May 26th, 2011
by Dan Gold
Mary Cantando’s Weekly Growth Tip:
How to Present Like an Expert on a Moment’s Notice
How can you come out looking like a pro when you’re asked to make an impromptu presentation? What can you do if someone asks you to present a session “on the fly” or even just to answer a challenging question in a group meeting?
Here are five steps to presenting your thoughts more powerfully on a moment’s notice.
1. Before every meeting, predict whether you may be asked to speak. Understand the topic and who is scheduled to speak.
2. If called upon, take a moment to gather your thoughts. Stand up slowly and take a deep breath before you start talking. If you’re answering a specific question, repeat the question before answering it.
3. Focus on your main thoughts, ideas and insights. Don’t apologize, act surprised or ramble. Keep your presentation or response to the point.
4. Use a 3-step formula. Your comments should have a beginning, a middle and an end.
5. Consider using a timeline for your response. For example, “Back in 2000…In today’s market…In the next five years…”
Woman’s Advantage Tip of the Week
“See every change in the marketplace as an opportunity.”
Marsha Firestone, Women Presidents’ Organization, WomenPresidentsOrg.com
This tip was featured in The Woman’s Advantage 2011 Calendar.
“My mission
is to help
women build
multimillion-dollar businesses
while living the
lives of their dreams.”
~Mary Cantando
More of the Woman’s Advantage…
Read an excerpt from Mary’s newest book, Leading with Care, How Women Around the World are Inspiring Businesses, Empowering Communities and Creating Opportunity, on Entrepreneur Magazine’s website.
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