Speeches and Presentations: Know the Differences

One of the key attributes of the key professional is the influence they have over people and organizations...influence that positively impacts, mentors, and inspires those around them. In this edition of Communication Matters With Richard McKeown, listen to a discussion of the distinctions between Influence and Power. They are practical and are excellent for anyone to keep in mind as they consider their own level of influence, and even the legacy they will leave behind.

Why is it that in media interviews some people come across as calm, assured and credible, and others look and sound more like a witness for the defense? One important reason is that they engage the issue...not merely respond to the question. Listen to this episode of Communication Matters With Richard McKeown as Richard discusses how to engage and address the issue contained in a question...and in the process they answer the question and do it in a way that projects confidence and credibility. It's a simple but important skill that can make all the difference in a media interview. Richard McKeown is an communications coach, trainer and conference speaker with clients throughout the United States. Contact him at [email protected].

In this final installment on Four Fatal Flaws of Presentations, Richard McKeown talks about the importance of one of the most important parts of a presenttion: its closing. Far too many closings are little more than awkward exit strategies that overlook the need...and opportunity...to tie the presentation to the interests of the audience, lay out next steps and reiterate the purpose of the presentation in the first place. Listen to this installment for ways to make sure you don't lose the game in the last two minutes before walking off the field. For a free PDF of this and other installments of the Four Fatal Flaws of Presentations, email Richard McKeown at [email protected]. When you email, please include your name, title and professional affiliation. For more information, visit www.RichardMcKeown.com

In this third installment of four, Richard McKeown discusses how to use, and not use, visual support items in business presentations. The proper role of visuals, their information and how to make sure visuals complement the presenter and presentation, not drive them are among the topics. Listen and apply these insightful tips to make sure your visual support items halp and not hinder your ability to communicate with your audience.

Effective presenters rehearse their presentations. In this second installment in his series "Four Fatal Flaws of Presentations" Richard McKeown discusses the essential need to rehearse presentations and offers insights on how to rehearse effectively. "Four Fatal Flaws of Presentations" is a four-part series that examines key reasons presentations fail and how presenters can and should avoid them. Communication Matters is hosted by Richard McKeown, a communications coach, counselor, trainer and conference speaker. The podcast deals with facing the media, preparing and delivering effective business presentations, communicating in a crisis, and developing Leadership Presence.

Recent events remind us of the importance of preparing for a crisis. In this Special Edition of Communication Matters With Richard McKeown, Richard takes us through basic essentials for effectively navigating through a crisis situation. The stakes are much too high not to invest the time and resources necessary to adequately prepare for when crisis hits your organization. Listen to this episode and consider if you and your organization have taken the steps Richard outlines...and others...to be sure you are ready. To request a transcript of this podcast, send an email with your name, title, and email to [email protected].

This first installment in a four-part series entitled "4 Fatal Flaws of Presentations" devles into a common mistake presenters make...thinking they are the audience. Richard McKeown offers valuable insight into avoiding this tendency of many presenters, and how to make sure that your business presentations hit the mark for your audiences. Listen to this first installment of "4 Fatal Flaws..." and tune in each week for the following three weeks to listen to the entire series.

If like most people you avoid speaking in front of people like the plague, this episode of Communication Matters is for you. Richard McKeown points out three key differences between a "speech" and a "presentation" that will help you manage your fears and develop more comfort and confidence when you stand and deliver before groups large and small.