From the monthly archives:

February 2008

What is it that people remember most about presentations?

Is it the content and data? Well, you’d think so from how much effort people put into making this part of their presentation perfect. But, no, that’s not it. The content only contributes to 7% of what people remember.

What’s the other 93%?

People remember 52% if the presenter makes eye contact. And 41% how the presenter moves.

Stop and think about what this means. It means that eye contact is not just a nice-to-have add on. It’s essential. And that the way you move is close to six times more important than your data.

I’m not of course suggesting that you skimp on having perfect, accurate and well-researched data.

But I do insist that if you want to give fearless presentations, you make it your business to learn about eye contact. And practice everything you learn.

Top tip on eye contact: Don’t ’spray’ the room. Focus on individuals. One at a time. Actually connect. Resist the temptation to keep roving until you’ve met with your eyes.

Try it in your next presentation.

Plus here’s a bonus hint: keep track of your eye contact in a presentation journal. After every presentation, write down how you did practicing your ability to focus on individuals. Just this tracking will help eye contact to be high on your priority list.

Tune in next week for more on body movement and finding your home zone in our next Fearless Presentation tip.

What is it that people remember most about presentations?

Is it the content and data? Well, you’d think so from how much effort people put into making this part of their presentation perfect. But, no, that’s not it. The content only contributes to 7% of what people remember.

What’s the other 93%?

People remember 52% if the presenter makes eye contact. And 41% how the presenter moves.

Stop and think about what this means. It means that eye contact is not just a nice-to-have add on. It’s essential. And that the way you move is close to six times more important than your data.

I’m not of course suggesting that you skimp on having perfect, accurate and well-researched data.

But I do insist that if you want to give fearless presentations, you make it your business to learn about eye contact. And practice everything you learn.

Top tip on eye contact: Don’t ’spray’ the room. Focus on individuals. One at a time. Actually connect. Resist the temptation to keep roving until you’ve met with your eyes.

Try it in your next presentation.

Plus here’s a bonus hint: keep track of your eye contact in a presentation journal. After every presentation, write down how you did practicing your ability to focus on individuals. Just this tracking will help eye contact to be high on your priority list.

Tune in next week for more on body movement and finding your home zone in our next Fearless Presentation tip.

Other post of interest for this topic.

Web meetings: The Cycle of Communication.
Dr Johnson, the famous compiler of English dictionary, has defined the common place instrument of instruction the ‘lecture’ humorously as follows: ‘a lecture is a process by which information passes from the note book of the teacher to that of the student with out passing through the brains of either”! He had also defined a committee as a ‘set of people who are unable to do any thing individually, and who have decided jointly that nothing could be done”! With the popularity of the world wide web increasing in geometric progression, lectures, meetings and other forms of inter personal communication have also transcended geographical borders.

Web Conferences: The “Immediacy factor” as a management tool.
As far as the modern world is concerned, web conferences have become a way of life.

How To Add Spice -- Even If You're Just Starting Out
Last weeks tip was all about using quotes from your customers and clients.

Why Is A Poster Your First Choice To Win Attention?
Once you know how to make a poster, you'll find that your life as a trainer, coach or presenter gets so much easier.

Virtual Board Meetings under the Law
Have you ever thought of or have been directed to prepare a virtual board meeting? You could be the head of an organization’s board or the board meeting director – either way more or less your job would be to make and set up meetings for the board where the members can meet face to face and discuss company matters.

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Didn’t You Want To Lose A Few Pounds?

Do you recall your resolutions to lose a few pounds? Now, I’m actually not talking about your new year’s resolutions. Or your commitment to fit into that hot bathing suit that you’ve got your eye on.
I’m talking about losing some extra flab from your presentation.
It’s not just the general population that has a weight problem. [...]

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Are You Sure You’ve Got The Right Business Graphic?

How can you be sure that you’re using the right business graphic to depict your presentation key points? Just because you’ve got ’something’ visual in your slides doesn’t mean it’s the right thing…or even the second best choice.

Other post of interest for this topic.Virtual Meetings: Training OnlineYes, now that it is a bit more difficult [...]

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Are You Anxious About Your Presentation?

Many executives, experts in their fields still find themselves shaking and nervous before a presentation. It’s not uncommon for people to confess that they sweat, get butterflies or even feel dizzy.
If you have symptoms of presentation anxiety, there is help. You can gain a new found sense of confidence and comfort by having a roadmap.
A [...]

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Are You Guilty Of This Presentation Error?

I just was speaking with a Director of Training at one of the world’s most successful companies. And she was furious. She said, “I’ve had it up to here with boring presentations!”
And the real thing that was bugging her was the most common error that bugs every single person in the audience.
Reading the slides.
Are you [...]

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