Critical Communications
My monthly blog features a recent experience I had with some excellent communicators—in a place where I did not expect to find them—and the lessons there for all of us.
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Tips you can use!
Kill the PowerPoint
Or at least cut it down to size! Use slides as a visual backdrop to reinforce your message with a thematic image or a well-chosen graph. Get rid of all the tiny bullet points. Unless you are just conveying facts, your job is to offer interpretation, synthesis, analysis. All of which are more effective if you are actually speaking to your audience, not just splattering words on slides.
Be in charge
If your colleagues have fallen into the habit of interrupting every presentation, you need to state upfront that you will take questions after you have finished yours. Often their queries will be answered as you speak, and you certainly will be better at maintaining your "flow." Do your part to put an end to this (sometimes unconscious) collective rudeness.
Dodge the draft
Large rooms that are used for presentations can be drafty this time of year. Take extra "indoor" layers to help you stay warm. Nothing kills your credibility like trying to speak through shivers and chattering teeth!
