How To Present Online Magazine

FEBRUARY 2011

IN THIS ISSUE Motivator Sam Cawthorn shares his tips for authentic presenting CONTROL & RELAX YOUR AUDIENCE Success Stories Personality, Presenting and Persuasion in business HOW TO: Go home an hour earlier!

PLUS! Tips for children who present at school PLUS MUCH MORE...

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How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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DIARY DATES INFLUENTIAL PRESENTATION SKILLS (2-day Public Program) Join Michelle at her next public program IN SYDNEY: • February 22-23 • March 22-23 BRISBANE: February 8-9 MELBOURNE: April 3-4 To register or chat about your specific needs please email: michelle@michellebowden.com.au

Who is Michelle Bowden?

Michelle is an expert in influential presentation skills in business. She has run her 2-day Influential Presentation Skills program over 550 times with many thousands of people and she’s been nominated for Educator of the Year 3 years running. Michelle is one of only 25 Australian females who is a Certified Speaking Professional the highest designation for speakers in the world. For a list of Michelle’s clients please go to: www.howtopresent.com.au www.howtopresent.com.au

Michelle’s Update Happy New Year and welcome to the February issue of How to Present! A magazine designed to give you tips and techniques for presenting your ideas in business.

The devastation of the flooding around Australia is overwhelming and my prayers are with you and your families if you have been effected in any way. Sometimes in the wake of disaster it’s difficult to get motivated for anything much.

To help inspire you we have a bumper edition packed full of presentation and communication tips which I’m sure you will enjoy.

Controlling difficult audiences is certainly a skill worth learning if you run meetings or facilitate groups in your role. So I’ve included some tips on how to Control and Relax your Audience. Plus we know that we’re all different and that this can sometimes mean it’s tricky to get the best from our clients and colleagues. So this month I share some insights into Personality, Presenting and Persuasion and it’s role in business which you must read if you’re a leader or in sales or relationship management.

Plus we have some terrific articles to help you Go Home an Hour Earlier Each Day, how to use PowerPoint wisely, as well as tips on how to Help your Children Present with Confidence PLUS some inspiring success stories and a Special Feature from the inspirational and very foxy Sam Cawthorn - Young Australian of the Year in 2009 on how to present like a professional.

So grab yourself a ʼcuppaʼ, put your feet up and have a read! And most importantly, make sure you put the invaluable advice into immediate action so you see some fast results. Please, if youʼve enjoyed the magazine, do forward it to a friend or click the “like it” button on the magazine pages. Happy Presenting!

How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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SUCCESS STORIES! My style is engaging and I am passionate about my content. What I needed was structure to ensure that I don’t over-do content and so the client has clear take aways.

JULIE WEST BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE MARSH PTY. LTD

How did Michelle's program change your attitude to presenting in business?

The program provided the structure that my style lacked; it also showed me how to influence an audience to ensure that the client is motivated to take action.

What positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?

Julie has 19 years experience in the Life Insurance industry, as a Business Development Executive, Financial Adviser, and Business Owner. Julie is regarded as a trusted advisor across a wide range of risk benefit issues, including Consulting, Life insurance, Superannuation, Financial Planning, Employee benefits, and Superannuation Services. Julie has a Diploma in Financial Service (Financial Planning), Tier 1 Insurance Broking, and is Justice of the Peace Qualified.

What kind of presenting do you do at work?

Presentations are a daily part of my role and the audiences vary. Some days I present to a Board or corporate employees and other days I could be presenting to mining workers on site.

What prompted you to attend Michelle's Influential Presentation Skills program?

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The techniques and guidance provided by Michelle was confronting at first but when I applied the learned material in practice and saw the audience participation and outcomes improve it absolutely sold me.

In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since completing Michelle's training?

Having the structure has reduced the amount of time required preparing for a presentation.

Through Michelle’s course I’ve been able to move away from relying on Powerpoint. Now I structure the message to ensure that I stay on track and get a clear message across to the client which gets my desired results.

What were your top take aways from Michelle's program?

1. Have a clear message.

2. Be confident.

3. Be yourself.

4. Make an impact.

How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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CONTROL & RELAX YOUR AUDIENCE

BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Are you someone who presents at conferences or meetings; trains people to develop skills, behaviours and attitudes; coaches team members; or facilitates meetings regularly?

Have you ever found yourself sitting in the audience at a meeting or conference presentation wondering: ‘what credentials and experience does this speaker have?’, ‘what’s the agenda and scope of this meeting?’, ‘how long is this going for and will there be

You know, most inappropriate behaviour that

catering?’and ‘when can I ask questions or

occurs in our meetings, training and

raise my concerns and opinions?’ to name

presentations occurs due to a lack of

just a few questions we can have.

boundary setting. When, as the presenter, we don’t set the boundaries for our audience,

As a presenter, have you ever had people interrupt during your meetings with unrelated questions that take you down a path you

they don’t know the scope, timeframe, logistics or anything about our experience and credentials, and they also are not sure of what

don't want to go?

would be considered acceptable and

Or have you experienced people having side

unacceptable behaviour. As a result we can

conversations that disrupt the rest of the

find ourselves having to manage what I call

group and draw people's attention away from

‘dysfunctional’ behaviour.

you as the presenter? In fact one of the most common disruptive behaviours is mobile phones ringing and/or blackberry reading. For many of us these interruptions can be very annoying and can even make us feel nervous - especially when we don't know how to manage them or stop them happening in the

It is very important to set the ground rules and boundaries for our audiences. We can do this using a ‘tool’ called Framing. It is a technique we use to lay down the rules so that people know who you are, what your session is all about, what to expect, and how to behave.

first place.

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How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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CONTROL & RELAX YOUR AUDIENCE (CONT.) Framing reduces disruptions, maintains order

and motivating the audience. And, of course,

in your meetings and increases engagement

you can also frame where you need to

for your audience.

throughout your presentation.

What is Framing?

What happens if you don’t forget to frame?

Here is an example of a name frame, role

If you don’t frame, people will be left

frame, company frame, credentials frame,

wondering what’s going on. They will be

style frame and questions frame and phones

distracted by their internal dialogue asking

frame:

questions that are unanswered, and they may behave dysfunctionally.

‘My name is Michelle Bowden, I am the Director of Michelle Bowden Enterprises. In

When you do frame everyone knows where

the many years I have specialised in the area

they stand so they are relaxed and under

of presentation skills I have learnt that anyone

control! This means you are more likely to

can be an exceptional presenter, no matter

maximise the likelihood of achieving your

their personality or personal style. It’s just a

desired outcomes.

matter of knowing what you are supposed to do to be great and then practicing it! This is going to be an interactive session so please ask your questions throughout, and if you

So try some framing in the beginning of your presentations today - it definitely works!

Good luck!

could switch your mobile to silent that would be wonderful for your colleagues’.

When should you frame?

The majority of your frames should occur after you have built rapport with your audience in your opening statements. In my programs and in my book called Don’t Picture me Naked, I teach it as step 5 of the 13 Steps to Exceptional Presentation Design - my steps 1-4 include building rapport through language,

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How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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YOU

IS IT TIME IMPROVED YOUR PRESENTATION SKILLS? COME JOIN ME! Dramatically improve the way you present and influence.

nominated for Educator of the Year for the last 3 years.

Attend one of my Influential Presentation Skills programs.

Absorb yourself in a generative and experiential approach. Learn something then practice, then learn something then practice…

It’s a life changing experience!

Group sizes are limited to only 10 people per program.

Risk free - 100% moneyback guarantee.

Risk free approach to a subject most people find ‘daunting’!

Endorsed by thousands of people from over a hundred corporations around Australia.

Interactive and personalised.

Facilitated by Michelle Bowden who has over 18 years experience running her programs and who has been

Plenty of time for you to get personal one-on-one time with Michelle’s during the program.

Address your specific, personal needs.

Learning with lots of laughter.

Techniques are embedded so you remember them decades later.

SYDNEY DATES: February 22-23 (2 places left) March 22-23 April 28-29 May 24-25 June 21-22 July 19-20 August 23-24 BRISBANE DATES February 8-9 MELBOURNE DATES April 3-4 To chat about your specific needs or receive more information please email Michelle directly:

michelle@michellebowden.com.au

TESTIMONIAL Annick Boutin, General Manager, Aramis & Designer Fragrances AUS/NZ, Annick is a high energy beauty executive who thrives on team performance and encourages continual learning. She has worked for various brands in Australia and overseas including Kenzo, Gucci, Anna Sui & Covergirl. Her current portfolio includes: Aramis, Coach, DKNY, Lab Series, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors & Sean John. How exciting, glamorous and fantastic!

ANNICK SAYS:

ʻMichelle, your enthusiasm and depth of knowledge is fantastic!

I loved the tools and techniques that you showed us to guarantee success. Thank you for spending the day with us.ʼ www.howtopresent.com.au

How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE NATIONAL SPEAKERS ASSOCIATION?

The National Speakers

The NSAA provides professional

If you are looking for a speaker -

Association of Australia (NSAA) is

growth, fellowship and networking

please check out the Speaker

the peak body for professional

opportunities for people who

Directory where you can search

speakers in Australia and exists to

speak for a living and their

for a speaker by topic, location or

develop, promote and uphold the

membership includes the most

level of experience.

highest possible standards of

experienced and successful

professional speaking for the

speakers in the country, as well as

If you are a speaker - sign up here,

benefit of its members and the

those who are new to the

or for more information contact

public we serve. The members

speaking profession.

your State Chapter President or

include experts who speak in a variety of industries and disciplines including conference speakers, trainers, facilitators, educators, humourists, motivators and more.

Their designation system indicates levels of achievement - with the CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) being the highest designation.

the National Secretariat Office on 1800 090 024.

I invite you to experience the Spirit of NSAA. www.nationalspeakers.com.au

POWERPOINT TIPS Ever felt confused about where to look in a presentation? Do you look at the slides or the presenter? It’s called ‘Split Attention’.

The best way to make life easier for your audience and avoid ‘Split Attention’ in a workplace presentation is to follow this rule: Either they are looking at you as you stand in the middle of the room and engage them with your eye contact (screen is blank), or they are looking at your slide, as you stand to the side, out of the way (standing still and not looking at them).

A blank screen between slides helps your audience focus on you and your message

To blank the screen simply press 'B' key on the keypad, or the ‘blank’ button on the remote. www.howtopresent.com.au

How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER SAM CAWTHORN PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER

bigger group presentations.

2. Preparation is critical.

3. Read as much as you

can, watch movies and find a love of words.

4. Have fun, doing what you

Sam is a thought leader and CEO of Empowering Enterprises. He has been featured in USA Today and The NewYork Times. Sam is an expert in not only bouncing back but bouncing forward. He is obsessed with corporate and personal turnaround and is the 2009 Young Australian of the Year for Tasmania!

I really loved sitting with Sam in the recording studio – his passion emanates from every part of his person in a wonderful contagious way.

Samʼs top presentation tips for us today are: 1. No matter who we are we

present every day from our one to one through to

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love. If you can, outsource the parts of your work that are your weaknesses. Find the job you love in the industry you love and let your passion out so you JUMP out of bed!

deliver them so you make an impact and the audience is compelled to talk about you and your message over dinner that night.

10. Be yourself – strive to be

real, raw and authentic – not fake.

Sam shows in his answers the importance of passion, drive and enthusiasm. His website is: www.samcawthorn.com

5. Be grateful for your life

and try not to take things for granted.

6. You have a duty to be

positive and inspiring towards the people around you.

7. Seize the opportunities in

your life – including the opportunities to present.

Challenge yourself, try new and exciting things.

8. Stories can inspire –

rehearse your stories and use your voice and your body so you take your audience on the journey with you.

9. Know your three key

messages and be sure to How to Present Magazine

How to Present Presentation Skills Tips from the Masters features the presentation skills tips, and techniques from 14 of Australia’s top keynote speakers. You can listen to all the interviews plus much more from the inspiring Sam Cawthorn by purchasing your very own copy of this essential business resource.

Go to http:// howtopresent.com.au/ February 2011

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SAVE THE WORD Words are so important. They are the cornerstone of our language. The more words we have the richer our vocabulary. Words allow us to communicate precisely. Without the right word to describe something we’d be speechless! So welcome to this new column called ‘save the word’. It is based on a website by the Oxford English Dictionary.

Go to http://www.savethewords.org/ to register and receive your word for the day.

This month’s word is:

RESARCIATE

Meaning: To make amends.

Example 1: Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd decided it would be a good idea for the future of Australia if they deemed it time to resarciate.

Example 2: Two old friend who hadn’t spoken for years due to a silly argument finally thought it time to resarciate.

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VisualBee was founded in 2008 with the vision of providing the broadest range of PowerPoint™ users with tools that will automatically create brilliant presentations that carry a powerful impact.

Tens of millions of presentations are given every day and VisualBee is there to help deliver a better professional creative experience. Learn how VisualBee can help you right now by clicking on the following link: http://www.visualbee.com/

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How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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PERSONALITY, PRESENTING AND PERSUASION The better our relationships, the better our

BY MICHELLE BOWDEN

productivity. For most of us, fulfilling relationships Why is everyone around you so dysfunctional?

are still so important to our quality of life. As you know, when we are happy in our relationships we feel energised and productive at work.

Conversely, trouble in our relationships can make focusing on the tasks at hand, creating strong organisational results, and working harmoniously with others, a constant challenge for us.

So how do you improve your relationships at work?

The answer is simple. Your personal relationships are only going to improve when you understand yourself and others better. Wouldn’t it be great if it was really easy to ‘get under the skin’ of the people with whom we live and work? But as you know, interpersonal relationships are multidimensional and complex.

Many of us live busy, stressful and complicated lives. We seem to have so much to do and achieve, in so little time. Personal relationships that used to be rich and involve lots of interpersonal interaction, support and physical contact seem to have dwindled, leaving less fulfilling, often empty relationship spaces. Some of the results of this climate of distant relationships is the emergence in the corporate world of issues relating to bullying, engagement, leadership and performance.

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As a presentation and influencing skills expert I specialise in helping executives and their teams focus on how to use language to manage the plethora of workplace personalities we encounter each day in order to achieve personal and workplace results. I have met thousands of people from all walks of life who also seem to be fascinated by the impact of personality on achieving objectives. I have studied and developed a real passion for personality and its impact on our personal and work relationships

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PERSONALITY, PRESENTING AND PERSUASION (CONT.) and have been delivering conference key note presentations on this subject for over 12 years.

See how you respond to the following questions that I often ask delegates in my conference presentations?

1.

Are there employees in your workplace that you find desperately infuriating?

2.

Have you ever wondered why you get on really well with some people and not at all with others?

3.

Do you ever feel like most of the people

Programming (NLP) meta-programs. Meta-

around you are totally dysfunctional and

programs are the personality filters through which

you are the only NORMAL one?

4.

we see the world. These filters put labels on our

Would you like to get the best out of

differences and help us to understand why people

yourself and others and still enjoy positive

act the way they do.

relationships?

The answer to at least one of these questions is a resounding YES! Most people want to be able to better understand people and think on their feet when dealing with them. Maybe, like many others in the corporate world, you have completed some sort of personality/behavioural preference profiling tool, like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicators (MBTI) or DiSC. Profiling exercises such as these tend to highlight just how different people are. One way of explaining these differences is with the Neuro Linguistic www.howtopresent.com.au

Every experience, situation or conversation is taken through these filters, which give us remarkable insight into why we do what we do.

They explain why we continue to behave as we do when we know our patterns of behaviour limit us or make us unhappy. They explain why it is that some people are able to outclass others at certain tasks; why it is that you like the people you like and dislike the people you dislike; why people drive you crazy at times. There are over 50 different filters that explain how we process information, how we interact with others, what

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PERSONALITY, PRESENTING AND PERSUASION (CONT.) motivates us, how we recharge our energy, how

employee is an extrovert, allocate time for them

we operate in teams and much more. In my experience, the filters are a collection of the existing profiling tools in one model.

to talk about whatever they want and manage them by gently moving them back to the topic.

Internal/External frame of reference (this is the When we work out our own filters, it enables us to have self-respect and self-confidence. This enhanced self-acceptance empowers us to make necessary changes to the way we approach people and tasks. It gives us a greater ability to devise strategies for dealing with difficult or frustrating people and situations, and allows us to communicate with others more effectively. Through an understanding of these filters you can become more tolerant of others, get more of what you want in life and build deep rapport with more of the people with whom you come into contact.

‘Switched-on’ leaders have an opportunity to interpret the clues that people provide about their filters or preferences. Then they can match their communication style to the person so they are in strong rapport and better able to influence.

Here are some examples: Introvert/extrovert (this is the filter that determines from where you get your energy).

When dealing with an introvert ‘cut to the chase, reduce the small talk, give them time to process their thoughts and don’t talk over the top of their thinking! Alternatively, if your customer or www.howtopresent.com.au

filter related to your locus of control). If your customer or employee has an internal frame of reference it means they have an internal barometer that tells them what is right, and they have a strong need to reach their own conclusions. So, don’t sell too hard to this type of person. Instead, provide information to help them make up their own mind. Don’t push them, ask them what they think. On the other hand, if they have an external frame of reference this means they have no internal barometer that tells them what’s right so you need to help them come to a decision by building credibility with testimonials and product reviews.

Matcher/mismatcher (this filter determines how we process and compare new data). If your customer has a matching preference they tend to be easier to sell and convince or influence because they more naturally want to agree with your point of view. If your customer/employee has a mismatcher preference (which means they are looking for what is different to what they know to be true),then it is more important to be clever with your language patterns so they can’t disagree with your point of view.

How to Present Magazine

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PERSONALITY, PRESENTING AND PERSUASION (CONT.) Specific/Global (this filter explains how you

celebrate our strengths and the strengths of

prefer to think about information). If your customer, or employee has a specific preference they need a detailed presentation with facts,

others.

figures, details, charts and statistics in order to make a decision. If your customer has a global preference they need shorter, more conceptual presentations and pitches.

So, enjoy getting to know the people around you.

Celebrate your sameness and difference and achieve the most from your relationships.

You don’t have to change the world with your actions, just take personal responsibility for

Interesting isn’t it? This is just a summary of 4 out of 50 different filters. Imagine how good you'd be at building rapport if you knew and understood how to discern and manage all 50!!

I love helping people understand the impact of personality on the achievement of workplace objectives. If this article has stimulated your interest too, maybe you'd like more information on my one hour conference presentations, or my half day or full day workshops called Help Me! Why is everyone around me so dysfunctional?

For more info please email me directly: michelle@michellebowden.com.au

the decisions you make and they way you chose to treat the people around you every day. If we all did that it would be a better world.

The people around you aren’t dysfunctional, just different to you! Enjoy them!

**SPECIAL OFFER: Be one of the first five readers to email me michelle@michellebowden.com.au with “leadership” in the subject line and

The key to fulfilling and productive relationships is being able to build rapport and connect with others. You’ll be better placed to do this if you have a deep understanding of yourself and

receive a copy of Dale Beaumont’s Best Selling book: Secrets of Inspiring Leaders Exposed

others through an awareness of personality filters. Couple this improved understanding with a keenness to ‘flex’ your style to build the strongest rapport you can and you'll be delighted with the results. Personality filters help us to

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How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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GO HOME AN HOUR EARLIER

BY ANDREW MAY Get rid of the email alert and focus on one task at a time, especially when it requires thought and innovation.

Check your emails at specific times throughout the day to enhance productivity and output. For example, only check emails at the start of your day, just before lunch and at the end of the day.

One in five people fall into the category of ‘email dependent’ and compulsively check email and panic when they can’t get access.

2

Pick up the phone

Ever had one of those asynchronous email conversations that goes on like a Lleyton Hewitt 5th set tie breaker?

Andrew May is a Peak Performance Coach, Speaker, Author and an expert in $integrating your Physiology, Productivity, Recovery and Psychology. http://www.andrewmay.com/

What would you say if I could send you home an hour earlier today?

And then every day after that as well?

What would you do with your extra hour?

Here are 5 productivity tips that will save you at least one hour every day - guaranteed!

1

Turn off your pop up alert – Bing!

The noise alert ‘you have mail’ has to be the greatest killer of productivity and concentration. www.howtopresent.com.au www.howtopresent.com.au

Get out of the habit of long games of email tennis.

Follow the 2 email rule – if you’re still not sure what to do after 2 emails revert to a really old fashioned way of communicating and pick up the phone and actually have a conversation and work out what needs to be done.

Better still, if they work in the cubicle next to you, get out of your chair and go and see them.

3

Make your meetings shorter

Why are all meetings scheduled for blocks of 60 minutes. Is it because that fits best with our electronic diaries?

Turn your 60 minute meetings in 45 minutes and your 30 minute meetings into 25 minutes.

Not only will you will save time spent in meetings but you will also have time to do the follow up admin or actually get to the next meeting on time before it starts.

HowtotoPresent PresentMagazine Magazine How

February 2011 September 2010

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GO HOME AN HOUR EARLIER CONT.

4

Plan your day before you turn on email

Stop making endless To-Do lists that make you feel stressed about how much you haven’t done!

Instead, kick-start each day with a Will-Do list and complete what is most important.

Spending 10 to 15 minutes prioritising tasks at the start of each day (before you turn on your email) is a great way to get a clear picture of what really needs to be accomplished.We call this a Daily Warm Up.

Once or twice a week isolate yourself from all of the distractions and try chunking your tasks together.

Chunking involves focusing on completing one task at a time, or working on similar tasks together.

Make a booking in your diary for three to four hours and work in isolation and get rid of interruptions.

Then control your time as much as possible and focus on your action list.

You can achieve forced isolation by:

Get active, not reactive!

1.

Putting a ‘Do not disturb sign’ on your door or workstation

Ask the following key questions:

2.

Stick headphones in your ears (even if you’re not listening to anything)

1.

What are five things I can do today that will make the biggest difference to my job/ role/organisation/sales volumes etc?

3.

Work in a coffee shop or designated quiet area to avoid the constant daily distractions

2.

What do I do best? How can I stay on this and get support for/outsource the rest?

4.

Work from home

5.

Work in a dedicated quiet area/room

3.

4.

5

Is there anything that needs doing urgently that I’m better off getting someone else to do for me?

Am I setting up my day to maximise energy levels and boost productivity?

Each of the above tips can help you save at least an hour of wasted/distracted time every day.

Imagine how productive you will be if you implement all 5 tips throughout an average working week?

Work in isolation

Have you ever noticed how much more productive you are when you don’t have constant interruptions?

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Now, stop reading this article and go and get super productive and leave work an hour earlier – starting today!

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iPRESENT: HOW TO ENTHRALL AN AUDIENCE LIKE STEVE JOBS

BY GEOFF MCDONALD THE ʻIDEAS MANʼ BEHIND BOOK RAPPER - YOUR

Hi! Now that we’re all back at work and once again too busy to keep up with our reading I’ve collaborated with Michelle to include one of my fantastic book raps in this month’s magazine so you can take a look for yourself!

This monthʼs rap is very appropriate if youʼre interested in presenting! iPresent: How to Enthrall an Audience Like Steve Jobs Derived from: Carmine Galloʼs The Presentation Secrets of

Steve Jobs Apple CEO Steve Jobs is a charismatic, influential and zippy presenter.

Heʼs a natural model to learn the art of presenting your big idea from the stage.

With video links to YouTube, this issue is a skillful keynote training program.

Simply select this link to the issue and enjoy... http://www.bookrapper.com/ Issues/ Book_Rapper_iPresent.pdf

BUSINESS BOOK SOLUTION What is Book Rapper?

Are you missing out because you're not keeping up with your reading?

Book Rapper makes it easy to stay informed with the latest trends and big ideas.

Geoff McDonald rewrites important business books so you can read them in 30 minutes! Fantastic!

Increase your profits by implementing his key actions.

With over 20,000 downloads it's time you became a smart reader too. www.howtopresent.com.au

How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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PARENTS CORNER Parents Corner is a dedicated section designed to give adults tips for equipping their children with one of the most fundamental skills they can develop in life - the skill of public speaking.

Many children feel nervous before speaking at school or kindy and there are lots of things you can do to help them.

Remember that whatever you do to build your child’s self confidence will reduce their learned helplessness. Learned helplessness is where you child creates a pattern of being ‘needy’ and is reinforced when they are allowed to say negative comments to themselves. For example: “I’m no good at public speaking”, “There’s too much pressure”, “Public speaking is hard and I don’t like it”.

Alternatively, self esteem and hope are nurtured when we show our appreciation to our children and acknowledge their progress, not just their results.

If your child fears public speaking remind them that although they may not really like public speaking in class, they are really good at ‘public speaking’ at other times. For example they may be great at expressing themselves at home, or talking with their friends or neighbours.

If your child puts in the effort and still doesn’t do that well, the best approach is often to just talk about the part of the speech that they did do well.

If your child tells you that they made a mistake, remember to advise them that mistakes are opportunities for learning and encourage them to talk through what they believe they could do differently next time to reduce the chance that that mistake will occur again. If you can’t find a

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way to avoid the mistake again then seek professional help from a teacher or public speaking expert who knows how to work with children.

When it comes to helping your children practice, consider finding times when everyone can practice, not just the child in question. A family presenting session is a great idea. For example something I know a lot of parents like to do is go around the dinner table at night and get each family member to talk about their day. In our family we each talk about one thing we didn’t like about our day, one thing we loved about the day and one thing that we did that made us feel proud of ourselves. This is a great idea because it means everyone in the family is updated on what the other family members are doing and helps to connect the family a little more. It is also a great way to give your children practice at speaking about their day in a concise and interesting way.

Make it fun with little correcting of diction, content or eye contact.

Stay tuned for more helpful tips for parents who want to help their kids be confident communicators in our March issue!

How to Present Magazine

February 2011

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I’ve spent the last month compiling some amazing interviews with 14 of Australia’s top speakers. go to http:// howtopresent/products

This body mist is a fusion of pure essential oils blended to balance the root chakra according to Ayurveda, the ancient healing art of India.

Essences of olibanum, organic patchouli and vetiver leave you feeling balanced and calm. I wish I could bath in this everyday!

STYLISH BUSINESS ATTIRE

BOOK OF THE MONTH

Since its inception in 1997, Herringbone has established itself as an iconic Australian brand — celebrated for its classic style and commitment to quality. They offer a fully-fledged ready-to-wear collection complete with signature men’s and women’s shirts, tailored suiting, knitwear and a range of accessories including silk ties, cufflinks and bags.

OK, I know it’s MY book, but if you are serious about really improving your presentation skills then I highly recommend Don’t Picture me Naked. Go to http://howtopresent/products

SPEAKERS CONVENTION If you’re serious about networking with Australia’s top speakers, learning from the best and generally having fun at the industry conference for speakers and presenters then register TODAY for the NSAA Convention.

MICHELLE RECOMMENDS

Here are some of my favourite things for you

FRAGRANCE

BOOK PUBLICITY

DKNY Be Delicious introduces red apples from America in this edition and is refreshed by cucumber aroma and sparkling grapefruit. The heart awaits with magnolia, tuberose, lily of the valley, violet and rose, while the bottom notes include accords of sandalwood, leather, light wood and white amber.

If youʼve written a book and need a publicist to promote you to Australiaʼs mainstream media. Look no further - Debbie McInnes Director of DMC PR www.dmcpr.com.au

www.howtopresent.com.au

How to Present Magazine

February 2011

18

Photo Gallery

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www.howtopresent.com.au

How to Present Magazine

February 2011

19