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Articles from Gilda Bonanno | Selfgrowth.com
- Applying Lean Principles to Presentation Skills: Respect People - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2014 from Gilda BonannoLean manufacturing is a management philosophy which has its roots in the Toyota Production System and focuses on creating customer value while eliminating waste. These principles have been applied to many industries and services. And as a presentation skills coach with work experience as a ...
Views: 2046(2 votes) - 3 Ways NOT to End Your Presentation - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoThe last few minutes of your presentation are important - when you have the final opportunity to make your point and leave a lasting impression on the audience. Here are 3 ways NOT to end your presentation: 1. “Any questions…?” First of all, don’t ask for questions if you don’t really ...
Views: 1562(1 vote) - 3 Ways Not to Start Your Presentation - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda BonannoThe first few minutes of your presentation are some of the most important – when you have the opportunity to make a good first impression and capture the audience’s attention. In those crucial few minutes, the audience will decide whether what you have to say is worth listening to. Here are ...
Views: 1444(1 vote) - 4 Ingredients to Include in a Workshop Introduction - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda BonannoI worked with an entrepreneur recently who is offering a new workshop with a colleague. Her part of the workshop includes kicking it off, with about 10 minutes allocated for her workshop introduction. Here are 4 ingredients that should be included in a workshop introduction (which you can ...
Views: 1554(1 vote) - 5 Tips for Dressing for Success While Presenting - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda Bonanno"What should I wear when I present?" One of my coaching clients asked me this question recently. While it might sound more like a question for a style consultant, it's also an appropriate question for a presentation skills coach like me. In addition to your presentation content and delivery, ...
Views: 2081(1 vote) - 9 Tips for Communicating With Confidence - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda BonannoConfident communicators are not afraid to take up their space at the table and let their voices be heard. They know their subject well and project a strong belief in what they're saying without being conceited or arrogant. And as a result, the audience is more likely to listen to them and ...
Views: 1439(1 vote) - Answering Questions Without Losing Control of Your Time - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoHave you ever seen a speaker run out of time because he or she spent too much time answering very basic or very advanced questions that were irrelevant to most of the audience? For example, a few years ago, I attended a presentation on using LinkedIn. The program description promised an ...
Views: 1354(1 vote) - Choose Million-Dollar Words - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2008 from Gilda BonannoWhen you're preparing and practicing a presentation, your word choice matters. If your words are weak or unclear, they can interfere with your ability to communicate your message effectively to your audience. To be an effective presenter, you should choose what I call "million-dollar words" - ...
Views: 1283(1 vote) - Presentation Skills: Do You Really Need PowerPoint Slides? - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2014 from Gilda BonannoWhen you are preparing a presentation, an important question to consider is: Do I really need to use slides? The answer, of course, is it depends. It depends on your purpose, your message, the time limit, the audience and the technology available. Consider the question carefully before you ...
Views: 1505(1 vote) - Presentation Skills: How to Project Your Voice & Project Authority - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2014 from Gilda BonannoSomeone in a recent presentation skills training program asked, “How do I project my voice and also, project authority?” It's a great question because your voice is an important part of your presentation and should communicate that you’re confident, knowledgeable and engaging. Here are 7 ...
Views: 1975(1 vote) - Public Speaking - 5 Frequently Asked Questions about How to Use Eye Contact - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2010 from Gilda Bonanno1) Why should I use eye contact? It helps you connect to the audience, no matter how big or small. Whether you're speaking to an audience of four or four thousand, it can help to create a one-on-one communication experience for each audience member. It also demonstrates your confidence and ...
Views: 1358(1 vote) - Public Speaking - Body Language Mistakes: Gestures, Movement, Posture & Facial Expressions - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2010 from Gilda BonannoNon-verbal communication, or body language, is an important part of public speaking. Your body language includes your posture, movement, gestures, facial expressions, eye contact and voice. At the very least, your body language should not distract the audience and with a little practice, it ...
Views: 5729(1 vote) - Public Speaking Lessons From Speaking Italian Over the Phone - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda BonannoI recently returned from Italy where I facilitated training in Rome for a global client – more than 50 employees came from Italy, France, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Portugal. I also spent a few days touring and sightseeing. When I left the U.S., my Italian language skills were ...
Views: 2655(1 vote) - Public Speaking – 3 Tips for Effective Storytelling - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Gilda BonannoStorytelling can be a very effective tool in presentations. Evocative, relevant stories can engage your audience and help you clearly communicate your message. Here are three tips for effective storytelling: 1. Make it relevant In order to manage the vast amount of information they ...
Views: 1550(1 vote) - Public Speaking – 5 Tips for Using Your Voice Effectively - by Submitted on Dec 30, 2011 from Gilda BonannoIn public speaking, using your voice effectively can help you communicate your message clearly to your audience. Voice is an important component of your non-verbal communications, or body language, and can express a wide range of meaning and emotion. The following five tips will help you use ...
Views: 4239(1 vote) - Public Speaking – Using the Microphone Effectively - by Submitted on Dec 30, 2011 from Gilda BonannoMany people who speak in front of groups could be more effective communicators if they used a microphone. If the audience has to struggle to hear you, it will be difficult for you to communicate your message effectively. Many things can make it difficult for the audience to hear you, such ...
Views: 2583(1 vote) - Public Speaking: Six Mistakes to Avoid When Answering Questions - by Submitted on Dec 23, 2010 from Gilda BonannoHow do you handle the questions that come up during or after your presentation? Handled effectively, questions can be an important part of your presentation, allowing you to clarify a point, expand on your ideas or provide another example. They also can demonstrate that the audience members ...
Views: 1671(1 vote) - Self-Confidence is a Major Element of Success in Public Speaking Success - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda BonannoSelf-confidence is a crucial element in public speaking success. You are not speaking just to hear yourself talk – you are speaking because you have something to say. Before you can command the attention of your audience, you have to believe that you have a message that is worth listening to ...
Views: 1350(1 vote) - When Presenting, Give Signs Like Nature - by Submitted on Nov 10, 2008 from Gilda BonannoHere in the New England region of the United States, autumn has arrived and winter is not too far behind. How do I know? The leaves have turned from green to gold and red, there is frost on the grass in the morning and the days are getting shorter. Nature gives clues that signal the end of one ...
Views: 862(1 vote) - When Presenting, Stay Within Your Time Limit - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2014 from Gilda BonannoWhen you’re giving a presentation, it’s crucial that you don’t go over the time limit. Whether you’ve set it yourself or have agreed to a time limit set by the meeting organizer, you need to prepare so that you can cover your topic within that time limit. No one will usually complain if ...
Views: 2012(1 vote) - 5 More Ways To Be A Better Listener - by Submitted on Aug 19, 2008 from Gilda BonannoListening is a crucial skill for success in business and in life. If we listen to others, we show them respect, we learn to understand their points of view and we help to build our relationships. Here are 5 more ways to improve your listening skills: 1. Show empathy. Empathy means that ...
Views: 1227(3 votes) - Body Language - Gestures And Movement - by Submitted on Aug 19, 2008 from Gilda BonannoWhen communicating, your body language (facial expressions, gestures, movement, eye contact and voice) should match your message. If there is a disconnect between what you say and your non-verbal communications, your audience will believe your non-verbals. Movement and gestures are key ...
Views: 9642(3 votes) - Networking at Holiday Parties - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2009 from Gilda Bonanno'Tis the season for holiday parties! Whether you're looking for a job or just looking to make contacts in your field, holiday parties are a great way to build your professional network. And networking is really just another form of communication - so here are five guidelines for how to ...
Views: 915(3 votes) - 5 Ways To Be A Better Listener - by Submitted on Aug 19, 2008 from Gilda BonannoListening is a crucial skill for professional and personal success. Yet it seems like such a basic skill - we all know how to listen, right? But although this skill is basic in theory, it's difficult to execute. Yes, everyone can listen, but how many people can listen well? Communication is ...
Views: 2398(4 votes) - Communicating a Change in Your Project's Go-Live Date - by Submitted on May 11, 2009 from Gilda BonannoYour project go-live date has changed – now what? Regardless of the reasons for the change (and let's face it, "the date has changed" usually is interpreted as "the date has slipped"), there are six steps you should take when communicating a change in your project's go-live date: 1. Consider ...
Views: 3860(2 votes) - Public Speaking - Four Types of Words to Avoid When Speaking - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2010 from Gilda BonannoWhen you've giving a presentation, your words can affect your ability to communicate your message to your audience. If you want to be a more effective presenter, avoid these four types of words: FILLER WORDS Filler words are words such as "um," "ah," "like," "so," and "ok," which are used ...
Views: 5603(2 votes) - Public Speaking - What's Your Point? - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2010 from Gilda BonannoHow many times have you sat through a presentation, only to walk out wondering "what was the point of that?!" Whether it was a one-minute presentation or one hour, if the audience doesn't know what the point was, then the presentation was not successful. Here are some things you can do to ensure ...
Views: 819(2 votes) - Think On Your Feet - And Watch Out For The Wasp! - by Submitted on Jul 11, 2008 from Gilda BonannoRecently, I was scheduled to speak about "Thinking on Your Feet" to a group of 50 administrative professionals, in honor of Administrative Professionals Day. I was well-prepared; I had interviewed several people from the audience over the phone and I had my notes, timer and driving directions ...
Views: 1115(2 votes) - Voice Power - Part II - by Submitted on Jul 08, 2008 from Gilda BonannoThis is the second article of a two-part series on using the power of your voice to convey meaning and emotion to your audience. Along with eye contact, gestures, movement and facial expression, your voice is a key component of non-verbal communications. Your voice has an incredible range and ...
Views: 1273(2 votes) - You Can Get Better at Public Speaking - by Submitted on Sep 15, 2009 from Gilda BonannoAs a presentation skills coach and trainer, I have had the opportunity to observe presentations by many people from all backgrounds and walks of life. It is my firm belief - and experience has not contradicted me - that while some people are more naturally comfortable with public speaking, ...
Views: 1092(2 votes) - "The Eyes Have It": Using Eye Contact - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoWhether you're speaking to an audience of one or many, it's important to make eye contact in order to connect. Eye contact demonstrates your willingness to connect to the audience on a personal level. It also shows that you are confident and proves that the information resides in your head, ...
Views: 2191(5 votes) - Questions to Ask When You're Presenting - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2009 from Gilda BonannoLately, I've been hearing from a lot of people who have been asked to present at a meeting for a different department or group. Essentially, they're told (by phone or email), "be there at 1 pm to talk for a few minutes about your project." That's not enough information. If you're asked ...
Views: 1069(5 votes) - How to Listen & Not Interrupt - by Submitted on Jul 10, 2009 from Gilda BonannoA reader emailed me with a question: "You give points on being a good listener. I try, but I find myself at times interrupting because I'm so afraid I'm going to forget what I have to say. I've been told to keep a pen and paper handy to jot down what I want to say once the speaker has finished. ...
Views: 11243(14 votes) - Cut Out Your Filler Words - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoFiller words include "um," "ah," and words such as "like," "so," and "ok," which are used as a verbal bridge to the next word. These words just fill in space while you remember or think of something to say next. Rather than being effective bridges, they are roadblocks, distracting the ...
Views: 3207(3 votes) - Declutter Your Presentation - by Submitted on Jan 14, 2009 from Gilda BonannoA cluttered home or office can overwhelm you and make it difficult for you to find anything. Likewise, a cluttered presentation can overwhelm your audience and make it difficult for them to find your message. Here's how to cut out the clutter in your presentation so your message is easy to ...
Views: 879(3 votes) - How to Get Introduced When Speaking: 6 Tips for an Informative and Effective Introduction - by Submitted on Sep 04, 2009 from Gilda BonannoWhen you have to speak to a crowd, how should you handle getting introduced? 1. Write your own introduction. Think about which of your many credentials or past experience examples will be most relevant to this particular audience. For example, I'm speaking at a Project Management Conference ...
Views: 1425(3 votes) - How to Speak Up in a Crowd - by Submitted on May 11, 2009 from Gilda BonannoA class participant recently emailed me with a question: "What if you find yourself in a discussion with quite a few people at a social gathering and you have an important point to make, but feel intimated by those around you? I find I get all tongue twisted and the words do not come out the way ...
Views: 2276(3 votes) - Non-Verbal Communications Matter - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoWhen you meet someone or present to an audience, do your words match your non-verbal communications? If there is a disconnect between verbal and non-verbal communications, your audience will believe your non-verbals. Studies show that more than 90% of our communication is non-verbal. ...
Views: 2590(3 votes) - Public Speaking - Face Your Fears - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoIf you're like most people on the planet, you have fears. And like many people, you may be afraid of speaking in public. Whether it's a mind-numbing, knee-knocking, stomach-churning fear, or a milder, less invasive, I'd-rather-not-be-doing-this fear, it can get in the way of your professional ...
Views: 1351(3 votes) - Public Speaking - Know Your Audience - by Submitted on Jan 22, 2010 from Gilda BonannoThe number one rule of successful presentation preparation is to know your audience. Here are some tips to consider when you're thinking about how to connect to your audience, whether it's an audience of 1 or 100: • Know what's playing on station WIIFM. That's the station the people in ...
Views: 1265(3 votes) - Public Speaking - Overcome Your Fear - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoI recently heard from a small business owner who wrote, "I am one of those people who hate standing in front of an audience… I am finding that my fearfulness is preventing me from marketing my business the way I want to; for example, I avoid going to business association meetings where I have to ...
Views: 1501(3 votes) - 10 Factors That Make Your Presentation or Speech Effective - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoWhile presenting at the National Speakers Association (NSA) Convention in Orlando, I was able to hear dozens of presentations and speeches. The experience led me to think about what makes a presentation or speech effective, which I define as the ability to communicate your message clearly in a ...
Views: 15170(2 votes) - 6 Tips for Introducing Yourself at the Start of Your Presentation - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoIn a presentation skills program a few weeks ago, someone asked me, "Gilda, how do I introduce myself at the start of my presentation to warm up the audience and establish credibility?" Contrary to what you might think, the answers do not include a lengthy recital of all your achievements or a ...
Views: 1573(2 votes) - Empowering Successful Women to Develop Self-Confidence - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoTwo of my current presentation skills coaching clients struggle with self-confidence. They are both talented, smart, successful professional women. One has a Ph.D. in Engineering and over 20 years of experience in the electronics industry and the other is a CEO of a highly successful company. ...
Views: 1285(2 votes) - How to End Your Presentation so the Audience Knows You're Done - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoWhen you give a presentation, how does the audience know you're done? If you're half-heartedly saying, "any questions?" as a means to signal that you're done speaking, then you're missing the opportunity to finish strong. Here are techniques for ending your presentation strongly so the ...
Views: 1638(2 votes) - Public Speaking - Avoid These 5 Common Voice Mistakes - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Gilda BonannoYour voice has the ability to convey an incredible range of meaning and emotion when you present. It's an important part of your non-verbal communications, or body language, and can help you can communicate your message clearly and effectively to your audience. Avoid these five common ...
Views: 2942(2 votes) - Public Speaking - Don't Speak Too Little - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Gilda BonannoOne of the most common mistakes that speakers make is to go over their time limit. However, sometimes a speaker makes the opposite mistake, by not speaking long enough. A colleague recently sent me the following email describing her experience with a speaker who spoke too little. "Hi, ...
Views: 1455(2 votes) - Public Speaking - Practice, Practice, Practice - by Submitted on Oct 03, 2008 from Gilda BonannoWhen I was in high school, I played clarinet in the school band. Every afternoon, I climbed up the hill from the bus stop carrying my clarinet case and every morning, I trudged back down the hill carrying my clarinet case, still unopened and untouched. My performance on the clarinet failed ...
Views: 954(2 votes) - Public Speaking - Six Tips for Handling Questions with Ease - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoOften once you're finished delivering a presentation, the audience will ask questions. This question-and-answer time is still part of your presentation and you can prepare for it in the same way that you prepared for the rest of the presentation. Handled appropriately, questions give you a ...
Views: 1391(2 votes) - Public Speaking - Using Improv Comedy's "Half-Life" Technique to Speak Within Your Time Limit - by Submitted on Sep 04, 2009 from Gilda BonannoHave you ever seen a speaker go over the allotted time limit? Or rush through the material when they realized they were running out of time? What was your reaction to that speaker? Were you impressed? I've seen speakers go over the time limit by five, ten or fifteen minutes and then look ...
Views: 1952(2 votes)