In 2016, Massachusetts citizens voted to legalize recreational marijuana use for adults aged 21 and older. But not everybody is welcoming the cannabis industry with open arms. Last night, a businessman who wants to open a retail shop and growing operation in my small Central Massachusetts town … [Read more...] about A little audience research goes a long way
The top 3 presentation tips for researchers and scientists
Recently, one of my newsletter subscribers asked me a question on behalf of his son, who's working on a Master's degree in genetics. By his own admission, he needs to make "better, more impactful presentations." I'm glad he asked, because knowing one has a problem is the first step in solving … [Read more...] about The top 3 presentation tips for researchers and scientists
How to break four bad speaker habits
I'm sure you've seen some public speakers who really inspired you with their confidence and their messages. I'm equally sure you've seen some cringeworthy performances. Often, it's the speakers' body language and the deliberate way they speak that make all the difference. Bad speaker habit #1: … [Read more...] about How to break four bad speaker habits
Try ditching your title slides!
A woman at my Toastmasters club is a self-avowed PowerPoint and presentation novice. So it came as something of a surprise to me that Elisabet recently taught me something about presentation design that I had never considered before. People often complain about suffering "death by PowerPoint." It … [Read more...] about Try ditching your title slides!
Do you show the forest or the trees?
Last night, my husband Mike and I had a wonderful time at a painting party. Although we hadn't received the unwritten memo about BYOB (or in this case BYOW), we managed to have fun following along with the instructor while he re-created a landscape painting of a beach. About halfway through, … [Read more...] about Do you show the forest or the trees?
Body language: Why it’s important
Many times, we presenters practice our speeches by memorizing our scripts. We think that by getting all of the words right, we'll be clearly communicating to our audience. But actually, your words are but one component of your presentation. You also need to be aware of your nonverbal communication. … [Read more...] about Body language: Why it’s important
Five ways to avoid presentation glitches
PowerPoint can be an excellent tool for presenters, but it can be a big distraction when things don’t go as planned. How well you prepare ahead of time and how you react to the inevitable technical glitches can mean the difference between being seen as a seasoned presenter and an inexperienced … [Read more...] about Five ways to avoid presentation glitches
Watch those pop culture references
Have you ever made a reference to popular culture in conversation only to have it land solidly on the floor with a dull thud? If you have kids, you know exactly what I'm talking about. (You: "Good night, John-Boy!" Your kid: "Who's John-Boy?") You might also have experienced this when talking to a … [Read more...] about Watch those pop culture references