Power Presentations: How to Connect with Your Audience and Sell Your Ideas

Presentation skills play a pivotal role in career success. But most people would rather die or have root canal work done than make a speech. Power Presentations reveals how you can overcome these all–too–common fears and learn to really connect with your audience. Popular speaking experts and trainers, Marjorie Brody and Shawn Kent, explain that speaking is an audience–centered sport. Whether your goal is to inform, persuade, or entertain, you have to understand the needs of your audience and show them what′s really in it for them. This book will show you how to do that and how to become a more effective speaker. "Easy to read, direct and insightful. I wish I had this book 20 years ago when I started public speaking." –Gregory Miner, Vice President The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation "Their book helps to shatter the myth that public speaking is a painful process to be avoided. All speakers, novice or veteran, can benefit from their advice on presentation techniques and confidence–building tips. recommend it for all aspiring speakers." –Rosemarie B. Greco President and Chief Executive Officer CoreStates First Pennsylvania Bank "Power Presentations will help everyone to feel more confident communicating their message. Written with enthusiasm and clarity, this book is a must for all of us who have something to say." –Alexandra Stoddard Lecturer, Designer, and Author of Living a Beautiful Life

Partial table of contents:

TAKING CONTROL.

Turning Stage Fright Into Excitement.

Warming Up.

Nonverbal Communication.

Staying in Control.

GROUNDWORK.

Styles of Delivery.

Knowing Your Audience.

WORKING ON YOUR PRESENTATION.

The Outline.

Organizing the Body of Your Speech.

Supporting Materials.

COMMUNICATING ON PURPOSE.

Informative Speaking.

Persuasive Speaking.

Effective Sales Presentations.

How to Be a Better Listener.

MASTERING THE MECHANICS.

Speaking Aids.

Pointers for Using the Room.

How Visual Aids Can Help.

Room Checks for Computers.

CHECKLISTS.

Speech Preparation Checklist.

Speech Delivery Checklist.

Bibliography.

Index.

MARJORIE BRODY is President of Brody Communications, a firm specializing in both public and customized seminars for clients that include General Electric and the University of Pennsylvania. SHAWN KENT is an internationally experienced speaker, trainer, coach, and author. Her company, Shawn Kent and Associates, specializes in the design, implementation and presentation of management development programs.