Actually, it can have a far different effect on an audience.
Some may perceive the speaker to be pompous or just a plain 'show-off'. Others may get irritated, wanting to understand the speaker's dialogue but getting frustrated with the road blocks the speaker keeps putting in the way.
Many will just 'switch off' and not even attempt to concentrate from there on, believing this is all 'over their head'.
2. Use Simple Sentences
Using simple sentences does not mean speaking continuously in short bursts. A simple sentence can be short. It can also be longer, perhaps between 15 to 25 words. As long as complicated sentence structure is avoided a sentence will be simple and easy to understand.
So when delivering your presentation remember to split up longer thoughts into separate sentences, rather than linking them all together in a continuous style.
For example, suppose you were giving a presentation to college students on the importance of goal setting.
You could say: "One thing we have to realize is that if we don't set goals it is unlikely we will get anywhere because if we don't know where we are going we will be a little bit like a boat on a river just drifting away from the bank being carried along by the current that happens to catch it at the time."
Phew!
Notice how much more effective this thought is when it is expressed in simple sentences:
"Goals get you to your destination. Without goals you could end up anywhere. Who wants to be like a boat drifting on a river just carried along by the current."
Notice with the trimmed version above, unnecessary wordage such as "One thing we have to realize is that" is left out. It adds nothing to the clarity of the message and amounts to useless 'filler'. Just get straight to the point and say what you mean.
Conclusion
Avoid the tendency to drown excellent information in a sea of words. Use a variety of sentences, long and short, but make sure they are uncomplicated. Be sure to explain unfamiliar terms or avoid jargon altogether.
Keeping the KISS principle in mind in the preparation stage of your presentation will make sure your own mind is sharp and focused. Then you can be sure your presentation will come over that way to your listeners also.
Remember to add the "Keep It Simple" principle to your list of communication skills. As Leonardo Da Vinci is quoted as saying: "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
Would you like to transform your presentation skills? Do you need help with preparing and developing an upcoming presentation? I offer an Online Workshop and Personal Coaching. Check out the details here:
http://www.vitalpresentationskills.com
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