Presentation Techniques1

Prepared by: Romie F. Littrell

IBW-Fachhochschule Aalen, Germany

(Now at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand)

First edition: 28. Sep. 2001, Revised 12 May 2009

PRESENTING TO A CAMERA

The key is to remain natural and relaxed. Speak in a normal conversational tone of voice.

There is a tendency to speed up presentation in a televised presentation. Concentrate, and

remember that pauses, rhetorical questions, small jokes as appropriate in the televised
environment as in a conventional classroom or in-person meeting.

It has been said that ninety percent of communication happens in the face and eyes. To
establish eye contact with remote participants, you must look into the camera. By "talking to
the camera" you treat the distant participant as if they were there.

Try these techniques:

Try to vary vocal pitch, volume, and flow of delivery. As in a conventional classroom, such
techniques can eliminate monotony and can be very effective in emphasizing important
information.

Envision the camera as one of the audience sitting in front of you.

If you are being televised and also have a live audience, as you scan the live audience during
your presentation, an occasional glance at the camera will emphasize your acknowledgment
of the distance members.

Look at the camera when giving directions. Eye contact is important in encouraging
involvement.

Don't forget to talk to your on-site audience as well. Vary your focus from the camera to the
live audience so that no one is left out.

TIPS

Know Your PAL. Before preparing any presentation for one person or thousands, know
your Purpose (inform, persuade, entertain), know your Audience (demographics,
attitudes, hot buttons), and know your Logistics (time allotment, number of people in
the audience, time of day for presentation, room arrangements).

1
Pay attention to timing. A good strategy for a straight presentation is to plan, prepare, and
practice for 75% of the allotted time. If you end early, no one complains. Ending late
is poor planning. If you expect audience involvement, plan on 50% of the time for the
presentation and 25% for interactive facilitated sessions.

Preparation: All presentation material is not created equal. When preparing your speech,
consider the must know, should know, and could know. Limit your material based on
time or audience interest.

Hitting the emotional buttons will create more impact and action than pure data. Include
stories, analogies, and metaphors to reinforce the key points.

Create user-friendly notes. As Winston Churchill said when he was asked why he carried
notes but seldom used them, "I carry fire insurance, but I don’t expect my house to
burn down." Use bulleted points instead of sentences. Make the type easy to read (use
a broad felt tip pen for flip charts, or minimum 18 point type, boldface, if typed). For
flipcharts, only use the top 2/3 of the page to avoid looking down. Use highlight pens
or different colours to indicate the must/should/could know information.

Practice aloud saying it differently each time you say it. Peter Drucker says, "Spontaneity
is an infinite number of rehearsed possibilities." Doesn’t Tiger Woods still practice
golf?

Stage fright is a negative term for excitement. No winning coach tells the team to be calm.
Channel the adrenaline into enthusiasm. You can control the physical symptoms by
breathing from the diaphragm, positive visualization, talking to yourself, and by being
prepared and practiced.

Deliver with passion; it’s amazing how contagious enthusiasm is. If your voice is
expressive and your gestures animated you will appear to be confident and passionate.

The question and answer part of the presentation may be more important than the actual
presentation. Think ahead to try to imagine all possible questions that might be asked
— particularly the ones that might throw you. IMPORTANT: Remember to
paraphrase the questions for all the audience before answering them, and take into
account the motivation of the questioner. When answering the questions, look at all
audience members — they may have had the same question. Avoid complementing
some questions and not others. Treat all questions and questioners with courtesy and
respect.

Remember — speaking is an audience-centred sport. Avoid speaking out of ego,

appearing too cocky or unprepared. As long as you stay focused on the audience — in
preparation, delivery and during the Question and Answer — you should be successful
as a presenter.

TIPS:

STEP ONE:

2
 Be prepared:  It is very important that you are well prepared before you give a
presentation. Knowing what you are going to say and how you will deliver the        
presentation, is essential.

Write down what you want to say (like a script): it’s best not to read straight from a
script so break it down and write short paragraphs on small cards (these are called
prompt cards)

Don't try to memorise big chunks if you don't think you will remember. There's nothing
worse than forgetting your lines!

If you are using slides these are usually good for prompting your memory

How you deliver a presentation depends on your own preference, here is a list of
options:

1. Slides for use over an overhead projector

2. Using a computer package interactively which is projected onto a screen
(PowerPoint is generally used for this)
3. Prompt cards with no visual aid
4. From memory with no visual aid (not recommended)

 It is not necessary to use any of the above; you can, if you like, just do it off the top of
your head. But be warned the audience need to be kept amused, if they are just looking
at your pretty face they might get bored! 

 So, in summary, know what you are going to say and choose an appropriate
presentation technique.

STEP TWO:

 Format: The way you deliver the information must be done in such a way that people
will understand it. This step concentrates on the format of the presentation:

 First, introduce yourself! Then give an introduction (tell the audience what you are
going to talk about) next talk about what you want to say once you've talked about
your subject you should conclude

 You should say what you are going to say, say it and then say what you've said

 This makes it a structured talk and therefore your discussion will be clear to the
audience listening.

STEP THREE:

Using slides: If you aren't using PowerPoint or an overhead projector then ignore
this part.

If you use slides, (either on PowerPoint or overhead projector) you will need to do
the following:

3
 1. Use bullet points and/or short sentences instead of long paragraphs
2. Don’t put too much information on one slide (but not too little either)
3. Make sure writing is large enough for back seat audiences to see
4. Conversely, don't include anything too small
5. Don’t get your hard copy slides mixed up - have them in the order
you want to present them

STEP FOUR:

 Presentation: The way you actually give the presentation is the most important factor.
Someone who doesn't use visual aids has nothing to hand out to the audience and just
stands at the front talking, may give a better talk than someone who has got lots of
visual aids.

 It depends on how you deliver the talk - here are some do's and don’ts:

          DON'T
          - Mumble (after all that preparation and no one can understand you)
          - Fidget (the audience won't concentrate on your talk if you sway from side to side)
          - Look at one person (it will distract the rest of the audience)
          - Make silly jokes (the audience might not laugh)

          DO
          - Speak clearly
          - Keep still
          - Look around the room
          - Make silly jokes (the audience might laugh; basically use your discretion)

The best advice is that if you mess up - DON'T PANIC, no one knows what you are
going to say, so you can sometimes bluff!

Finally, remember everyone is going to be in the same boat, so however you feel;
everyone else will be feeling it too and will be on your side.

DESIGNING SLIDES FOR A PRESENTATION

                
 The “OPTIONS” selection on the toolbar allows you to specify rules for your slides.
The default rules work fine, but you may have to turn them on.

 Open up a new file in PowerPoint and choose a blank slide presentation

 For each slide you want to show, you will need to open a new slide

 To open a new slide go to INSERT on the tool bar and then select NEW SLIDE.

 On each slide you can type in the text you wish to present. Bullet points are usually
used to present pieces of information (there is an icon on the tool bar that will
automatically put these in for you). You can design your slide's background and
colour:

4
  On the tool bar go to FORMAT then SLIDE COLOUR SCHEME or CUSTOM
BACKGROUND

 A window will appear and you can choose what sort of background and colours you
would like to use

 You can also insert pictures from your own library of graphics or from 'Clip Art':

 On the tool bar go to Insert then Clip Art.

 A window will appear and you can choose what sort of picture you would like to use

 However, remember that if you are using an overhead projector, using too many
colours and pictures might not look very clear to the audience.

 If you want to view your slides:

               Select View from the tool bar

               Select Slide Sorter to see all of your slides

                    - In this mode you can copy, delete, and move slides around
                    - If you double click on any slide it will take you back to it

               Select Slide Show to see a full page of each slide

                    - Click your left mouse button or page down to view the next slide
Press Esc on your keyboard to exit

 You can copy any text and images onto the slides by selecting the object and using cut
and paste.

 Printing: If you are using an overhead projector for your presentation, then you will
need to print the slides off. To do this go to the File option on the tool bar, go down to
Print, and press OK. Do make sure that you have checked your slides BEFORE you
print. If you don't want to use PowerPoint for your presentation you will need to print
your slides onto paper and copy them onto overhead transparencies or use directly
printable overhead foils. If you are not going to display overheads in colour, develop
the presentation in black and white. 

 Important Note: For the purposes of using the overhead projector, it is important to
note that if you don't leave a border of free space around the slide, then you may find
some of your wording or imagery will be left out of the projection.
           
DELIVERING A PRESENTATION VIA POWERPOINT

Using PowerPoint via a computer projector:

Building Slides

 For each slide you have you can 'build' a presentation.

5
  This can be done by manipulating the text or pictures within each slide and choosing
how you want each slide to appear next.

 Stage One

o Select the object, picture, text or word you would like to build
o From the menu bar choose Tools then Animation Settings
o A new window will appear:

 Ensure that in the 'Build Options' you choose either All at Once or By 1st Level
Paragraphs (this will enable you to build); you may choose any other effect you wish
and press OK

Stage Two

 Select the object, picture, text or word you would like to build from the menu bar
choose Tools then Slide Transition a new window will appear; you may choose any
effect you wish and press OK.

Delivering your presentation

To deliver your presentation, it is the same as viewing the slide show:

 Open the file that holds your slides

 Select View and then Slide Show
 Your presentation is ready to start. By clicking on the LEFT mouse button each build
that you created will be presented. You repeat this action until all your slides have
been shown.

6
PowerPoint Presentation Evaluation
Possible
3=Good 2 1=Poor
Points
Includes more than 4
Grammar, spelling, Includes 1 - 4 grammatical
grammatical errors,
Mechanics punctuation are correct. No errors, misspellings,
misspellings,
errors. punctuation errors, etc.
punctuation errors, etc.

Capitalization guidelines are Includes 1 - 4 capitalization Includes more than 4

Capitalization
followed. errors. capitalization errors.

Covers content completely Includes most of the essential Includes some of the
Content
and in depth. information. essential information.
Includes at least 4 graphics, 8 Includes 3 graphics, 6 or 7
Includes less than 3
or more animations, and animations, and several slide
graphics, 5 or fewer
slide transitions on all slides. transitions. Most of the
animations, and no slide
Graphics were resized graphics were resized
Technical transitions. Graphics
appropriately. Animation appropriately. Most of the
Requirements were resized
effects enhanced the flow of animation effects enhanced
appropriately.
the presentation and the flow of the presentation
Animations were not
were present on titles, text, and were present on some of
applied.
or graphics. the titles, text, or graphics.
Includes more than 4
Includes 1 - 3 slides that
All slides contain only 1 slides that contain more
contain more than 1 concept
Text concept and phrases are than 1 concept or
or phrases that are not
Summarization summarized using parallel phrases that are not
summarized using parallel
structure. summarized using
structure.
parallel structure.
Includes more than 4
Each slide contains between Includes 1 - 3 slides that
Content Per slides that contain more
5 - 7 words per line and contain more than 8 words per
Slide than 8 words per line
between 5 - 7 lines. line, and more than 8 lines.
and more than 8 lines.
Some difficulty
Communicates ideas with Communicates ideas with
Oral communicating ideas,
enthusiasm, proper voice proper voice projection,
Presentation due to voice projection,
projection, appropriate adequate preparation, and
Skills lack of preparation, or
language, and clear delivery. some enthusiasm.
incomplete work.

PRESENTATION TECHNIQUES IN BUSINESS

The art of speaking and delivering presentations is a skill that is only second to the knowledge
and product you have to sell to the client.

Introduction.

As a consultant you will be called on to talk in every possible situation. After all, talking is
primarily what you are paid for, unless you are particularly technical like a programmer.
During the selling phase of a project or assignment you are usually given more time to
prepare a formal proposal or demonstration. Here you have the ability to prepare your
presentation and make sure you are ready to communicate clearly. However, within the depths
of a project you will be called on more and more to speak spontaneously on topics within and
outside of your skill area. One day the inventory controller from down the hall may ask
informally for some information, which you might deliver while sitting on the edge of her
desk. The next day you may be presenting a business case to a large group of hostile

7
managers and executives via videoconference. Every situation requires effective and
professional communication of the information that you sell. Knowing your topic may make
you a great source of information, but so is a book. Until you can communicate that
information in a way that serves your client and achieves your objective, you run the risk of
being unemployed.

Assess your situation.

When called upon to make a presentation or lead a meeting, assess the situation you will find
yourself in. Decide up front what the purpose of the presentation is. Are you trying to
convince your client to adopt a solution of yours or are you merely communicating the weekly
status of the project. Every situation requires a different communication method. Broadly
speaking, you can divide your verbal communication into two categories, one that is
informative, and one that is persuasive.

An Informative presentation or meeting is the process through which the client learns from
you as you communicate your knowledge. One of the most important things to realize, in
order to make informative communication effective, is that everyone learns via different
means. As examples, people may learn through listening, seeing visuals of words and
numbers, studying handouts, asking questions, through repetition and re-writing their own
notes. So, if you have a small select group to talk to it would be best to ask what their
preferred learning method is. You will find that most people will have a strong opinion on this
and request that you conduct your meeting one way or the other. Therefore, if the request is to
work through examples rather than discuss the topic verbally, then that should be your
approach for the day.

In the situation where you have a large audience where you are sure to have every possible
learning preference, the best approach is to try to cater for <cater to> as many of these
preferences as possible. By using a combination of visuals, handouts, discussions and working
sessions, you will increase your chances of communicating effectively to the entire room.

Persuasive speech is where you are trying to win the hearts and minds of the audience and
have them see your way of thinking and buy into it. To do this effectively, try this strategy.
Firstly, start by reducing the tension and setting everyone’s mind at rest that there is not going
to be a fight. If the client or audience thinks that you are going to bully them into your way of
thinking, they will retreat into their shell or even worse pull out their heavy artillery and chase
you away. Start your presentation with a sense of, “your position is fine and mine is fine too,
just different". Make sure that you both agree on the basic goal. Let us say you are trying to
convince them that one of their processes is out of date and needs reengineering. Try and get
them to agree that their aim is to be as efficient and cost effective as possible. Then slowly
bring in your point of view and turn their own agreement against them by proving that to be
efficient, they need to look at your idea. Then watch for subtle signs of agreement like more
relaxed body language and slight nodding and appreciation for your idea. Once you feel they
are warming to your proposal start pressing for an agreement, a decision, and a close on the
topic

Analyse your audience

Knowing your audience is key to a successful presentation. This is very important when you
are doing a one-on-one presentation. Based on Pfeiffer & Co.'s Social Styles Inventory, there

8
are four main personality types. Being able to identify these will help direct the approach you
take in these meetings.

Firstly, there is the Analytical person. She needs facts and figures to understand your position.
She also needs time to absorb what you are telling her and time to formulate the questions she
wants to ask you. So be prepared to endure spells of silence if you are in a one-on-one as she
processes your information.

Then there is the Driver who is on the run and needs the short version of your presentation.
Don’t try to hold her down while you labour through your full presentation. Cut to the chase
and give out the highlights, focussing on benefits and costs, or the core information that will
interest her.

The Expressive personality is typically smart and a quick thinker. He has his own good ideas
and may even end up convincing you that his idea is better than yours. Either way, be sure to
keep him on track with your presentation. He will be inclined to go off on a tangent to allow
his ideas to be expressed rather than listen to yours.

Finally, the Amiable person will sit patiently through your presentation and try to avoid any
conflict. She won’t ask questions unless you encourage her. The discussion will be limited
and she will leave once you have finished, leaving you with no real input or reaction.

Presenting to senior management needs a little more care than most audiences do. They carry
a set of principles with them, says Rae Cook, in his essay entitled, "To woo senior
management, respect their principles." He lays out these rules to help avoid violating their
principles.

1. Respect their deadlines and present with a sense of urgency. They are under
more time pressure than most and will appreciate you, understanding that and
presenting appropriately.
2. Present the core information to them and avoid the nice to haves. They are
hardened to the sales pitch and are especially concerned about getting the job
done. You need to tell them what they need to know in order to get the job done.
3. Do you homework and know their business. You won’t be indulged if you spend
more time asking them questions about their company than giving them
information.
4. The only way executives will buy into what you are telling them is if you focus
on how they can get more for less. The economics are of interest to them. They
want the big picture with the short answer to solving their problems and make
their business more profitable.
5. Show them that you understand what you are talking about. Place yourself as a
counterpart rather than just another consultant trying to get buy in. If they
believe you know your stuff, they will respect you for that and accept your
information with ease.
6. Do the dirty work for them. Do all the analysis up front and give them the
summary data to base a decision on. Remember they don’t gather data; they
study results and make decisions. It is your job to get that data for them to study.

Logistics and room set-up

9
Just as a picture frame makes the picture, so does the room make the presentation. Don’t
underestimate the impact the correct room configuration and atmosphere can have on your
presentation. Even though the room probably belongs to your client, this is your home away
from home and you should adapt it to suit your needs. It is your responsibility to make sure
the room and its equipment are exactly as you want it.

Don’t rely on the in-house technical support to test your audiovisual equipment or even
overhead machine. You need to make sure you have tested everything yourself. Blaming the
in-house technical department for any failure during your meeting is not going to buy you any
support from the client.

Some tips for getting the best out of you room include making sure you, as the speaker, are
well lit. If they can’t see you well enough, all the work you put into your non-verbal
expression as hand gestures and facial expressions will be lost. Secondly, make sure that as
much of you is visible to most of the audience as possible. A podium may be necessary to
raise you up to a visible level when you are talking to larger groups. The more of your body
they can see, the easier it will be to communicate with them. So avoid lecterns at all costs
because they hide you from the neck down.

Make sure your visuals are projected larger enough for all to see well. To test this, stand back
8 feet from your computer and make sure you can read the text on the screen to test the
adequacy of the text size.

Move seating around to suit the audience size. If the room caters <caters to> for a lot more
people than you will have attend, then take some chairs out to try and concentrate your
audience a little closer together, and to you.

Before you travel half way around the world to sit in the same room as your client for an hour
meeting, consider video conferencing. This media is becoming more popular as technology
improves and irons out the inherent problem associated with it. Price, speed and compatibility
were the main issues surrounding this technology in the past years. The price issue has been
resolved when you consider that 10 years ago you would have paid $40,000 for a meeting
room set up and now you would pay less than half that, with additional features. The desktop
systems have dropped from around $5000 to under $1000 in less than 5 years as well.

To overcome the compatibility issue in which different systems can communicate easily
regardless of the manufacturer, an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) standard has
been developed. This standard has reduced the fear of buying a system and finding out later
that it won’t talk to your clients system.

Speed is the final obstacle to overcome, and with the growth of the Internet, this may become
a non-issue sooner than we think. The standard interface used to be a dial up connection,
system to system, via an ISDN phone line. This connection was not routed through your
Internet service provider, but rather through your telephone company. Now with the
introduction of Internet Protocol (IP) packets via the Internet there seems to be hope for a
higher frame per second (fps) video quality.

If You Are a Consultant: Research your topic

The consulting industry has an unwritten rule that dictates you stay at least one "page" ahead
of the client. In the past it was fairly easy not to give that "page" to the client until you had

10
already read it. However, today we have the Internet to blame for making that "page" freely
available to your client. In short, don’t presume that you are presenting new information to
them. You need to be fully versed in your topic to avoid being upstaged by someone in the
room. Project team members are selected from the organization because of their ability to
adapt to and absorb new ideas and approaches. Project members are normally smart people
who will find a few hours before your presentation to sit in front of the Internet (which they
can now do from their desk) and study up on the topic you plan to present. Upstaging a
consultant can earn an employee great respect from his managers and peers is done in a
tasteful way, so beware of the closet consultant in the room.

Organize and prepare your presentation

Every piece of literature I found on the topic of speech making and presentations emphasize
the need to prepare and then prepare some more.  If you are well prepared, you will lower the
risk of anxiety and stage fright because the fear of failure is alleviated. When preparing your
presentation there are a few basics to keep in mind that will help you achieve a comfort level
you need to present successfully.

Firstly, write your speech as you would say it, using words from your own vocabulary. Using
words that are not yours will make you and your audience feel uncomfortable. Never
memorize your words or read from a script or text. This is sure way to put people to sleep.
You need to know your topic well enough to be able to talk from your heart and focus on the
passion you have for the topic, rather than trying to remember your lines.

Don’t try to fool your audience – they will catch you out. If you don’t know the answer to a
question, firstly admit it and ask if anyone in the group could offer an answer, if not, promise
to find out yourself. If you do promise to follow up, be sure to make a note of the question
right then and there. Writing it down makes it seems a lot more plausible that you are genuine
in your intent to follow up, even if you never actually get around to it.

Never use the audience as the butt of your joke. This is never appreciated and sure to alienate
you from them and force them to group together in an attempt for self-preservation.

Never go over the time limit for your meeting or presentation, unless at the request of the
majority of the audience. I say majority because it is easy to get side tracked on a topic that is
only of interest to a few vocal member, which causes you to run over time. If this happens be
sure to take the topic "off line" after the meeting.

Be aware of copyright infringement when pulling material together for presentations (see the
disclaimer at the bottom of p. 1 of this guide). In particular, the Internet has been a focal point
for new copyright infringement. Because the material is so easy to download or copy and
paste from the web to your desktop, and because it is free and easy to get to, people are being
presumptuous about these laws. The U.S.A. Copyright Act of 1976 deems that copyright
protection comes into effect when a "work is first fixed in a tangible medium of expression",
so any clipart, photo, WAV audio files, or articles posted to a web site, although free to the
public to read, is protected under the 1976 Copyright Act. Another misconception is that there
needs to be a statement of copyright protection on the work. This is not true; in fact, an email
that you may send to a friend is protected under this act. Facts themselves are not protected,
but these facts presented with your personal expression are. The U.S. Act protects work for 70
years from the date it was created and only then does it become available to the public.

11
Learn to speak the audience's language. Every business has its own set of acronyms and
terminology and it will serve you well to pick up this terminology as you go along and use it.
The use of their words helps them understand you and helps bring you closer to them. You
look less like a consultant from the textbook and more like a seasoned businessperson.
Unfortunately many consultants try to impress their clients with their own jargon and the
latest buzzwords, but they achieve no more than alienating the audience and not being fully
understood. The only exception to this rule is when you are helping to implement or re-
engineer a new business process or new software that has it own set of words. You are the
interpreter as well as the language teacher. In the early days of the project you need to use the
client’s old terminology and as time goes on, start referring to both the old and new word,
encouraging them to start using the terminology that will ultimately help them understand the
new system. An example of this may be clients referring to a work order and the new
terminology is production order, Department versus Cost centre, or Site versus Plant.

Beware of Information overload when presenting informative type presentations. Elliot

Essman, an author and public speaker, recommends a ratio of 5% information and 95%
presentation. By repeating a few key points and hammering them home, you achieve a lot
more than overloading them with information and leaving them with nothing more that
confusion. Studies have shown that most people don’t remember many facts after a
presentation anyway, so focus on your main message and succeed in communicating that.

Pre-presentation preparation

If you are set to give a presentation before a group of people you have never met before, be
sure to try and meet and talk to as many as possible just before the start of you presentation.
This will take your mind off the task at hand and make you feel more comfortable once you
begin, knowing part of the audience.

Get to the venue early to allow time to prepare your visual equipment and to familiarize
yourself with the venue, podium, and organizers. Do not go over your notes just prior to the
presentation. If you need to do this, you have not prepared properly, and this may only
unsettle you.

Deliver your presentation

Stage Fright

Tad Simons in his essay entitled, Scared speechless - Understanding and conquering stage
fright, explains the concept of stage fright. When the body perceives imminent danger it
reacts on a very primal level and releases both adrenaline and cortisol to the blood stream.
These stimulants move through your body and cause your heart rate to increase and your body
temperature to rise. It supplies extra blood to your muscles to aid any extra energy you might
need in case of an attack or flee from the threat. It also considers the stomach a soft spot for
attack and decreases the blood from that area causing the sensation known as butterflies and
perhaps causing nausea.

To get more oxygen to your blood you begin to breathe faster and your mind begins to race.
Your primal concern is to figure out a way to fight off this threat or to run from it, and
consequently the brain shuts down the portion that governs any rational thought, allowing for
instinctive thought to be fully armed. So the common result of stage fright, which is to forget
your speech or feel like you can’t remember anything, is a result of the rational thought

12
function being shut down. The heavy breathing and sweating experience by many just before
a presentation is a result of the extra blood supply being supplied to your body.

Luckily, though, the threat in the case of standing up in front of people is not real. That is to
say, you are never (or at least rarely, depending upon your audience) in any real physical
danger. Therefore, with some coaching and counselling it is possible to rid most people of this
reaction to the perceived threat.

Dress

The way you present yourself to your audience is very important too. Consider how you dress.
You should dress appropriately for the situation and circumstances. Find out prior to the
meeting how the audience will be dressed and dress similarly. That way you will feel
comfortable and they will too. If you are over dressed, you may be perceived as
condescending and if you are under dressed, you might not be taken as seriously as you would
like.

Posture, Gestures, Eye Contact, Voice

Your posture is important too. You need to feel comfortable in order to appear comfortable.
Small children, while reciting poems at school, are told to put their hands behind their back
and stand still. This rule does not apply to you in presentations. If you audience senses your
discomfort, they will feel it too.

Gestures are probably second in importance to the verbal delivery of your presentation. Use
hand and body gestures to add effect to your delivery. Not only does it help you to explain
and demonstrate certain points, but also it adds a dynamic that will help liven up your
meeting.

Be careful of eye contact. This is a dead give away if you are nervous or uncomfortable with
your topic. In the same way as signing a contract with someone who can’t look at you in the
eye, the participants will distrust you or again feel embarrassed for you as they feel your
discomfort.

Use your voice to add emphasis and variety to your talk. Monotone is not recommended in
post lunch meetings. Executives tend to slump down in their chairs and nod off.

Maintaining Control

Take control of the meeting and make sure you are not left standing up in front of a room full
of company employees involved in an in-house debate. It is your meeting and they need to
respect that. Besides, they are probably paying for your time and you wouldn’t want to be
ripping them off!

Finally, realize you are the expert in the room. They wouldn’t be there if they didn’t feel they
could benefit by listening to you. As a consultant you will find that there is an inherent trust in
what you say, based purely on you being a consultant. You will be believed very easily, so be
careful what you say!

13
 TIPS

Pre-presentation preparation

 What is your objective?

 Identify the audience.
o Develop the presentation.
Tell them what you are going to tell them.
o Tell them.
o Tell them what you told them
o Give them something to do.
 Practise, practise, practise.

Giving the presentation

1. Get the audience’s attention

2. Hold their attention

 Eye contact
 Delivery
 Repetition

Sure Ways to Kill a Presentation

 No eye contact with audience.
 Tell them the facts -- ALL the facts.
 No excitement -- Keep it boring -- Do not use any body language.
 Monotone voice and no smile.

3. Ask for action

Tasks

1. Pre-presentation
          Rehearsal
          Relaxation techniques
          Visualize success
          Arrive early
          Prepare and set out handouts

2. Keep Audience’s Interest

          Visuals
          Humour and stories
          Handouts
               Fill-in
               Refer to
          Questions
               Ask audience
               Encourage from audience

14
3. Improve presentation
          Feedback sheets. Ask:
               What did I do well?
               What can I improve?
          Self-evaluation
               Video presentation
               Make notes

Tips:

Objective

Every presentation should have an objective. The speaker main objective is to deliver the
message (objective) to the audience. The objectives may vary from one talk to another. To
identify the real objective one needs to ask the following question: "If everything goes
perfectly, what I intended to achieve?" One also should realize who are the audience and their
educational level. The time in most cases is limited. It is of utmost importance to keep within
scheduled time some question/answer session. For this detailed planning is required. Different
tools could be used in the presentation such as, slides, models, transparencies, audio-visual,
and web. Make sure if more than one medium is used, time to shift is accounted for. One easy
way to see effectiveness of presentation while in a team is for one to play the role of the
speaker and the rest of the team as the audience and possibly play the devils advocate.

Oral Presentation - Obstacles

To sell your ideas to others, you should first be convinced that your ideas will accomplish the
task. Oral presentation requires high degree of creative ability. Recall that humans resist
changes though they announce that they welcome it. Humans like familiar methods. Changes
require additional effort that humans in general resist. Some usual quotes one hears:

 We tried that before

 It is too radical a change
 We have never done that before
 Get back to reality
 We have always done it this way
 I don't like the idea

Oral Presentation Dos and Don’ts

1. Know your audience thoroughly. Deliver an extempore+prepared talk

2. Never read from notes, a sheet or directly from an overhead projector
3. Bring the audience up to speed, in the first few moments
4. Stay within the time allotted
5. Include relevant humorous stories, anecdotes, or joke (Only if you are good at it)
6. Avoid using specialized technical jargon. Explain the terms if you feel the audience may
not know.
7. Understand your message clearly. The whole goal is to clearly communicate the message
8. Practice-practice-practice, you may like to memorize introduction and concluding remarks
9. The dry run is a dress rehearsal. Use it to iron out problems in delivery, organization and
timing.
10. Avoid mannerisms; speak confidently but not aggressively

15
11. Maintain eye-to-eye contact with some of the audience and keep shifting that contact to
other people through the talk.
12. Never talk to the board or to empty space
13. Present the material in a clever fashion, but not in a sensational fashion. Be genuinely
sincere and professional
14. Logical presentation order is much more critical in oral than in written presentation

Oral Presentation Techniques

1. Visual aids (sketches, graphs, drawings, photos, models, slides, transparency, web) often
convey information more efficiently and effectively than only words. Visual aids permit dual
sense of hearing and seeing, apart from helping the speaker.
2. Limit slides to not more than one per minute
3. Each slide should contain one idea
4. First Slide should show the title of your talk and names.
5. Second slide should give a brief outline of the talk
6. Last slide should summarize the message you just delivered
7. If you need to show a slide more than once use a second copy
8. Avoid leaving a slide on the screen if you have finished discussion on that topic; you can
add an all black slide when you want the audience to focus on you and what you’re saying.
9. Never read directly from the slide. Spoken words should complement the slides. Prepare
notes for each slide and use them during practice.
10. Use graphs to explain variations. Clearly label the axis, data, and title. Acknowledge the
source.
11. Every graph should have a message (idea). Colour should enhance the communication not
distract.
12. Audiences respond to well organized information. That means,
     (a) Efficient presentation
     (b) All assumptions clearly stated and justified
     (c) Source of information and facts are clearly outlined
13. Never read lists of numbers without giving the audience a view of them with a handout or
PPT overhead. If you cannot use handouts or overheads, don’t use long lists of numbers.
14. Begin with the presentation of the problem and conclusion/recommendation (primarily
goal)
15. Finish ahead of time and be prepared for the question answer session.

Question/Answer session

The question answer session is very important. It shows the enthusiasm in the audience and
usually shows interest and attention. In the Q/A session you should

1. Allow the questioner to complete the question, before answering

2. Avoid being argumentative
3. Do not let the questioner feel that the question is stupid
4. Adjourn the meeting, if the questions slack off
5. Thank the audience, one final time after the Q/A session

16
 PRESENTATIONS IN THE U.S.A. – They may fit where you are presenting
From BUSINESSWEEK, GOOD HABITS FOR PRESENTERS
TO BE A LEADER, SPEAK LIKE ONE:

From the website:

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/05/vocalization/index_01.htm

 First Key: Vary Your Tone. Dynamic speakers vary the pitch and tone of their
words. Dull speakers are monotone, reciting all words in the very same tone of
voice.
 Second Key: "Punch" Key Words. Dynamic speakers punch the important
words in every sentence to add emphasis.
 Third Key: Raise and Lower Your Volume. Dynamic speakers raise and lower
the volume of voice during a talk, something Kennedy did in his speech that I've
used as an example.
 Fourth key: Pause for Impact. Dynamic speakers know that nothing is as
dramatic as a well-placed pause.
 Fifth Key: Vary Your Speed. Finally, dynamic speakers speed up and slow down,
often in the same sentence or paragraph.

SIX KEYS TO COMMANDING BODY LANGUAGE

http://images.businessweek.com/ss/06/04/sb_presentations/index_01.htm

The Handshake

Studies show that people size you up in the first two seconds. In that short time, it's not what
you say that may matter most but often what your handshake says about you. A limp,
clammy, "dead-fish" handshake will leave your listener with little confidence in you and your
message.

What to do: Nothing fancy required, just a firm handshake with two or three shakes usually
does the trick. Avoid squeezing like a vice. The key is to maintain eye contact while shaking
hands. Finally, a warm smile adds just the right touch.

Slide Show: Ten Worst Presentation Habits

Slide Show: Great Communicators
Slide Show: Dress the Part of a Leader
More Slide Shows
The Stance

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell stands (or sits) tall -- steadfast and assured. No
slumping or slouching for this soldier. A slouching body posture is a sure way to associate
yourself with a lack of enthusiasm, confidence, and leadership ability.

What to do: Keep your weight balanced on both feet, stand tall, eyes ahead. When sitting,
avoid slumping into the fold of your chair or leaning back. Watch as people respond to you
differently.

17
Slide Show: Ten Worst Presentation Habits
Slide Show: Great Communicators
Slide Show: Dress the Part of a Leader
More Slide Shows

The Eyes

Eye contact is associated with trustworthiness, sincerity, and confidence -- all the traits we
look for in leaders. How do you feel when someone at a trade show is talking to you while
looking around the room for someone else, perhaps someone "more important"? Make
everyone feel as though you're having a one-on-one conversation with him or her. Draw them
in with your eyes. You're talking to them, not at them.

What to do: Maintain eye contact 70% to 80% of the time. Make everyone feel included and
important. Look at the person you're speaking to you. If you're addressing a small or large
group, break the room into three parts. Focus on one individual, make a point, shift your gaze
to another part of the room, make a point, and do the same for the rest of the room.

The Arms

Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina is a very polished speaker. It's nearly impossible
to find a photograph of her with a closed posture. This means there's nothing in between her
and her listeners. For example, standing behind a podium is closed -- it adds a block between
you and the listener. Crossing your arms is closed as well.

What to do: Simply avoid putting anything in between you and the listener. Keep your hands
and arms unfolded, don't hold a binder, try to avoid standing behind a podium when possible.

18
Slide Show: Ten Worst Presentation Habits
Slide Show: Great Communicators
Slide Show: Dress the Part of a Leader
More Slide Shows

The Hands

Former President Bill Clinton uses hand gestures to punctuate virtually every point, as does
British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Complex hand gestures means using both hands in various
positions during the course of a talk or presentation. Complex gestures reflect complex
thought, and give us confidence in the listener.

What to do: Clients often ask me, "What do I do with my hands?" Use them! Don't try to
mimic other people's gestures because you will look contrived. However, feel free to use your
hands in a way that feels natural. Videotape yourself speaking to see whether your gestures
appear natural and comfortable. You might discover that you use few, if any, gestures. Free
yourself!

Slide Show: Ten Worst Presentation Habits

Slide Show: Great Communicators
Slide Show: Dress the Part of a Leader
More Slide Shows

The Air of Confidence

Think about the "Austrian Oak," California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has an air
of confidence. Regardless of the events surrounding him or the criticism he may be facing by

19
any particular group, he conveys a look of being in control. You won't see him wringing his
hands, shuffling back and forth, jiggling coins in his pocket, or rubbing his hands repeatedly
through his hair. He comes across as someone who won't cower, waffle, or retreat.

What to do: Pay attention to small, potentially distracting body movements, like tapping your
toes or fidgeting with your fingers, pens, or coins -- all signs of nervous energy. Look and
sound more engaged by channeling that energy into face, voice, and hand gestures.

Slide Show: Ten Worst Presentation Habits

Slide Show: Great Communicators
Slide Show: Dress the Part of a Leader
More Slide Shows

BUSINESSWEEK, BAD HABITS FOR PRESENTERS

HTTP://IMAGES.BUSINESSWEEK.COM/SS/06/02/MISTAKES/INDEX_01.HTM

Bad Habit #1
Reading from notes

Great communicators do not read from scripts, notes, or PowerPoint slides. While it's
acceptable to refer to notes from time to time, reading directly from prepared notes is a no-no.
It breaks down the rapport between listener and audience.

Do this instead:
Review your material to the point where you have so completely absorbed the material, you
can deliver it without notes. Business Week recently profiled Apple CEO Steve Jobs, whose
magnificent presentations are the result of hours of grueling practice.

20
More Presentation Guides:
The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One

Bad Habit #2
Avoiding eye contact

Great communicators understand that eye contact is critical to building trust, credibility, and
rapport. Far too many business professionals have a habit of looking at everything but the
audience -- a wall, a desk, or a computer.

Do this instead:
Maintain eye contact with your listeners at least 90% of the time. It's appropriate to glance at
your notes or slides from time to time, but only for a few seconds and only as a reminder of
where to go next. You are speaking for the benefit of your listeners. Speak to them, not the
slides.

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Bad Habit #3
Dressing Down

Great communicators look the part. Have you ever seen Donald Trump dressed in anything
less than a classy suit and tie? Even on the golf course, he looks like a million -- okay, a
billion -- bucks. Many business leaders tend to dress beneath their position. They show up
with a cheap suit, worn shoes, and ill-fitting clothes.

Do this instead:
Find a clothing store and salesperson whose recommendations you trust. Always dress
appropriately for the culture, but a little better than everyone else.

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Bad Habit #4
Fidgeting, jiggling, and swaying

Great communicators eliminate small, annoying gestures or mannerisms. Fidgeting with your
hands, jiggling coins, or swaying back and forth all reflect nervousness or insecurity. These
habits inspire no confidence in the speaker.

21
Do this instead:
The solution is simple. Don't fidget, jiggle or sway! Videotape your presentations or
rehearsals from time to time to catch your flaws.

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Bad Habit #5
Failure to rehearse

Great communicators always rehearse important presentations. Most bad presentations are the
result of failing to practice talking out loud.

Do this instead:
Take a cue from Cisco CEO John Chambers. He spends hours rehearsing every component of
his presentations, from the material to the flow of slides to when and where he's going to walk
among the audience. It's preparation to the extreme, but it works.

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Bad Habit #6
Standing at attention

Great communicators are not stiff. Standing at attention like a soldier waiting for orders might
work for the army, but it makes presentations tedious.

Do this instead:
Move, walk, use hand gestures. Great speakers are animated in voice and body.

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Bad Habit #7
Reciting bullet points

Great communicators assume the audience can read. Many speakers read the bullet points on
their slides word for word. Slides (or any visual) act as a complement to the speaker, not the

22
other way around.

Do this instead:
Don't write too many words on the slide. A good rule of thumb is no more than four words
across and six lines down. For slides with more content, do not recite the slide word for word.
Include a story, anecdote, example to add color to the content. Trust that your audience can
read the slide for themselves.

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader

Bad Habit #8
Speaking too long

Great communicators know that leadership requires the ability to articulate a message that's
passionate, clear, and concise. Studies show that listeners lose their attention after
approximately 18 minutes. Many leaders think that the longer they speak, the more important
they sound. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Do this instead:
Edit everything you say. Do you spend five minutes saying something that you could
otherwise say in 30 seconds? What can you cut out? Be thorough, yet concise in all manners
of communication, including phone conversations, emails and formal presentations.

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Bad Habit #9
Failing to excite

Great communicators grab their listeners' attention right out of the gate. Audiences remember
the first thing you say and the last. However, don't worry -- if you're struggling to compose an
opening, there is a solution.

Do this instead:
Tell your listeners why they should be excited about your content. Give your audience a
reason to care.

23
More Presentation Guides:
The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Bad Habit #10

Ending with an inspiration deficit

Great communicators end their presentations on an inspiring note. Most presenters believe the
middle of their presentation contains the really important content. It might, but most listeners
will walk away from a presentation remembering what was said at the end.

Do this instead:
Go ahead and summarize what you just said in the presentation, but leave your audience with
one key thought -- something they didn't know that makes their jaws drop in collective awe.

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

BEST BUSINESS COMMUNICATORS

Jack Welch, Cutting Out Corporate Lingo

Former Chairman and CEO

General Electric
The former head of General Electric was legendary for demanding simplicity in written and
verbal communications. "Insecure managers create complexity," Welch once said. He was a
master at crafting a vision and passionately articulating that vision in simple, broad-based
terms that everyone could buy into.

Clutter and jargon had no place in a Welch business meeting. He would ask his managers to
pretend they were talking to high school students -- to focus on the basics. Eliminating jargon
isn't an option. Great business communicators speak in clear and simple terms.

Best communication asset: Simplicity

Tip: Eliminate jargon

24
More Presentation Guides:
The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Steve Jobs, Real-Life Dramatist

CEO and Director

Apple Computer
Chairman and CEO
Pixar Animation Studios
Apple founder and CEO Steve Jobs radiates a charisma that captivates thousands of the "Mac
faithful" as well as customers, employees, and colleagues. The key to his success as a
communicator: his nearly messianic zeal to change the world. People find it intoxicating. In
1983, Jobs turned to 44-year-old Pepsi President John Sculley and asked: "Do you want to
spend the rest of your life selling sugared water, or do you want a chance to change the
world?" Great business communicators want to make history, and they're not too bashful to
admit it.

Best communication asset: Charisma

Tip: Create and articulate a bold vision

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Meg Whitman, Feedback Welcomer

President, CEO, and Director

eBay
As president and CEO of the world's largest online marketplace, Meg Whitman has built one
of the most trusted, admired, and successful brands in corporate history. Since she accepted
the lead role in 1998, Whitman has acted as a strong advocate for soliciting customer
feedback. She listens and takes action to improve the experience for buyers and sellers.

BusinessWeek once recounted a story about Whitman flying to meet with a veteran seller who
had protested a particular policy. After conferring with him for an hour, Whitman took pages
of notes and changed the policy two days later. Great business communicators listen before
saying a word.

Best communication asset: Penchant for listening

Tip: Seek feedback

25
More Presentation Guides:
The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

John Chambers, Winning Through Rehearsals

John Chambers
President, CEO, and Director
Cisco Systems
Watching Cisco's CEO give a presentation to employees, investors, analysts, or customers is
an astonishing experience. With hardly a glance at notes, Chambers fills his presentations
with volumes of information about his company's products, facts, and figures.

He owes it to meticulous preparation. Before a talk, he reviews and rehearses his presentation,
memorizing the slides and the flow of content. He even knows when and where he's going to
walk into the audience or put his hand on someone's shoulder. Great business communicators
prepare diligently for every major meeting, interview, presentation, or speech.

Best communication asset: Preparedness

Tip: Review and rehearse your presentation

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Michelle Peluso, Reaching Out to Workers

President and CEO

Travelocity.com
As President and CEO of Travelocity, Michelle Peluso is one of Corporate America's rising
stars. Peluso understands that employees will care more about their work when they know
their leaders care about them. She makes it a point to respond personally within 24 hours to
every e-mail from one of her employees, even if she's traveling or on vacation. It's how she
motivates her far-flung staff of more than 5,000 employees spread around the world. Great
business communicators respond to employee concerns by answering e-mails, holding
lunchtime chats, or sending out weekly companywide correspondence.

Best communication asset: Responsiveness

Tip: Be there for your employees

26
More Presentation Guides:
The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

David Neeleman, High-Flying Tales

Chairman and CEO

JetBlue Airways
When David Neeleman launched Jet Blue in 2002, the ex-Southwest Airlines exec embraced
his former employer's model of discount fares but one-upped Southwest by adding perks like
leather seats and DirecTV on all flights. Neeleman dedicates himself to finding and keeping
the most enthusiastic employees in the airline industry.

He champions the culture by flying JetBlue to a different city each week. He appears at nearly
every first-day orientation for new hires and leads sessions titled: "Why are you here?" An
excellent storyteller, Neeleman likes to recount anecdotes about employees who exceeded
expectations. Great business communicators cultivate an enthusiastic staff passionately
dedicated to providing exceptional customer service.

Best communication asset: Talent for storytelling

Tip: Tell tales that inspire

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Howard Schultz, Percolating Passion

Chairman
Starbucks
Howard Schultz loves coffee. And the Starbucks founder is fervent about creating a
workplace in which people are treated with dignity and respect. He conveys that message to
employees, customers, and investors.

"When you're around people who share a collective passion around a common purpose,
there's no telling what you can do," he says. Schultz understands that Starbucks' competitive
advantage lies in its people. Because its entire organization communicates its values so
effectively, Starbucks has built a reputation as one of the best places to work. Great business
communicators identify their enthusiasms and convey that enthusiasm through all levels of
the organization.

Best communication asset: Passion

Tip: Identify and share what you're passionate about

27
More Presentation Guides:
The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Suze Orman, Debt Detractor

Author, TV Host
Financial guru Suze Orman stands out among the more than 650,000 financial planners in the
U.S. Orman is on a mission, a crusade to help people avoid the crushing debt and financial
problems that caused so much pain for her family as she was growing up.

Orman freely admits that very little of her advice is groundbreaking. "It's not the material that
I know, but how I communicate the material I know that sets me apart," she says. She delivers
financial information using clear, concise, and direct language. Great business communicators
use simple language to discuss complex issues.

Best communication asset: Clarity of expression

Tip: Break down complex information into easy parts

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Rudy Giuliani, Eye-Contact King

Chairman and CEO

Giuliani Partners
The former New York City mayor became a hero for maintaining his composure after the
9/11 attacks. He exhibited courage, stamina, and grace -- everything people look for in a
leader. But long before Giuliani became an American icon, he appreciated the emotional
connection of a great presentation.

In his book, Leadership, Giuliani says he began preparing for his annual State of the City
address five months early so he wouldn't have to read the presentation from notes. Great
business communicators use eye contact to make an emotional connection with their
audience.

Best communication asset: Ability to make eye contact

Tip: Spend 90% of the time looking at your audience

28
More Presentation Guides:
The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

John Thompson, Relentlessly Upbeat

Chairman and CEO

Symantec

For more than six years, Symantec CEO John Thompson has built the company into the
leading antivirus software brand, despite competitive threats from Microsoft. Thompson uses
big, bold, and optimistic language in his presentations and speeches.

Last year, Thompson pulled off a $13 billion acquisition of storage-software maker Veritas,
despite investor criticism. During the acquisition, Thompson said: "We'll prove one more time
that our long-term vision is where the industry is going, and what we need to do to respond to
it is right." Great business communicators transmit a positive, upbeat vision during times of
change.

Best communication asset: Facileness with optimistic language

Tip: Employ powerful and positive words

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Klaus Kleinfeld, Getting Fresh

President and CEO

Siemens
As CEO of Siemens, Kleinfeld oversees some 460,000 workers. He has impressed many an
employee with the way he sets clear goals and communicates his vision. The key: Kleinfeld's
insatiable curiosity about his people, his industry, and the world in which he does business.

Kleinfeld feels at ease whether talking about the newest hip-hop star or the latest strategic
management theories. His upbeat tone, energy, and curiosity keep him fresh, dynamic, and
contemporary. Great business communicators teach their listeners to stay topical and current.
By doing so, they leave their listeners with something new.

Best communication asset: Ability to reinvent

Tip: Stay fresh, remain current

29
More Presentation Guides:
The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Larry Ellison, Playing the Anti-Geek

CEO and Director

Oracle
The billionaire founder of Oracle is no stranger to the media. Whether he's engaging in a
hostile takeover of a competitor, risking injury racing yachts, buying up nearly $200 million
in Malibu property, or piloting jets, Ellison lives life on a grand scale. When Ellison walks on
stage, he looks the part of a successful leader.

Not content to dress in geek chic like many of his counterparts in Silicon Valley, Ellison
wears finely tailored Italian suits and walks with commanding body language. Great business
communicators know that packaging counts.

Best communication asset: Looking like a leader

Tip: Pay attention to what your wardrobe says about you

More Presentation Guides:

The 10 Worst Presentation Habits
Best Business Communicators
Dress the Part of a Leader
To Be a Leader, Talk Like One
More Slide Shows

Richard Branson, Lavisher of Praise

Chairman
Virgin Group
Whether donning a wedding dress for the launch of a Virgin Brides shop, attempting to fly a
hot-air balloon around the world, or building a company to take people to the moon, the
billionaire entrepreneur behind the Virgin brand likes to have fun and encourage his staff.
Branson believes in lavishing praise on his employees. Like flowers, he once said, people will
grow if watered -- but shrivel if left to dry. Great business communicators go out of their way
to make sure their employees feel valuable.

Best communication asset: Generosity with praise

Tip: Lavish appropriate praise on employees, customers, and colleagues

REFERENCES

Dimensions of Communication, Michael D Scott & Steven R Brydon, 1997,

ISBN 1-55934-442-3

Some of these are old and may have disappeared:

30
http://www.abacon.com

http://www.angelfire.com/ab/speakers

http://www.presentations.com

http://www.buildingyourself.com

http://www.stresscure.com

http://www.selfgrowth.com

http://www.balancetime.com

31