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Articles from Gilda Bonanno | Selfgrowth.com
- 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) - 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) - 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) - 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 - 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 – 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) - 5 Tips for Creating a Crisp and Memorable Introduction - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2012 from Gilda BonannoIf you are the speaker at a meeting, conference or event, it's one of your responsibilities to provide a written introduction to the meeting organizer. The purpose of the introduction is to capture the audience’s attention and give them a quick overview of your background and experience. ...
Views: 4108(2 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) - Cut Out These Cliches, Overused Expressions & Tired Words - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoIs your communication full of clichés and tired old expressions? In public speaking, frequently using phrases like "you know" and "see what I mean" can be just as distracting to your listeners as frequently using filler words like "um" and "ah." These tired and overused words and phrases ...
Views: 3857(3 votes) - What Should I Do With My Hands When Presenting? - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Gilda BonannoWhat should I do with my hands when I'm presenting?" is a common question that I hear when I'm teaching public speaking. Your hands form an important part of your non-verbal communication, or body language, and can help you convey confidence and communicate more effectively to your audience. ...
Views: 3605(1 vote) - 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) - Voice Power in Public Speaking - Speak Loudly and Slowly Enough - by Submitted on Sep 09, 2009 from Gilda BonannoA key component of non-verbal communications is your voice. Along with eye contact, gestures, movement and facial expression, your voice can communicate meaning and help your audience focus on your message. Your voice has an incredible range and ability to convey meaning and emotion, yet ...
Views: 3073(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 - Dress Rehearsal for Your Presentation - by Submitted on May 18, 2010 from Gilda BonannoA few days before a play or musical opens, the entire cast and crew conduct a dress rehearsal. They do a complete run-through of the script on stage, dressed in their costumes, with the full scenery and lighting in place and the pit orchestra playing. The purpose of the dress rehearsal is to ...
Views: 2706(3 votes) - 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) - 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 – 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) - 10 Tips for How to Use Notecards Effectively When Presenting - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda BonannoIt's okay to use notes when presenting, especially if you're speaking on a new topic or to a new audience. The key to using notes effectively is what is included in your notes and how you use them. The following ten tips will help you use notes effectively to remember the key points of your ...
Views: 2451(2 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) - 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) - Management by Walking Around (MBWA), or Please Don't "Prowl, Growl and Scowl" - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoManagement by walking around (MBWA) is a common management practice that can be very helpful in managing and engaging employees, setting a good example, and staying in touch with what's really happening with employees. It means that the manager leaves his or her office to go out "onto the ...
Views: 2235(3 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) - 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) - 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) - 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) - 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 - 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) - 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Using Gestures - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda BonannoNon-verbal communication, or body language, is an important part of presentation skills and how you gesture is an essential component of that body language. At the very least, your gestures should match your words and not distract the audience. And with a little practice, they can help you ...
Views: 1844(2 votes) - 8 Tips for Handling Radio Interviews Like a Pro - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2014 from Gilda BonannoA presentation skills coaching client recently landed a radio interview. She was excited because it would help her build her business, but also nervous because she had never been interviewed on the radio. After we got done celebrating, here are the 8 tips that I shared that will help her ...
Views: 1753(2 votes) - Five Tips for Keeping Your Voice Healthy - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2014 from Gilda BonannoYour voice is a key part of your presentation delivery. And having a tired, hoarse voice can negatively impact your presentation. I’ve conducted many training programs where I’ve had to present for five or six hours a day for five days in a row. And I’ve also sung in choirs and as a ...
Views: 1734 - Public Speaking for Entrepreneurs: 6 Ways to Make Your Pitch Presentation More Effective - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2014 from Gilda BonannoOne high-stakes presentation that entrepreneurs have to give is in front of potential investors. While it can be intimidating to present in front of people who can fund your business, service or idea, following these 6 tips will improve your presentation and make it more likely that the ...
Views: 1689(2 votes) - 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) - 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) - How to Introduce Yourself Quickly - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoSometimes you have to introduce yourself in 60 seconds or less. This type of introduction is not your "elevator speech" – it's a brief introduction only long enough to outline the basics. For example, at some networking events, everyone sits around a large table and then each person stands ...
Views: 1631(2 votes) - Presentation Skills: What Should You Include in Your Slides? - by Submitted on Apr 17, 2014 from Gilda BonannoIf you’ve decided to use slides in your presentation because you believe they will help your presentation, it’s crucial to think about what to include in your slides. Resist the temptation to write your script out in the slides. Not only is that boring for the audience to see slides full of ...
Views: 1617 - Public Speaking - Incorporating a PowerPoint Presentation Smoothly Into Your Speech - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda BonannoRecently, I attended a presentation by a smart, experienced professional whose goal was to provide an informative overview of his area of expertise to his colleagues. Unfortunately, he did not succeed in communicating his message effectively to the audience. How he prepared and delivered his ...
Views: 1616(2 votes) - 10 Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda BonannoHere are 10 tips to improve your public speaking skills, whether you are presenting at work, giving a toast at a wedding or receiving an award. 1. Have a Message What is the one thing that you want the audience to remember from your presentation? Put it into one sentence and you have your ...
Views: 1605(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) - 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) - 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) - 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) - Applying Lean Principles to Presentation Skills: Eliminate Waste - 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 (in Japanese, "muda"). Building on the original 7 wastes that Lean identified, here are the 7 wastes that you should eliminate from ...
Views: 1517 - 4 Reasons Not to Start Your Presentation With a Joke - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoIn my presentation skills training programs, people often ask me, "Should I start my presentation with a joke?" My immediate response is "No!" Now I'm a fan of humor as much as anyone – and in fact, probably more than most people, since I've been performing onstage with an improv comedy ...
Views: 1505(4 votes) - 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) - 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) - Public Speaking is Like Exercising - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda Bonannoexercising and public speaking have a lot in common. Both become easier over time when you practice them regularly using the correct techniques. Everyone is capable of exercising and public speaking, although initially they may be a cause of pain for some people. The results of exercising and ...
Views: 1457(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) - Keeping Your Voice Strong While Presenting - by Submitted on Feb 22, 2009 from Gilda BonannoSometimes when you're presenting, introducing yourself or answering questions in front of a group, your voice trails off at the end of the sentence. Your audience can't understand the last part of your sentence and you may sound nervous and unprepared. Here are four tips for keeping your voice ...
Views: 1445(3 votes) - 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) - 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)