So much of your presentation success is rooted in PREPARATION.
Keep the answers to these questions in mind while you speak.
Address them either directly or indirectly, but let them guide what you say and how you say it.

Ask yourself:

1. What’s my point?
This one seems simple enough. Identify and define your main thought or idea. Where do you want to take your audience?

2. What do I want my audience to do after they’ve listened to me?
How do you want them to think or act differently?
Place an early order… Get excited about something… Utilize a new process… Be aware of something… Ask for a product by name…Think in a new way…
(action words are best)

3. Why does any of it matter… to them?
Answering this one is crucial to connecting with your audience.
Look at your main point from their perspective.
How will it affect their lives, their work, their profitability, the world they live in, the products they produce, the services they offer?

Alright, now you’re ready to begin!

Here’s a sampling…






TV

Radio

These words have found their way to the beginning of sentences.
Chances are pretty good you’ve leaned on them yourself when you speak. There’s no doubt you’ve heard them used in business meetings, interviews, presentations, the media, and everyday conversations.

My fellow media colleagues are guilty of using the word “now” way too many times in professional broadcasts. (drives me crazy when I hear it) There is no reason to begin a sentence with the word, “now.” It’s a throw away word and adds nothing.

You can read articles that dissect this cultural phenomenon offering an explanation for, or assigning a description to these verbal tics. The problem arises when these words are used for no particular reason other than as filler, or as a crutch to relieve awkwardness before speaking – like a nervous clearing of the throat.

You should also be aware that they can trigger negative reactions from your audience. Many people find the use of these words “distracting,” “annoying,” “irritating,” “drives-me-up-the-wall.” The message is lost in the language critique and the speaker loses credibility.

All that being said, there’s a time and place for everything… even the word, “so.”
Many of these words are perfectly natural to say at the beginning of a sentence. They can be useful introducing and connecting thoughts, anchoring a statement, or inviting our listeners to lean forward.

Go ahead and casually roll into a sentence now and then.
You’ll pull off a relaxed, conversational tone.
BUT…. severely limit the number of times you use this ‘technique!’

It runs rampant at business networking events: the use of upward inflections when folks introduce themselves and their businesses.

“Hi, I’m insert name here? … and I own Acme Company?  We offer this and that?…. and would love to handle your next project?”

Really?  Are you sure? Because I’m not.

When you end a sentence or phrase with an upward inflection you sound as though you need someone’s approval to continue. It also tends to leave a question in the mind of the listener. No surprise there. It’s how we ask most questions – ending with an upward inflection.  But when you’re sharing information or delivering a message, it is important to project a belief that what you have to say is valuable.

Using downward inflections at the end of phrases conveys confidence and control. You sound as though you believe your advice and your ideas will benefit those that hear them.  There are even some instances when ending a question with a downward inflection sounds better, such as when the question demands a yes or no answer. Test it out. See what works best for the situation.

Not sure if you’re guilty of Speaking Up?                                                                          
Try recording yourself the next time you speak at a meeting, on a conference call, or at a networking event. Place your phone or iPad in record mode and discreetly set it aside to capture the audio.  (It doesn’t matter what the camera sees, it’s your voice you want to hear.)

Work on this essential part of your image. Be more aware of what your voice is saying about you and your message and improve your effectiveness whenever you speak.

Spirit Lexicon

Entry No. 883

nonversation

ˈnɑn-vər-sā-shən|noun [From Middle English non,not; and Latin conversation,  to associate with] 1. A verbal exchange between two or more people that is pointless, one-sided, or without logic. 2. The opposite of productive discourse. USAGE: While many nonversations transpire at locales like elevators and bus stops and are of the awkward, looks-like-it’s going-to-rain variety, they also occur during business meetings, in which participants do not listen to one another and thus no conclusions are drawn.

And as a presentation skills coach, this word has lots of possibilities!

The Darwin Martin House Complex is one of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces and is back to its original splendor thanks to the leadership and dedication of the staff and volunteers of the Martin House Restoration Corporation.
They recently received a Preservation Honor Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

The app consists of 8 short ‘tour stops’ that folks can take of the exterior of the Martin House should they happen on the site during off hours.  Key architectural elements are discussed and some interesting historical tidbits are shared.