Archive for Speaking

Today’s Strategic Influence Tip: Be Impeccable with Your Communications

Impeccable is defined as flawless, without error or defect…So what is impeccable communication?

Simple put:  say what you mean; mean what you say.  Sounds easy doesn’t it?

However, it takes attention to your language to be flawless, to actually say what you mean, especially in a world where slang and grammar shortcuts are commonplace.  My best advice is to train yourself to think before you speak or write.  Your words effect your circle of influence – use them strategically.

My friend and colleague, Peter Faur wrote an interesting post this week about the misuse of words on his blog, The Right Point.  The comments made me laugh and made me think about how important it is to be impeccable in all communications.

Leave a comment before you go…thanks.

Amelia Brazell, Strategy Source, Inc.

Comments (0)

Just completed  and submitted a call-for-presenters application form for the 2010 IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) conference.  Whew.

Took more time and thought than expected.  IAAPA attendees can be a tough crowd because their entertainment expectation is really high – their business is to entertain and create fun for guests.   As a conference speaker, perhaps a bit intimidating.

As I was considering various topics and how to make this presentation interesting, I decided to invite two colleagues to collaborate.   Three perspectives is always better then one opinion, right?

Joining me are Robert Baracz, VP of Business Development for ARES, Advanced Reservation Systems, Inc., and Ed Dreistadt, President of Ed Dreistadt & Company, Inc.     Both of  these guys are highly respected  travel tourism marketing veterans and speakers who I have known and worked with for more years than I care to admit.

Our overarching topic  is beating the competition using low-cost to no-cost strategies.

Robert, known throughout the travel tourism industry for his expertise in branding will focus on brand leverage strategies designed to deliver long-term ROI.

Ed will tackle various ‘David vs Goliath’ marketing promotion strategies designed to get butts through the turnstiles.

I will focus on the new ‘publish or perish’ rule underlying independent media and how use strategic influence to go from post to publish to profits.

We are departing from the usual Power Point Presentation, opting for more entertaining, engaging and down right fun.  Ed has been made the creative director.  Though I suspect that Robert will probably give him a run for the money.  I will stick with emceeing.  Bottom line, if selected to present, we will entertain!

Now the hard part… we have to wait for a couple of months to find out if we are going to be on the platform this year.  I’ll let you know in a future post.   Meanwhile, wish us luck.

Presented by:  Amelia Brazell, Strategy Source, Inc.

Categories : Speaking
Comments (0)
Feb
05

Presenting Without Power Point

Posted by: Amelia Brazell | Comments (0)

Speaker PresentingGiving a presentation soon?  If you are like most speakers, you automatically think in terms of creating a Power Point Presentation, right?

Well, here is the real question, do you want to blend in or stand out?

Not sure about you, but I want to be the speaker who is remembered, creates a buzz and gets invited back.  Well, I have found that the quickest way to do that is to go against the norm.  Make your presentation about your presentation – make it a show, engage the audience, take a risk.

Think about the last conference you attended where every speaker used a Power Point Presentation – didn’t  all those presentations blur quickly after the conference?   What could have made those presentations memorable?   How about giving a presentation without the Power Point crutch?

Yes, it can be scary.  But with practice, you become a better presenter.

The good news: no one knows if you forget a point because they aren’t watching the outline on the screen.  You can be more spontaneous.  You can instantly tailor your talk to immediate audience reaction.  You  may forget some of your points but you will be memorable and your audience will focus on your message not the computer screen.

So why am I talking about this right now?  I am working on a speaking proposal with two colleagues for a national travel-tourism convention.  We have been asked for a copy of a Power Point Presentation as part of the speaker submission.  We will comply with the request, but our presentation will depart from that format.  The presentation we are planning will entertain, educate and engage the audience all without following a presentation screen.

As we enter the conference season, be the presenter that departs from the norm – you will be noticed and remembered.  Now, before you go, comment and share.  Thanks.

Amelia Brazell, Strategy Source, Inc.

Categories : Speaking
Comments (0)