Backstage Pass for Trainers, Facilitators, and Public Speakers : Your Guide to Successful Presentations

by Susan J. Jones

• ISBN13: 9781412915007
• ISBN10: 1412915007
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-07-20
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

'A wonderful contribution to the presentation field. As a presenter for 15 years, I have purchased, read, or perused many books on presentations. This is the most useful and captivating book I have read thus far. . . . I love the dollops of research integrated into the manuscript. Since brain research is my area, I am happy that others will see how it relates. The author makes important connections between preparation, presentation, and prudence. This Backstage Pass can make the difference between an acceptable presentation and an outstanding one!' - Marilee Sprenger , Professional Development Consultant, Presenter, and Author'The warm, friendly, conversational tone makes it feel like the author is right there with you, cheering you on as you put her tried and true suggestions to work. . . . Her suggestions resonate with my own professional experience. I found myself laughing, agreeing, and shouting 'yes!' (even though there was no one in the room to hear me). . . .I plan to re-read this book periodically to remind myself of this powerful advice and apply it to my own presentations' - Lynell Burmark , Thornburg Center Associate, Presenter, and AuthorA how-to guide to working effectively with adult audiences in small or large presentation settings. With an emphasis not only on communicating information, but also on winning audience approval and buy-in, this friendly and humorous little book can be read in one sitting on the plane or train as a do-it-yourself mentor, speaking coach, image consultant, and train-the-trainer all in one. The topics range from "pack for success and catch the early train" through "closers for summary, review, reflection, and connection." Also featured are strategies for designing audience handouts, seating the audience, maintaining group energy, working with angry and challenging audiences, structuring breaks so the audience returns after the break, and more. Assessment methods include self-evaluation, formal evaluations, and partnering with trusted colleagues for collaborative observation and feedback.

Table of Contents

Preface	ix
About the Author	xi
Introduction	1	(2)
Preparation Precedes Success	3	(6)
Clear Communication: Exceeding Expectations	3	(1)
Questions and Answers	4	(4)
Minimizing the Chance for Misunderstanding	4	(2)
Tailoring Programs: One Size Does Not Fit All	6	(1)
Preparing Handouts	6	(2)
Organizing for Relaxed Delivery	8	(1)
Do's and Don'ts	8	(1)
Little Things Mean a Lot	9	(8)
Sleep for Efficiency	9	(1)
Eat for Sustained Energy	10	(1)
Dress for Success	11	(1)
Pack Light and Catch the Early Train	11	(1)
Questions and Answers	12	(4)
Packing Checklist	12	(2)
Sharing Book Resources	14	(1)
Heading Off Equipment Trouble	14	(1)
Hydration-Wet Your Whistle to Whet Your Brain	15	(1)
Do's and Don'ts	16	(1)
Lights, Camera, Action!	17	(9)
Readying the Facility	17	(2)
Materials	19	(1)
Start Before You Begin	19	(1)
Questions and Answers	20	(5)
Crutches to Stay Calm and on Course	20	(1)
Room Setup: The Good, the Bad, and the Adjustments	21	(1)
Seating Participants for Great Results	21	(2)
Distributing Handouts and Materials	23	(1)
Charts, Slides, and Overheads	23	(1)
Grand Entrances	24	(1)
Do's and Don'ts	25	(1)
Quick---Let 'Em Love You!	26	(11)
Gaining Acceptance	26	(1)
Building Audience Rapport	27	(1)
Vulnerability	27	(1)
Establish Common Ground	27	(1)
Friendly Is Good, Familiar Is Not	27	(1)
Acknowledge Knowledge and Know-How	28	(1)
Working Around Personal Quirks	28	(1)
Questions and Answers	28	(7)
Honoring Audience Expertise	29	(1)
Increasing Visibility	30	(1)
Changing an Audience's Point of View	30	(1)
Agendas and Overviews	31	(1)
Introductions and Openers	32	(2)
Positive Communication	34	(1)
Do's and Don'ts	35	(2)
Put Teeth Into Your Technique	37	(17)
Purpose Drives Process	37	(1)
Question and Answers	38	(14)
Delivering the Main Course: Information, Skills, and Message	38	(1)
Limiting Content	39	(1)
Reflections and Connections	39	(1)
Motivating an Audience	40	(2)
Generating New Thinking	42	(1)
Understanding: Taking the Road Less Traveled	42	(2)
Nonverbal Communication	44	(3)
Small Groups to Enliven Learning	47	(1)
Timing Group Work	48	(1)
Maintaining Involvement	48	(1)
Regaining Attention	49	(1)
Ensuring Active Participation	49	(2)
Tight Parameters to Ensure Success	51	(1)
Do's and Don'ts	52	(2)
Enthrall 'Em All	54	(18)
Job 1: Make Time Disappear	54	(1)
Infusing Excitement Into Sessions	54	(1)
Variety as a Vehicle	55	(1)
Monitoring an Audience	55	(2)
The 1--2--3 Rule	57	(1)
Questions and Answers	57	(13)
Introductions Set the Tone	57	(1)
Change of State	58	(1)
Movement: More Than a Sign of Life, the Glue for Learning	59	(1)
Energizers	60	(2)
Breaks	62	(1)
Putting Lecture in Its Place	62	(1)
Covering Volumes of Content: Alternative Methods	63	(3)
Accountability in Group Work	66	(1)
Group Size	67	(1)
Visuals to Enhance Meaning	67	(2)
Directing Attention	69	(1)
Applying Content	69	(1)
Handling Questions	69	(1)
Do's and Don'ts	70	(2)
Rave Reviews: Making Sure You Still Have an Audience Left After Break	72	(17)
Appeal	72	(1)
Fun	72	(1)
Comfort	73	(1)
Mystery	73	(1)
Finesse	74	(1)
Questions and Answers	75	(13)
When You Don't Have the Answer	75	(1)
Building Fun Into Learning	75	(3)
Creating Physical and Emotional Comfort	78	(2)
Prizes and Rewards	80	(1)
Meaningful Mixers	80	(2)
Time and Organization	82	(1)
Handling Difficult Audiences	83	(2)
Humility	85	(1)
Setting Yourself Apart	86	(2)
Do's and Don'ts	88	(1)
That's a Wrap!	89	(13)
The Lasting Impression	89	(1)
Questions and Answers	90	(11)
The Three Features of a Quality Closer	90	(1)
Audience Awareness of Session Gains	91	(1)
Review, Rehearsal, and Application	92	(5)
Positive Endings	97	(4)
Do's and Don'ts	101	(1)
Evaluations: Make It the Best Plant Possible and Then Keep Weeding, Watering, and Talking to It Sweet	102	(9)
Consistency: An Allusive Target	102	(1)
Inviting Improvement	103	(1)
Questions and Answers	104	(6)
Informal Feedback	104	(1)
Formal Feedback	105	(3)
Collegial Feedback	108	(2)
Do's and Don'ts	110	(1)
References	111	(2)
Index	113