Presentation Skills Archives

Are Acronyms Hurting or Helping Your Communications?

by Brad Holst

I’ll be the first to admit that the proper use of acronyms can benefit listeners. First and foremost among the benefits is increased memorability. But, overusing acronyms unconsciously can be damaging and abusive to listeners. Here are 3 keys to using acronyms effectively in your communications. And, don't miss the fun and illuminating Mental Floss video on what many of our most-loved acronyms and initials really stand for.

by Brad Holst

Conversation Skills, Messaging Skills, Presentation Skills, Selling Skills

The Surprising Reason Your Leadership Program is Failing

by David Mears

Leadership gaps are a top business challenge today, despite strong corporate investment in leadership development. Why is that? Leadership development programs may be missing the most critical skill set of all...

by David Mears

Business Transformation, Change Management, Conversation Skills, Executive Presence, Leadership, Presentation Skills

3 Ways to Manage Anxiety When Recording Your Video Presentation

by Brad Holst

Presenting on-camera can be a nerve-wracking experience. Just walking onto the video set at Harvard Business Publishing (HBP) raised my anxiety. Here are three suggestions I learned from my own experience that may help you better manage anxiety when it’s your turn to record a video.

by Brad Holst

Executive Presence, Presentation Skills, Presenting to Executives

Overcome the Unnatural Challenge of Presenting to a Video Camera

by Brad Holst

I've seen too many people, whom I know to be engaging communicators and experts in their field, come across as stiff and unnatural on video, ultimately damaging their credibility. The secret to effectively presenting on camera lies in practicing. But...you have to practice right. Apply these three principles and your odds of credibly connecting with your viewing audience will dramatically improve.

by Brad Holst

Presentation Skills, Video, Vocal Energy

Video Content Strategies for 3-Minute Videos

by Heather Muir

Here are our top strategies for creating impactful 3-minute videos to help you connect with audiences, whether you need to engage with your employees, or wow your customers.

by Heather Muir

Messaging Skills, Presentation Skills, Video

Avoid Slide Projection Snafus When Presenting

by Steve Mandel

If you've given presentations in places other than networked conference rooms, you've probably used an LCD projector hooked up to your computer, to project your slides. You may not realize, however, that there are slide projection snafus to avoid, as well as ways to use a projector to improve the quality of your presentations.

by Steve Mandel

In-Person Presentations, PowerPoint, Presentation Skills, Presentation Slides, Slide deck

Are You Ready for Your Video Close-Up?

by Brad Holst

While organizations are increasingly using video to educate, entertain, and train employees and customers, many people are still uncomfortable presenting on camera. Fear not, because anyone can learn how to effectively communicate on video — and develop a level of comfort doing so. Over the next few weeks, I'll use my own experience recording videos for Harvard Business Publishing to highlight important ways you can prepare for and improve your presentations on-screen and off.

by Brad Holst

Presentation Skills, Video

Improve How You Communicate Next Year

by Steve Mandel

Have you ever made communication resolutions? As the New Year approaches, I always like to reflect on what I’ve done well and what I could improve next year when it comes to communicating with my colleagues, employees, and clients. You may be surprised at how much doing so can strengthen your relationships with the people around you.

by Steve Mandel

Conversation Skills, PowerPoint, Presentation Skills, Virtual Presentations, Vocal Energy

When You Have to Give the Same Presentation Over and Over Again…

by Brad Holst

If you think delivering the same presentation over and over again can get boring and monotonous, you’re right...it can, IF you let it. The bottom line? If you sound bored giving your presentation, you can bet your audience is bored, too. Here's how to keep it fresh...it's another lesson from Disneyland's Jungle Cruise.

by Brad Holst

Presentation Skills

Communication Skills as a Wildlife Conservation Tool

by Steve Mandel

Can conversation and presentation skills save wild lions, zebras, and elephants? Recently, I traveled to Kenya to conduct training workshops for people who work with the wildlife conservation groups Ewaso Lions, Grevy's Zebra Trust, and Save the Elephants. These organizations focus a lot of their efforts on global education, outreach, and collaboration with governments and local people. Their ability to communicate well is essential to their success.

by Steve Mandel

Conversation Skills, Presentation Skills

Will Cool Tools Change the Customer Conversation?

by Kathleen Redd

What effect will Internet of Things devices and technology have on how you talk with your customers? How will this technology change the way you plan for your customer engagements or briefings? I’m reminded of an adage from my youth: “The more things change, the more they remain the same.” Here's why you should never lose sight of time-proven principles for engaging customers.

by Kathleen Redd

Collaboration Skills, Conversation Skills, Presentation Skills, Virtual Presentations

To Innovate, Resonate and Differentiate

by Brad Holst

Success or failure happens in just the first two minutes of any presentation. When you're laying your most innovative ideas on the line, here's how to stand out and win the attention and respect of your audience.

by Brad Holst

In-Person Presentations, Messaging Skills, Presentation Skills

How Many Slides Should My PowerPoint Be?

by Brad Holst

When it comes to creating PowerPoint® slides, less is more. Why, then, are so many presentations too long? Because presenters make the same mistake I once did. This week, I'll tell you about my experience and give you a simple recipe for creating short slide decks that help you get your message heard.

by Brad Holst

Messaging Skills, Presentation Skills, Presentation Slides, Slide deck

Winging It Is Not a Good Webcast Strategy

by Heather Muir

The webcast is a more difficult medium to master than most assume. Mastering virtual presentations takes experienced coaching, structured practice, and developmental feedback. But, there are things you can do right now to improve your delivery and head off a virtual disaster.

by Heather Muir

Presentation Skills, Virtual Presentations, Webcasts

Your Audience Is Sitting Where?!

by Steve Mandel

Where and how your audience members are seated can have a major impact on what you must do to connect with them during your presentation. Each type of seating arrangement presents unique advantages and disadvantages. Here's how to best manage three of the more common set-ups.

by Steve Mandel

In-Person Presentations, Presentation Skills

Mom Was Right: Why Good Posture Matters

by Steve Mandel

Whether you're presenting standing up or sitting down (in a live meeting or presenting virtually), using good posture is important. We all remember mom's admonitions, “Sit up straight” or “Don’t slouch.” Well, she was right, especially when we communicate with others! After all, your posture is one of the first things people notice about you. What do you want it to communicate?

by Steve Mandel

Executive Presence, In-Person Presentations, Presentation Skills

Is Your PowerPoint Falling Flat?

by Brad Holst

Is your presentation falling flat and you can't figure out why? If your slides are dynamic and engaging, the content is spot-on, and you've prepared well, then why is your audience feeling disconnected and confused? It may be a commonly overlooked problem: slide transitions. Here's how to fix it.

by Brad Holst

PowerPoint, Presentation Skills, Presentation Slides, Virtual Presentations

A Better Way to Plan Your Presentation

by Steve Mandel

Want better presentation results? Plan strategically, not tactically. Instead of recycling slides from older decks and making them fit your presentation, start with who your audience is and what you want to accomplish. Here's how.

by Steve Mandel

Presentation Skills, Presentation Slides

Don’t Be a Stick in the Mud…Move!

by Steve Mandel

Moving around when you speak benefits both you and your audience. Here are some tips for how and where to move, so that you enhance your connection with your audience, as well as their enjoyment of your presentation.

by Steve Mandel

Executive Presence, In-Person Presentations, Presentation Skills

Using Quotes to Punch Up Your Presentation

by Steve Mandel

Not only are quotes a great way to punch up what might otherwise be a dry presentation, but they lend credibility to your thoughts and ideas. Here are a few tips on where to source quotes and how to use them effectively in your presentations.

by Steve Mandel

Conversation Skills, Presentation Skills

Use the Power of Gestures

by Steve Mandel

Do you ever feel awkward about what to do with your hands when you give a presentation? You're not alone. Isn't it strange, though, that people almost never feel this awkwardness during everyday conversation? Gesturing comes naturally outside of the presentation environment. Anxiety interrupts the ability to gesture when presenting. Here's how to overcome your anxiety and use gestures effectively.

by Steve Mandel

Conversation Skills, Presentation Skills

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