PCCA Journal|3
rd
Quarter 2013
20
questions, or statistics that make the learning come to
life for the audience. “Do you remember what it was
like when...?” “How do you think we can accom-
plish...?”
5. Incorporate transitional statements.
This helps the
listener stay with you in an organized way. Use words
like, “The first point I’d like to make is....” “Now that you
understand what we will deliver, let me share with you
how we will work with you.”
6. You had me at “hello.”
Now that you have the body of
your presentation outlined, it is time to create an open-
ing. A strong opening is crucial for immediately grabbing
the attention of your listeners. Consider memorizing
or learning the opening so that you can deliver it in a
compelling and thought-provoking way. Just to show you
important this is and how cool I am, I have created some
APPS for that!
a. A - Attention: There are many ways to get audiences
to stop looking down at their smart phones and look
up and listen. These include a powerful statistic, a hu-
morous story or anecdote, a compelling slide or other
visual, an appropriate quote, or a profound question.
b. P - Purpose: Why should people care about your mes-
sage? It must be positioned in terms of benefits to the
listeners. You can accomplish this in one easy segue,
“This is important to you because....” Or, you can let
the group know what is expected, “By the end of this
meeting, we need to come up with....” Or, “It is your
responsibility to get this safety message out.”
c. P - Plan: Provide the group with a road map on where
you are headed during the meeting. People learn in
different ways, and for some having a broad picture up
front of where you are going will help them organize
their thinking. Keep it simple: “Today we are going to
discuss three new strategies for our company.” “I want
to update you on last quarter’s financial by show-
ing trends in employee retention, project delays, and
equipment repair.” “The most compelling reasons you
will want to partner with our company are....”
d. S - Signature message: This is your core message. It
needs to be introduced in the opening of your presen-
tation and repeated like the chorus of a song.
7. Put your message in a to-go box!
You want the listen-
ers to take your message with them. Help them do this
by recapping your core message and supporting points.
Most importantly, make sure to include what you want
the group to do! This is a call to action such as, “Put
these new safety procedures into practice today.” “Make
us your partner in this next venture. You won’t be disap-
pointed.”
Speaking is a skill everyone can learn. Sure, some people
seem to be more comfortable and more natural than others,
but the reality is that as leaders you are presenting whether
you like it or not. It pays to pay attention to the opportunities
given to you to speak up. The following tips can help you put
your best foot—or voice—forward at every opportunity.
1. Practice, practice, practice.
Not many people like to
practice, but it is your best strategy for becoming more
comfortable in front of groups. Use each meeting as an
opportunity to polish your skills. Look for occasions to
present, whether it is at a civic gathering, church event,
or PCCA meeting.
2. Slow down.
For some reason, we feel that we must hurry
through our presentation and get on to the next meet-
ing or project. When you rush, the message is lost. Has
anyone ever left you their phone number in a message
and you had to play it back several times to understand?
That is the way the audience feels if you rush through
Speak Like a Pro!
Continued from page 19
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