Fast Company talks with Ruth Sherman, a leading communications consultant and author of “Get Them To See It Your Way, Right Away: How To Persuade Anyone of Anything,” about business communications strategies.
A quick rundown (not all 10):
1. Prepare! 10:1 hourly ratio of prep time to presentation time is a good guideline.
2. Know Your Audience–what do they already know and what do they need to know?
3. Build Rapport–don’t just stand behind a podium if you can help it. Do what those before you have done however, especially if there are a bunch of obstacles near the presenting area.
4. Connect Emotionally with Audience–share a personal story or antidote the audience can relate to.
5. Keep the Focus on You–“you are the message.” Don’t get caught up with using a bunch of slides.
6. Be aware–eye contact, facial expression, hand gestures, vocal characteristics (rate of speech, tone, inflection), clothing, etc. all matter.
7. Don’t try to be humorous unless you’re natural at it.
8. Keep learning!
What are the two I missed? Maybe I combined a couple without realizing it. Help me out here!