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Articles from Gilda Bonanno | Selfgrowth.com
- 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: 1673(2 votes) - 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: 1970(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: 1649 - 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: 1923(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: 1872(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: 1440 - 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: 1419(1 vote) - 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: 1534 - 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: 1635(2 votes) - 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: 4028(2 votes) - 5 Reasons Why Presenters Won't Use a Micrphone - by Submitted on Dec 13, 2012 from Gilda BonannoOften, I have seen people refuse to use a microphone when they're presenting, whether at an office meeting, community event or industry conference. Yet, using a microphone correctly can make it easier for the audience to hear you and understand your message - which is the whole point of your ...
Views: 1276(2 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: 1378(2 votes) - Public Speaking Lessons From Teaching College History - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda BonannoOne of my first jobs after graduate school was as an instructor at a community college. My course load included teaching American History 102 (1865-present) on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:00-8:50 A.M. It was a required course for most of the 35 students and history was not their major. So ...
Views: 1241(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: 1763(2 votes) - 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: 1554(2 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: 2001(1 vote) - 4 Presenter Mistakes to Avoid, Or Please Don't "Vomit" on Your Audience - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda BonannoAt the end of my session at a conference, one of the audience members came up to tell me about a bad session she had attended. She said, "The presenter vomited his content on the audience. It was awful. I would have walked out if I wasn't sitting in the front row." That's pretty strong ...
Views: 1254(2 votes) - One Easy Way to Present Better: Get Organized! - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda BonannoOne of the easiest ways to be a better presenter is by organizing your content clearly and logically. It sounds so simple, yet many presenters don't organize their material; instead, they just throw everything at the audience, all jumbled together with no clear indication of how things relate ...
Views: 1155(2 votes) - 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: 1357(1 vote) - Public Speaking Tips From Chef Bobby Flay - by Submitted on Dec 11, 2012 from Gilda BonannoI'm a fan of the TV cooking competition, The Next Food Network Star, hosted by celebrity chef Bobby Flay. The winning chef gets his or her own cooking show on the Food Network. The show offers lesson not just about cooking, but also about presentation skills because the winning chef has to ...
Views: 1216(2 votes) - 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: 2362(2 votes) - Cut Out Your Sloppy Language When Presenting - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda BonannoLanguage is a tool that helps you communicate your message to your audience. Sloppy and imprecise language, however, can interfere with your communication. Here are six tips for eliminating sloppy language: 1. Mind your grammar You don't have to be a grammarian to follow basic grammar ...
Views: 1332(2 votes) - 9 Tips for How to Present While Seated - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda Bonanno"You can't start a fire sitting down" is an old cliché that I used in graduate school to explain to the supervising professor why I taught my American history class section standing up. (I also thought to myself, "it's harder for them to shoot a moving target.") The professor preferred that I ...
Views: 1284(2 votes) - 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: 1288(1 vote) - 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: 1527(2 votes) - Take the 6-Second Presentation Challenge - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda BonannoDuring election season here in the U.S., one of my clients, the CEO of a nonprofit organization, was invited to film an endorsement for a candidate's television commercial. Her role was to introduce herself and her organization and explain why she supports the candidate. She was happy to ...
Views: 1087(2 votes) - 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: 1477(1 vote) - 7 Steps to Successful Storytelling in Your Presentations - by Submitted on Dec 07, 2012 from Gilda BonannoRelevant and engaging stories can be a compelling part of your presentation – whether you are presenting at a board meeting, an industry conference or an awards banquet. Here are 7 steps to follow to make your storytelling successful: 1. Pick a relevant story. Think about the story from ...
Views: 1341(2 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: 2579(1 vote) - 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: 15076(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: 1550(2 votes) - Take Your Presentations from Okay to Outstanding - by Submitted on Dec 06, 2012 from Gilda BonannoEver feel like you're presenting on "auto-pilot"? Or like you've gotten to the point where you present okay, but still feel like you could do better? Here are four suggestions for taking your presentations from okay to outstanding, so you can really connect with the audience and convey ...
Views: 1097(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: 1211(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: 1504(2 votes) - 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: 1423(4 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: 2164(3 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: 1540(2 votes) - 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: 1273(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: 1360(1 vote) - 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: 1484(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: 2506(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: 4150(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: 1473(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: 1590(1 vote) - 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: 2616(3 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: 1380(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: 2865(2 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: 3513(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: 5536(2 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: 5666(1 vote)