I think that statement is a contradiction in terms!
Trying to present an idea or to persuade an audience to do something needs you, the presenter or speaker to engage with your audience. Relying on technology like Powerpoint to help you out (unless you are a lecturer with a didactic style) will not work. I agree with the sentiments outlined at Neville Hobson’s blog.
As a presenter, you are the presentation!
When speaking, presenting or performing, you must ensure your message gets across loud and clear.
This ad may have been OK a few years ago!
But clearly unacceptable in 2007
One of the UK’s favourites is Michaela Strachan
another is Natasha Kaplinski
Who’s yours?
Images from bbc.co.uk
Think Smart, Sell More took place on July 5th. As Chairman, I had the privilege to introduce two of the best business speakers you’ll ever likely to come across.
Jonathan spoke on advertising and branding and explained how marketeers and advertisers get their message across. He pointed out that the sales acronym, AIDA (Attention Interest Desire Action) is now old hat. AIDS is more appropriate! (Attention Interest Desire Substantiate). Or putting it another way, “desire” for a product or service isn’t enough. Sellers have to substantiate the benefit(s) of their product or service.
Geoff Burch had us in stitches during the afternoon session. His anecdotes and stories about selling, customer service and how the “Americans do business” would have touched many nerves in the audience. His main theme - finding and keeping customers. Then build value and trust with those customers.
Another area of “live presenting” is at trade shows. This guy in the States sounds good. Do you think so too?
Now, this is not to be recommended. On most occasions, presenters, MC’s, and tv personalities always thoroughly prepare and rehearse for a gig. However, there are times when you just have to be prepared for any eventuality. Last night was just such an occasion.
I had spent the afternoon thrashing my way over 18 holes at a well-known North London golf course. After a relaxing drink and socialising, dinner was served. After the customary awards ceremony, I was asked, by the event organiser, to be the auctioneer. A number of paintings, signed footballs and other items were in the auction with the proceeds going to the North London Hospice.
I enjoyed the 20 minutes or so it took to go through the various pieces. In these circumstances, you’ve just got to go with the flow. Engaging with those who bought an item and with those who didn’t can be daunting but over £700 was raised for the Hospice.
Amongst the guests were Kaja Wunder and Henry Northcroft of the Button Club. The Button Club is a global community that provides its members with networking opportunities and access to exclusive events and entertainment. They organize some brilliant events. Take at look at their website. Either click here or link through from my Blogroll.
As a young salesman many years ago, I strode into an office in the West End of London and requested to see the office manager. You see, I was attempting to get an appointment “off the street”. This wasn’t such a rare occurence and to my delight, I was asked in and told by the gruff little man behind his huge desk, “you have one minute to tell me why I should buy a copier from you”.
How many occasions has this sort of thing happened to you? Were you confident and well trained enough to reel off those benefits, not forgetting your USP? (the salespeople amongst you will know what I mean) Of course you were, weren’t you?
The jump from salesman to presenter isn’t so great as you may think. There are many transferable skills. The ability to learn scripts, absorb product information, and the determination and stamina to see things through are all vital in the field of corporate and tv presenting. Another pre-requisite of presenter success is the ability to learn 4 or 5 “pieces” you can deliver at auditions. These would be in addition to your 60 seconder. This is where you are asked (sometimes at very short notice) to “tell us about yourself “. This sort of thing is all the rage at those early morning business networking meetings.
Woe betide those who can’t “deliver” what they’re about in 60 seconds. The same applies to that ten second “elevator speech”. You never know who might join you on your journey to the 22nd floor!
So, in order to knock ‘em dead at any audtion. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Break a leg!
BTW, here’s a gallant effort
