A Handful of Tips 34 – Visual Aids   Five of the best tips when using visual aids to enhance your presentations   Research has shown an audience remembers about 20% of what they hear and about 80% of what they see.  That’s why you should use visual aids. There are many types of projectors…

A Handful of Tips 33 – Brochures   Five of the best tips on how to produce an effective  brochure to sell services or products To tell people about your products or services you probably need a brochure, a pamphlet, a booklet or a leaflet as well as your website. 1. Get attention Make your…

A Handful of Tips 32 – Stress Five of the best tips to reduce tension and worry When your body tells you are under stress it’s time to review your lifestyle. Think through the cause of your stress and if necessary, get professional help. It may be pressure at work, marital or family difficulties, financial…

A Handful of Tips 31 –                        Introducing Humour Five of the best tips on how to prepare to tell a  joke People enjoy a little nonsense now and then.  Humour depends on life experiences and these can vary greatly between countries and different social groups within a country. A good story can help get…

A Handful of Tips 30 –                               Presentations Five of the best tips when you are preparing to make a presentation  Many people find presentations stressful but careful preparation will boost your confidence and help you relax.            Make a list of your ‘props’ and check they are in good working order. If possible visit…

A Handful of Tips 29 –                          Thanking a Speaker   Five of the best tips when proposing a vote of thanks to a guest speaker   When a guest speaker has finished addressing a meeting, the chairperson usually asks a member of the audience to propose a vote of thanks.           A speech to…

A Handful of Tips 28 – Introducing a Speaker   Five of the best tips when introducing a speaker to an audience     The role of the introducer is to arouse the listeners’ interest so they will direct their attention to the speaker and the topic.             By mentioning specific interests you can…

A Handful of Tips 27 –                        Answering Questions   Five of the best tips on ways to handle questions after giving a talk to an audience   How often have you been to a meeting where the chairperson asks “Are there any questions?” There is often a deathly silence.   1. Ask the chairperson…

A Handful of Tips 26 –                        Coping with Hecklers   Five of the best tips on ways to cope with hecklers and a hostile audience when making a speech     Handling hecklers requires care and skill. Dealing with interjections is a high risk activity.  In most cases the audience will be on your…

A Handful of Tips 25 — Speaking Internationally     Five of the best tips when speaking to a foreign audience    When making a speech or presentation in countries where English is not the main language, thorough preparation is essential. You must be adaptable and flexible and remember a smile is a universal form…