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Showing posts from September, 2010

INCORPORATING VISUALS - LESSON 10

 In our last lesson, we got introduced visual aids, why we should use them and different types.  Let's proceed General Design Principles for Visual-aid presentations Visual aids can distract your audience if you do not design them properly. Keep these in mind when creating your visual aid.  1.      Use simple or no background in presentation materials 2.      Use colors that provide adequate contrast and are readable 3.      Use readable font size that allows easy reading of text from the last row of the room 4.      Use different font sizes for titles and section headings 5.      Limit each point to no more than two, or at most three, lines of text 6.      Ensure animations or transitions don't distract 7.       Ensure chart scales don't mislead (Use appropriate  bars) 8.      Show video clips at easily viewable size 9.      Do not use offensive or stereotypical visuals 10. Play audio at easily heard levels; test them in advance 11. Proofread and spell-check   Design Pri

THE CRAFT OF BRILLIANT CONTENT- LESSON 6

If you've come thus far in the course.  I honor you.  It tells me that you are disciplined enough to come midway and that you will finish the course.  CLAP  CLAP  CLAP  CLAP   How To Structure Your Speech The content of your speech is the main thing in public speaking. Any intelligent audience can spot chaff in your presentation. Here is how to brilliantly structure your speech. A basic speech outline includes  The Opening/Head/Introduction The Body The Conclusion   The opening/Head/Introduction Write this part after you've written your enter speech. This is because the introduction should contain bullets or summary of what the entire speech is about. Make sure it is very captivating. If your opening is slurry or boring, you will lose your audience's attention no matter how fine you look.  Nail this opening as though it is the only thing you will talk about in the entire presentation. I talk about how to  do this in the module which covers p

COMMUNICATION FUNDAMENTALS- LESSON 2

  EFFECTIVE SPEAKING Speaking effectively is defined as speaking in such a way that your message is clearly heard and, if possible, acted upon.  2 Effective speaking involves Words , Voice and Body Language . A poor use of any of these 3 elements reduces the quality of your speech. Words     It is important that you use words which both you and your audience understand. If you cannot explain a word correctly or break a term down into simpler meaning, don’t use it. Technically, this means you have to use words that are familiar to you and your audience. The only exception is if you are speaking to an audience whose language is foreign; then you will need a skilled interpreter. Voice:     Voice is to speech what an inviting dish is to a meal. The sound of your voice gives your audience an impression about you. They can tell if you are afraid, shy,bold or courageous. It is important that you pay attention to how your voice sounds in public and how it sounds in private. This wi

INCORPORATING VISUALS - LESSON 9

What is a Visual Aid? A visual aid is an item of illustrative matter, such as a film, slide, or model, designed to supplement written or spoken information so that it can be understood more easily (Oxford Dictionary). While an audible voice engages the audience, a visual display holds their attention long enough for them to fully receive your message.  Why you should incorporate visual aids into your presentations 1.  It saves time.  An image or a video will explain a point faster than a thousand words.  2.  It enhances audience attention : Most people are audio-visual learners. They concentrate more when they see and hear at the same time. using visual aids reduces the chances of having their minds wander off while you speak. 3.  It fosters quick understanding:  Our brains -process images faster than text. Avoid using all text on your presentation slides. Use mostly images. 4.   It aids retention : People may easily forget what they heard, but will remember what they see.