The Short Road to Great Presentations How to Reach Any Audience Through Focused Preparation, Inspired Delivery, and Smart Use of Technology

Author: Cheryl Reimold; Peter Reimold
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780471281368
Published In: June 2003
Format: Paperback , 360 pages
Jurisdiction: International ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only

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A practical, readable guide to delivering superior presentations

Speakers bear the responsibility for communicating effectively with their audience: presenting a clear message, supporting it with well-structured explanations and examples, and delivering it with ease, grace, and good visuals. Unfortunately, this rarely happens, as anyone who has endured a substandard presentation knows only too well. The key for developing sound presentation skills need not, however, remain hidden. The Short Road to Great Presentations demystifies the art of public speaking as it shows you how to master the critical principles to make this skill an invaluable asset of your life and career.

Drawing on twenty years of experience in helping engineers, scientists, and business people develop powerful communication skills, PERC Communications founders Peter and Cheryl Reimold present an easy-to-follow program for crafting winning presentations. They focus on two principles: 1) find a message that is clearly meaningful and accessible to your audience, and 2) connect strongly with your audience throughout your presentation. In applying these principles to a series of step-by-step preparations and on-stage actions, the authors help speakers focus on their most vital content, strengthen their structure and delivery, and? perhaps, most important? eliminate stress and aggravation. Chapter topics in this reader-friendly guide include:

Structuring your message for maximum effect
Preparing effective visuals
Understanding and using body language and eye contact
Handling tough questions and surprises
Making smart use of slide shows and presentation software
Conducting Web presentations and Web meetings

Timeless speaking tips are combined with up-to-date primers on the latest technology throughout. The Short Road to Great Presentations is a one-stop resource for learning and practicing superior professional communication.

An Instructor Support FTP site is available from the Wiley editorial department: ftp://ftp.ieee.org/uploads/press/reimold

Foreword.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

Part 1: Audience-Focused Preparation.

1. Knowing Your Audience and Purpose.

2. A Universal Presentation Structure.

3. The RAMP Formula for Effective Introductions.

4. The Body.

5. The Summary.

6. Preparing Effective Visuals.

7. Notes, Rehearsing, and Handouts.

8. The Magic of Connection.

9. The Winning Attitude.

10. Connecting Through Body Talk.

11. Connecting Through Voice and Language.

12. Staying in Touch Through Eye Contact.

13. Handling Notes.

14. Handling Visuals.

15. Handling Questions.

16. Dealing with Unpleasant Surprises.

17. Moderating a Conference Session.

Part 2: Making the Most of Presentation Technology.

18. Making the Transition to Electronic Slide Shows.

19. Using Presentation Software Intelligently.

20. Practicing and Delivering Slide Shows.

21. Web Presentations and Web Meetings.

Appendix A: Sample Annotated Presentation Structure.

Appendix B: Procedure and Worksheet for Analyzing Audience and Purpose.

Appendix C: General Presentation Outline Form.

Appendix D: Specific Outlines for Common Presentation Types.

Appendix E: Checklist for Presentations.

Solutions to Exercises.

Index.

Previous books on communication and leadership skills by PETER REIMOLD, PhD, and CHERYL REIMOLD, MA, include The Language of Business, Volumes I and II; How to Write What People Like to Read; How to Write a Million-Dollar Memo; and Being a Boss. The Reimolds are cofounders of PERC Communications, an international consulting and training firm. They are authors of more than 200 articles, a syndicated column on communication, and the home-study course Effective Writing.