Posts Tagged ‘presentation’

5 cool ideas on how to be a better presenter overnight

Thursday, February 7th, 2013

Michael Angelo Caruso speaker Acquiring a skill takes time.  About 10,000 hours, if you believe Malcolm Gladwell’s research.

If you want to be a polished speaker, for example, it’s best to immerse yourself in the discipline. 

Allow yourself to grow into the new skill set through a routine of dedicated study, experiential learning, and monitored feedback loops.

But when your boss asks you to assemble an awesome presentation for a major client inside of just four hours, you may have to skip the immersion and dedicated study.

 

Want to be a great speaker, like, tomorrow?

Here are 5 cool ideas that will help you become a better speaker quite quickly.  You might begin improving, by not using the word “like” as frequently.

1.  Search YouTube for the top speakers in your line of work.  Focus on people who are  better presenters than you so you can learn from them.  If you happen upon some crappy speakers, pay attention so you can be reminded of what not to do.

2. Eliminate 10% of your weakest PowerPoint slides right now.  Trust me, no one will miss them, including you.  Start by taking out the slides that have you saying something like, “You probably can’t see this from the back of the room.”

3. Record yourself.   If listening to a recording of yourself will make you want to quit your job, watching a video of yourself may give you thoughts of suicide.  But hang in there (pun not intended, but I kinda like it).  Recording yourself is painful, but it is without a doubt the fastest way for you to discover what needs to be fixed.    

4.  Study a helpful information product, preferably a DVD.  Reading about speaking is like watching the radio to learn how to dance.   

Present like a Pro michael angelo caruso speaker training 5.  All good presentations end with a call to action.  Make sure you conclude every presentation by asking the audience to do something.  The call to action doesn’t have to involve a business transaction.  Learn more from the Present Like a Pro DVD, my best information product on the subject.

From Royal Oak, Michigan-

Michael Angelo Caruso, 248-224-9667

 

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Just send us a message stating your intentions.  Assume the answer is “yes” as long as you provide attribution and mention www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.

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Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entreprenuers, Funny, Growing Your Business, Information products, Keynote, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Self improvement, Selling, Speaking, Success | No Comments »

“You’re all set” makes for a terrible presentation

Tuesday, January 15th, 2013

Michael Angelo Caruso customer service speaker training Every business has a customer service problem. 

I’ve yet to work with a client who didn’t need help improving their service model.

In many cases, the people providing the customer service are the last to become aware of the problem because they are used to the way things are. A good consultant can spot such problems almost immediately.

[Note:  You're welcome to republish this article on your website, blog or in your newsletter.  Simply send Michael a message, stating your intentions.]

 

It’s cheaper to keep customers than to find new ones

Yet, most businesses pour tons of money into sales and spend relatively little money or energy improving existing customer service.  It’s these scripts and systems that keep your company vital and profitable.

If, for example, your receptionist or customer service reps tell customers, “You’re all set,” you’ve got a serious problem. (more…)

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Posted in Career development, Communication, Customer Service, Entreprenuers, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Success, Uncategorized | 12 Comments »

Free presentation advice every Monday

Monday, July 11th, 2011

set the hook when selling Michael Angelo Caruso blog

Set the hook when selling

A while back, I did something most business people never do.

I started giving away my products and services.  And it’s the best thing I ever did for my consulting business.

Every Monday at 4:00 ET, I jump on a conference call to dispense free advice on how to improve your next presentation.  Of course, everything is a presentation so we cover topics ranging from how to speak without notes to getting high click-through rates on your outgoing emails to delivering a one-slide PowerPoint presentation.  The call-in codes are below.

People call in from all over North America.

Many callers are speakers who have to give a talk soon and want to polish their existing presentation.

Some callers are looking for tips on how to make their presentations more of an event. 

Some callers are already customers of mine and have attended my keynotes or purchased my information products.  Others have yet to do business with me.  It doesn’t matter; I treat everyone very well with no strings attached. 

You should consider giving away your products and services.  If you cannot afford to give away any of your current products, think about developing a product that you can make available.


“Set the hook” by sample selling

Fisherman know that you have to “set the hook” when the fish nibbles at the bait.  Setting the hook is that small jerky motion that pulls the hook through the fish gill.  The hook is a reversed-barbed piece of metal that makes it difficult for the fish to escape once he takes the bait.

That’s what free information and free products do.  I call it “sample selling” because its like giving folks a free sample of what you do so they become interested in spending money with you.

It’s an easy marketing strategy to implement and everyone wins.


Free call and great marketing advice

Free marketing call with Michael Angelo Caruso

Michael Angelo Caruso

You can hear how I do this and get yourself some terrific speaking advice by being on the call this Monday, from 4 to 4:30 PM ET.  And did I tell you that the call is free?

Use call-in number: 218-339-3600, access code: 686134#

What does your company give away to promote business?

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Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entertainment, Entreprenuers, Funny, Growing Your Business, Internet marketing, Marketing, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Rotary, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Social Media, Speaking, Success, Training | No Comments »

Create article content from your presentations

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

michael angelo carusoWe all know that content is king when it comes to Internet marketing.

The bigger conundrum is how to efficiently create content.  After all, you’re really, really busy, right?

Here’ s are simple steps you can follow to generate great content quickly and rather easily by recording your presentations and turning them into articles. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1.  Purchase a digital recorder. You can get a decent piece of gear for about $70 at places like Radio Shack.  High quality is better if you want to re-purpose the recordings.

2.  Record your next presentation. Try to forget you’re recording and speak as naturally as possible.

3.  Save your recording as a .WAV file (for PC) or .AIFF (for Mac). Use a free software program such as Audacity to do manipulate the file as needed.

4.  Convert the file to an MP3. If you need to send it to a team member who is helping you, MP3 files usually transmit faster..

5.  Have someone transcribe the sound file. You can find a transcriber at eLance.com or by just asking your babysitter. Ask the transcriber to create a Word or text document for you.

6.  Edit the document into 500 word articles. You can get more mileage from your content by chunking them down into 500 or 750 word articles.

7.  Post the pieces as articles for the world to see. Celebrate your success by posting the articles as content on your Website, Facebook Notes, .pdf files on Linkedin, and even on article depot sites, such as EZineArticles.com.

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Veteran speaker, Michael Caruso, written countless articles and produced over 75 info products, including books, audio programs and DVDs.  He’s holding an evening seminar on how you can write a book on Tuesday, July 12 at Tre Monti restaurant in Troy, Michigan.

Register for the live class or order the audio CD/e-book, which are designed to help you become a self-published author within 90 days or less.

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5 Cool Ideas for a better presentation

Thursday, February 10th, 2011

Michael Angelo Caruso IACPA Iowa accountantsSpeaking is a lot like driving.  We all think we’re good drivers, but there are a lot of dented cars on the road!

Here are 5 Cool Ideas for sharpening your next presentation, followed by a link to order my Present Like a Pro DVD:

1.  It’s better to make mistakes when you’re alone.
I teach managers and salespeople how to be more effective.  The fastest improvement occurs when clients adopt my motto:  It’s better to screw up when you’re alone.

2.  Practice the beginning of your talk more than any other part.
Your nervous system is most likely to be under siege at the beginning of your presentation.  Practice the first part of your talk more than the middle or the end.

3.  Call your own voice mail to record sections of your presentation.
Use this “poor man’s” recording technique to listen to yourself and make improvements.

4.  PowerPoint often hurts more than it helps.
Stories are far more effective than bullet points because people tend to make buying decisions using the “emotional side” of the brain.  Use stories to inspire, motivate, and get the audience involved.  Develop a strong “signature story” and work it, baby.

5.  Be specific with your time-sensitive call to action.
All good presentations end with a clear call to action.  Don’t say “Please take this form back to your office and send it to me when you have time,” when you can say, “Please fill out this form before you leave the room.  I’ll be at the door to collect it from you.”

Order the Present Like a Pro DVD now!  It will be especially helpful to your leadership and sales team!

Place your order within 48 hours and I’ll immediately e-mail you a fantastic 30-page, companion e-book at no extra charge.  Watch for it and download it quickly.

As with all my products and services, you’ll get much more than you pay for.

Speaking about speaking,

Michael Angelo Caruso, Keynote Speaker                  T   248-224-9667  

P.S. You must order Present Like a Pro within 48 hours to receive the bonus 30-page e-book.

P.P.S. You’re welcome to publish these 5 Cool Ideas in your corporate newsletter, on your Web site and blog.  Just send a quick message to Reprint@EdisonHouse.com.

www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com

The Fifth, 432 S. Washington, #1105  Royal Oak, MI  48067

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Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Customer Service, Entertainment, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Keynote, Leadership, Marketing, Personal Development, Problem Solving, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Seminar, Speaking, Success, Training | 3 Comments »

Hey, speakers–Here are 3 tips to improve presentations

Tuesday, February 8th, 2011

Michael Angelo Caruso Present Like a Pro DVDThe ability to make effective, persuasive presentations is almost an art form.

I often compare the art of presenting to a golf swing.  Both activities have a lot going on–and a lot that can go wrong.

Here are a few speaking tips to take your speaking to another level:

1. Personally greet people before you begin speaking. You’ll be much more effective if you build rapport with individual audience members in advance of your talk.  This is also a great way to settle your nerves, if you find yourself anxious prior to speaking.

2. Speak to the four different personality styles in your audience. Thinkers like to hear statistics, so give them facts and figures.  Directors like you to get to the bottom line; be succinct for them.  Relaters want you to identify with them, so tell stories.  Socializers want to have fun and laugh, so don’t take yourself too seriously.

3. End the speech using the same words and phrases you used at the beginning of your talk. This technique is called “bookending” and it’s the hallmark of a professional speaker.  Bookending helps you finish your talk with style and flair.

Thanks for your interest in self-improvement!  If you’d like to become a better presenter, it’s better to watch video than read a book on the subject.  Reading a book about speaking is like listening to the radio to learn how to dance.

That’s why I produced a DVD titled, Present Like a Pro, a 45-minute video that tells–and more importantly shows–my best speaking tips.  As always, you’ll get much more than you pay for with my products.  A 100% unconditional refund if you’re unhappy with this product for any reason.

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Posted in Career development, Communication, Creativity, Entertainment, Entreprenuers, Growing Your Business, Information products, Keynote, Leadership, Personal Development, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Speaking, Success | No Comments »

5 Cool Ideas–Speaking tips from the pros

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Rotaract talk in LA face right 0608 WEBImprove your presentations by modeling famous speakers.  Here are practical tips inspired by five great orators: John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Zig Ziglar, Bill Clinton and Robin Williams.

5 Cool Ideas–Speaking Tips From the Pros

1.  Say it in a special way. John F. Kennedy is known for his inspiring, almost poetic, phrasing.  JFK kept a notebook of inspiring quotations that he adopted and adapted in his speeches.  The famous phrase, “Ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country” was his, but JFK also borrowed verbiage from others.

Kennedy seldom credited to his primary speechwriter, Ted Sorensen, but you should always provide attribution when “borrowing” language from another person.

2.  Tell a good story. Everyone loves a good story.  Motivational speaker and legend, Zig Ziglar, mesmerized audiences with his funny and informative stories.  A Zig story could go on for five or six minutes as he interjected anecdotes, developed motifs and leveraged humor.

Zig used to drop to one knee for all of six minutes.  He would often prompt a rousing  ovation just for finally standing up again!

3.  Smile with your eyes. Words are important during presentations, but non-verbal cues are even more critical.  Bill Clinton uses a terrific technique I call “smiling eyes.”  He even used this strategy during his impeachment proceedings when he looked into the camera and said, “It depends on what your definition of the word ‘is’ is.”

4.  Tell the audience exactly what you want. So many speakers and presenters obscure their messages in fancy language and pretense.  Take a cue from Nike’s “Just do it” slogan and just say it.  Ronald Reagan was famous for his plain talk during speeches.

In 1987, Reagan spoke at at an event celebrating the 750th anniversary of Berlin.  He used the speech to directly appeal to Mikhail Gorbachev, then General Secretary of the Soviet Union’s Communist Party.  Reagan famously said, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

5.  Get emotional. Robin Williams is not a conventional presenter, that’s for sure.  What he lacks in diction and structure, he more than makes up for in energy and enthusiasm.  It’s hard to ignore a person who’s excited about his own message.

Williams presentations are an onslaught of ideas, foreign language accents and gesticulations that audience members cannot ignore.  Don’t try to replicate Robin’s wild man delivery.  Just amp up your emotion by speaking louder and moving your hands more.


Teleseminar May 25–How to Improve Your Presentations

Join Michael Angelo Caruso at 3:30 PM ET on Tuesday, May 25 to get more great tips for your next presentation.  Get more info and register here; ask questions toward the end of the call.  Invite your boss to attend at no extra charge.


Can’t attend the live program?

Order the audio CD on the same topic and listen as many times as you’d like.


Reprint the above article

You’re welcome to publish the above article in your corporate newsletter, on your Web site or blog.  Simply send a message here.

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Posted in Career development, Communication, Entertainment, Keynote, Leadership, Sales and Marketing, Self improvement, Selling, Speaking, Success, Training, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »