Microsoft Power Point Design Template

I enjoy networking events, especially breakfasts. Usually these feature speakers, many of whom are prominent members of the business community. As professional speaker and former broadcaster, Im eager to hear their wisdom. But too often I find myself crying into my napkin as I see another speaker put an audience to sleep.

Here are some quick tips that can keep you out of the Boring Speaker Hall of Fame:

Get to the Point: The biggest mistake a lot of successful people make is not preparing for their talk. Sure, theyre experts in their field but that doesnt make them experts in communication. As a result, their remarks are not focused on a single theme. Audiences arent sure how it all fits together and when you confuse them, theyll tune you out.

As soon as you accept a request to speak, outline your remarks and make sure that everything you say honors your central theme. If it doesnt, cut it and save it for another presentation.

Watch Your Humor: Humor will either entertain an audience or make them very uncomfortable. Stop reading this article if you think off color remarks are great for a general audience. Also, avoid inside jokes that few will understand. The joke may be hilarious but its hard to know if the speaker is making a joke or are using the stage to insult someone. No one likes to see a presenter use the podium to pick on someone and that can really turn an audience against you.

Use humor thats based on universally understood situations (family, running late for a meeting, common misunderstandings) and dont be afraid to make fun of yourself. Audiences identify with that and you can win them over.

Less is More: How many times have you heard someone say, That speaker was great and I wish he had talked longer! Too often, speakers feel the need to fill or exceed their allotted time, even if they can effectively deliver their message in less. Dont drone on. State your premise, give some supports, and summarize. Youll see that when you finish people are awake and paying attention to you.

Ken Okel is a communications expert who uses real life broadcasting experiences to help successful organizations communicate better, reduce stress, and laugh more. For his free newsletter and special report, 7 Communication Mistakes that are Costing You Money, go to http://www.kenokel.com

And to see video of Ken presenting the FAMOUS POLICE DOG ATTACK STORY go to http://www.kenokel.com/video.html

This article now contains a new, minute-long demo at the bottom that shows you exactly how to add a new slide with a built-in layout to your presentation.

Sample Power Point Presentation65586

First of all, what is a bio sheet and why do you need one? A bio sheet is a one page description of who you are--your background and achievements. Your bio is an important part of how you present yourself to potential clients. You may include it in your media kit, in proposals to clients, and anywhere you want to establish your credibility and expert reputation.

Here's where the ego boost comes in: Start by writing down all of your accomplishments. These may include:

* Education

* Experience

* Credentials

* Professional affiliations and memberships

* Leadership positions

* Relevant volunteer work

* Media appearances

* What/where you've published

* Speeches and presentations to professional groups, etc.

* Important clients

* A (brief) client testimonial

* Awards

* Relevant family or leisure activities (e.g., travel)

Now, weave these elements into a narrative, being certain to focus on the interests of your audience. Remember, the question on their minds is always, "What's in this for ME?" Include information that shows how your clients benefit from what you do.

What if you don't have any awards, or you haven't published anything? Don't worry about it. Focus on the positives you have. Likewise, if you are changing fields and don't have a lot of experience in your new field, look for transferable accomplishments from previous work, or through your life experience.

Once you've got all this written down on a single page, even you will be impressed at how good you are! Use your bio sheet every chance you get. I send it out in media kits, include it in proposals to potential clients and sponsors, give it to program chairs when I book a speaking engagement, send it with article proposals, use it on the back of handouts at seminars and speeches, etc.

Remember to keep your bio currentafter all, it is a work in progress, to be continued!

Copyright Cathy Stucker, IdeaLady.com. Learn how to attract customers and make yourself famous. For more help in creating your own powerful one-page bio sheet, see Cathy's special report at http://www.idealady.com/biost.htm.

If you want to create a PowerPoint 2007 presentation but you aren't sure how to begin, you can use the information in this article to create a rich, compelling presentation.

Power Point Tutorial16974