#Things to consider
- Think about what the other person hopes to gain from your communication. Put the focus on that.
- Your audience only care about how your content impacts them.
- “I thought it would be helpful to you…”
- Introduce yourself from the perspective of how you add value. It communicates your contribution and views yourself as having impact.
- First convey your key point. Then convey your content.
- Talk about the substance, not the medium. Never say “as we just saw on the last slide”.
- The universal motivators are time, feelings and money. All people want to save time, feel better about themselves or their role, or save or make money.
- “What’s in it for me?” I want to know what I’m supposed to do with this presentation.
- Don’t scan the room when presenting. Look at one person at the time for each sentence. Talking to one person will calm yourself.
- Keep your hands by your side and gesture to show the audience that you’re interested in the topic and them. Stand still and show that you’re comfortable in your own skin.
- Communicating effectively is about listening well.
- Ask “What would be most helpful to you?”
- Pauses are essential. Your audience needs silence to process the information. Don’t cheat them on that.