“Fake It ‘Til You Make It-” Annoying Cliche or Truth?">“Fake It ‘Til You Make It-” Annoying Cliche or Truth?
I occasionally surprise myself by uttering the cliché above while encouraging a shy person to improve their presentation skills and confidence. I used to secretly kick myself for using such a hackneyed phrase—until I read Richard Wiseman’s great new book, “As If.” In it, he cites dozens of studies showing that if we act a certain way, we begin to think and feel that way. Here’s one scientific study that’s particularly relevant … Read the full article »
Using The “Six Limbs” of Facilitation to Make Meetings Work
OK, so you’d be arrested if you ever facilitated a meeting stark naked, like this guy. But I bet you’d agree that as a facilitator, you’d often find his six arms quite handy. Understanding the “six limbs” of facilitation will help you juggle meeting dynamics better the next time you lead one. The Facilitator’s Role Many would say that the facilitator’s role is to keep control, while encouraging robust participation. But what … Read the full article »
Difficult People Versus Difficult Dynamics
I have a message for trainers, facilitators and presenters. I know that you sometimes stay awake at night worrying about how to respond if an audience member challenges you, if participants lock horns, or when a meeting or training session gets just plain thorny. To address your insomnia, you may have searched for guidance by Googling “dealing with difficult people.” By doing so, you discover a veritable stew of tips, techniques, … Read the full article »
Presenting From the Seat of Your Pants
The Problem With Sitting Do you often sit while presenting? You can lose a great deal of speaking power that way, for the following reasons: 1. Half your body, with its eloquent capacity for language, is hidden. 2. Often, your hands are trapped under the table. 3. Your internal organs are more tightly constrained, especially if you slump, which is easy to do while sitting. I spend a lot of time … Read the full article »
Your Biggest Gift as a Speaker
Does this sound like you? “I’m a fine communicator one-on-one, but put me in front of a group and I just die!” Why is it easier for many of us to present in front of a few people than to a larger audience? Why do many of us believe that some people just “have what it takes” to present effectively, and the rest of us don’t? The truth is that everyone has … Read the full article »
The Joy of Training
“Years wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” Douglas MacArthur People often remark on my enthusiasm and energy when I train. I used to ponder these comments to try to learn from them. (What were people really saying?) I finally realized that they were telling me something very simple: My excitement about the subject and its possibilities ignited their own personal energy. When people are energized, they … Read the full article »
When You Are the Bored Trainer
We’ve all had bored trainers. They bore us through their lack of passion, of energy, of spark. But what happens when YOU have delivered the same training over and over and over again? Is it possible to remain passionate about the same subject you have been teaching for years? How do you keep it fresh? OK, here’s my story. I have delivered versions of a popular workshop for fifteen years. Yes, I alter … Read the full article »
What Is a Hook?
I have discovered that my clients all love a good hook, and are always looking for new ones. Let’s review what a Hook is and isn’t. Then I’ll provide two dynamic Hooks for you to use in your next presentation or training session. What a Hook ISN’T: Fluff. Never make the mistake of thinking that a hook is unimportant and can be left out. It is an essential part of the learning … Read the full article »
5 Ways to Energize Your Presentations
What’s the difference between presenting and training? Think about it. Presentations are usually delivered one way, from speaker to audience. Their primary role is to deliver information. Training sessions, on the other hand, not only build skills, but are interactive. Participants do things in training. They talk to each other and to the trainer. They engage their minds and bodies. They are no longer passive recipients of information. To spruce up … Read the full article »
Are You a Super-Trainer?
Assess Yourself and See! What attributes do all super trainers share, no matter how different their styles? Rate yourself from 1 (I’m not so great at this) to 3 (I do this every time!) on the guidelines below. Then read the strategies, which will transform YOU into a Super Trainer. Three Essential Attributes of Super Trainers 1. Content Knowledge Of course, this comes first. If you don’t know your subject, you shouldn’t … Read the full article »