A few years ago, during the last downturn, I joined one of those networking organisations where you get to stand up in front of a load of people and make a sales pitch. From my point of view it was an unmitigated disaster - everything seemed to fall on deaf ears - but in the light of the present situation I might have to bite the bullet and get out there and sell myself again. Has anyone had any coaching on how to do this effectively & if so is there anyone you can recommend?
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Presentation Skills
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Only way to learn is to do it. It helps if you've done some stage work at some time...
However a few golden rules:
Know your subject. If you're very good you can wing things you don't know, but only if you're very good, so stick to what you know.
You're not talking to 100s of people, you're talking to one, who keeps moving around the crowd in front of you. Don't be afraid to make eye contact with him (or preferably her!) whenever they appear. Never look into the distance and absolutely never look at your feet; keep your head up.
Keep your hands still. You want people to watch your face, not your hands.
Speak up, speak clearly, don't gabble. They want to hear something(anything!) interesting, so give thema chance to hear it.
Take questions at the end. Far safer, since it won't interupt your thought processes. Again, taking them in flight is more natural, but not for a beginner.
Know what you're going to say. You don't need a fixed script, but get a set of points together in sequence and learnt them (or use prompt cards, but only as a last resoirt. You're suppsed to be the expert)
And RELAX!!! It's an easy thing to do, no harder than explaining something in a converstaion in the pub. Get it right once and you'll wonder what you were worried about.Blog? What blog...? -
Originally posted by wurzel View PostA few years ago, during the last downturn, I joined one of those networking organisations where you get to stand up in front of a load of people and make a sales pitch. From my point of view it was an unmitigated disaster - everything seemed to fall on deaf ears - but in the light of the present situation I might have to bite the bullet and get out there and sell myself again. Has anyone had any coaching on how to do this effectively & if so is there anyone you can recommend?
They also have an unwritten rule of only giving 'references' or business to members who can give them leads for their own businesses.
And I doubt you'd be able to do that.I couldn't give two fornicators! Yes, really!Comment
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My advice - never have a talk on an empty stomach. Or is that just me?"Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience". Mark TwainComment
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Originally posted by malvolio View PostIt helps if you've done some stage work at some time...
Originally posted by scooterscot View PostMy advice - never have a talk on an empty stomach. Or is that just me?Comment
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How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don't thinkComment
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Best thing for my presentation skills was being a holiday rep for a season. They give you full presentation training and every transfer day you do a sales pitch on the coach and a sales pitch "Welcome speech" in front of 100 people every week. Thats one way to get over stage fright!Comment
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Originally posted by JoJoGabor View PostBest thing for my presentation skills was being a holiday rep for a season. They give you full presentation training and every transfer day you do a sales pitch on the coach and a sales pitch "Welcome speech" in front of 100 people every week. Thats one way to get over stage fright!How fortunate for governments that the people they administer don't thinkComment
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Originally posted by BolshieBastard View PostI wouldnt bother. These organisations are only any good if you are in the clique. And you wont be!
They also have an unwritten rule of only giving 'references' or business to members who can give them leads for their own businesses.
And I doubt you'd be able to do that.
Their online membership is free, worth checking out.Originally posted by MaryPoppinsI'd still not breastfeed a naziOriginally posted by vetranUrine is quite nourishingComment
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Originally posted by Troll View PostGet yourself to the Central School of Speech & Drama
HTHComment
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