General Articles
Talking Business
November 06 |
Permalink
1.
Time is money. Objectives are even
more important
with business talks. To inform? To
train/instruct? To persuade? To
motivate?
2. Have the context very clear. Your timing. Your subject. Your place on the programme. Do you have to tie in with someone else's contribution? Numbers - who'll be there — and who they are? Is there a lectern?
3. What visual aid equipment will be there (or you want to be there)? Know how to use it properly — and carry spares!
4. Get the sequence of your talk right. Would an agenda help? You need a logical and 'signposted' structure. With a definite conclusion (not left in the air!)
5. Establish your audience's level of knowledge by research before the event. Ensure you adapt your presentation to their level of knowledge and interest.
6. Involve your audience right at the start — including getting their agreement to your key message early. Win them over. Smile, talk of 'we/us', and never talk down or patronize your audience.
7. Keep them awake. It's better without a written-out script (unless you have to). Aim for … variety of voice … word pictures … highlights within a (long) talk as well as at the end … visual aids, maybe (with pie charts rather than tables?) … or break it up with a 2-man act.
8. Circulate hand-outs before, not during. Or tell them at the start if they'll get notes at the end.
9. Be prepared for questions. Note and remember who asked what (and repeat the question before you answer). And, please, never flannel — it shows!
10. Preparation – preparation - preparation.
Remember
These are just the 'extras'. You'll still have to use your other skills. Like good delivery. Or good rehearsal and notes. With eye contact and good presence. And with well chosen words.
2. Have the context very clear. Your timing. Your subject. Your place on the programme. Do you have to tie in with someone else's contribution? Numbers - who'll be there — and who they are? Is there a lectern?
3. What visual aid equipment will be there (or you want to be there)? Know how to use it properly — and carry spares!
4. Get the sequence of your talk right. Would an agenda help? You need a logical and 'signposted' structure. With a definite conclusion (not left in the air!)
5. Establish your audience's level of knowledge by research before the event. Ensure you adapt your presentation to their level of knowledge and interest.
6. Involve your audience right at the start — including getting their agreement to your key message early. Win them over. Smile, talk of 'we/us', and never talk down or patronize your audience.
7. Keep them awake. It's better without a written-out script (unless you have to). Aim for … variety of voice … word pictures … highlights within a (long) talk as well as at the end … visual aids, maybe (with pie charts rather than tables?) … or break it up with a 2-man act.
8. Circulate hand-outs before, not during. Or tell them at the start if they'll get notes at the end.
9. Be prepared for questions. Note and remember who asked what (and repeat the question before you answer). And, please, never flannel — it shows!
10. Preparation – preparation - preparation.
Remember
These are just the 'extras'. You'll still have to use your other skills. Like good delivery. Or good rehearsal and notes. With eye contact and good presence. And with well chosen words.