[audio:https://www.transformationtom.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/40Chapter-54.mp3″]“From Fear to Success” Audiobook= Avoid Side Comments
Avoid side comments that may detract from your presentation.
Any comment not specific to your message takes attention away from
what you are trying to accomplish as a speaker. To an audience member,
side comments may be seen as a potential loss of focus, attention
given to someone or something that doesn’t need it, or a lack of confidence.
Let me give some examples:
Loss of focus: Asking someone to get the lights or asking, “Is my
microphone working?” can become your unintended introduction
once everyone is settled.
Lack of preparation: Asking if everyone received the packet of
information handed out may give an indication of a lack of preparation.
Why weren’t these packets handed out before the presentation? I
have learned that people will most often ask for something if they did
not get it.
Misdirected attention: When someone comes in late and you
acknowledge that person it takes away from the guests who were there
on time.
Lack of confidence or lost credibility: Avoid telling the world that
you lack confidence and avoid giving any indication that can lose your
audience’s trust. You can instantly lose credibility by saying that you
are nervous, that you are not ready, that this isn’t your line of expertise,
that you didn’t have much time to prepare, that you are long-winded,
that the audience may be bored with a section of the presentation, and
many other comments. All of these are real examples that are heard
often, especially with less-experienced speakers. If any of the previously
mentioned excuses are accurate, rally through them and don’t
announce them. More importantly, do all of the practice and preparation
possible to avoid the need to make side comments in the first
place.
Thomas B. Dowd III’s books The Transformation of a Doubting Thomas: Growing from a Cynic to a Professional in the Corporate World (Honorable Mention at the 2012 New England Book Festival) and From Fear to Success: A Practical Public-speaking Guide (2013 Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Medal Winner and 2013 Paris Book Festival Honorable Mention). Audiobook version of “From Fear to Success” is also available! See “Products” for details on www.transformationtom.com. Book and eBook purchase options are also available on Amazon- Please click the link to be re-directed: Amazon.com
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