APRIL 2014
www.michellebowden.com.au
IN THIS ISSUE Melina Schamroth shares her tips for presenting in business Break your FEAR of public speaking The truth about goals BLACK is back but buyer beware! Don’t dictate, COLLABORATE! STORYTELLING Secrets Happiness Facts What to do before you change a habit PowerPoint Tips Be GRATEFUL in April
PLUS: Book giveaway Success Stories www.michellebowden.com.au
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DIARY DATE
Michelle’s Update
Welcome to the April issue of How to Present! This issue is PERSUASIVE PRESENTATION packed with articles that will SKILLS MASTERCLASS assist you to present with greater confidence and influence at (2-day Public Program) work.
SYDNEY 2014 April 7-8 May 20-21 June 24-25 July 22-23 August 12-13
MELBOURNE 2014 November TBA BRISBANE 2014 April 15-16 To register or chat about your specific needs please email: michelle@michellebowden.com.au
WHO IS MICHELLE BOWDEN? Michelle is an expert in persuasive presentation skills in business. She has run her 2-day Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass over 640 times with more than 6400 people and she’s been nominated for Educator of the Year for 6 years running. Michelle is one of only 35 Australian females who is a Certified Speaking Professional the highest designation for speakers in the world. For a list of Michelle’s clients please go to: www.michellebowden.com.au
Our cover girl this month is an inspiration. Melina Shamroth aims to encourage, inspire and enable people to make a positive difference to their community and environment through creating opportunities for corporate community involvement and corporate social responsibility through her company m.a.d.woman. I know you’ll love her top tips for presenting this month. PLUS in this edition I’ve shared how to Break your FEAR of Public Speaking and Storytelling Secrets. David Penglase tells us the Truth about Goals. Ken Warren reminds us Don’t Dictate Collaborate. Robin Powis shares her insights on black fashion with a warning: Buyer Beware! Jan Terkelsen reminds us of the Number 1 Question you Must Ask Before you Change your Habits and Emma Veiga-Malta shares her gorgeous Happiness Facts. That’s not all though! I’ve included a special link for you to buy my best selling book How to Present: the ultimate guide to presenting your ideas and influence people using techniques that actually work. See inside for more details. Plus read some PowerPoint Delivery Tips, claim your FREE BOOK from my wonderful friend Graeme Cowan, and read some inspiring presentation Success Stories. It’s massive! So grab yourself a ’cuppa’, put your feet up and have a read! And most importantly, make sure you put the invaluable advice into immediate action so you see some fast results. Happy Presenting!
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Michelle Bowden’s Proven Presentation System 7KH XOWLPDWH JXLGH WR SUHVHQWLQJ \RXU LGHDV DQG LQĂ€XHQFLQJ SHRSOH using  techniques  that  actually  work Do  you  get  nervous  when  presenting  at  work? Do  you  want  to  showcase  your  knowledge,  LQĂ€XHQFH SHRSOH DQG DFFHOHUDWH \RXU FDUHHU" Would  you  like  to  learn  the  secrets  of  successful  speaking,  communicating  and  presenting? How  to  Present  UHYHDOV KRZ \RX FDQ EH D FRQÂżGHQW FOHDU DQG LQĂ€XHQWLDO SUHVHQWHU HYHU\ WLPH 3UHVHQWDWLRQ skills  expert  Michelle  Bowden  shares  her  internationally  proven  13-Âstep  system  to  exceptional  presenting,  starting  with  analysis  (plan  what  you  would  like  to  achieve),  then  design  (put  your  presentation  together)  and  delivery  FRPPXQLFDWH \RXU PHVVDJH IRU UHVXOWV Whether  you’re  presenting  or  speaking  to  one  person  or  thousands,  this  is  the  essential  guide  to  becoming  an  RXWVWDQGLQJ SUHVHQWHU
How  to  Present  will  help  you: ‡ 0D[LPLVH \RXU LPSDFW LQ PHHWLQJV ŕŻ˜FRQIHUHQFHV DQG FRQYHUVDWLRQV ‡ 0DQDJH \RXU QHUYHV VR \RX IHHO ŕŻ˜ŕŻ˜FDOP DQG FRQÂżGHQW ‡ (QJDJH \RXU DXGLHQFH DQG PDVWHU      the  art  of  persuasion  ‡ 'HOLYHU \RXU PHVVDJH FOHDUO\ DQG      with  authority  ‡ &RPPDQG DWWHQWLRQ DQG DFKLHYH      your  goals! Â
There is no other book on the market like this that will take you step-by-step through the process of successful presenting. — Steve Weston, Managing Director of Retail Lending, UK Retail and Business Banking division, Barclays
it now! Purchase your copyBuyhere
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SUCCESS STORIES! writing slides and then reading them out, or as Michelle puts it: ‘death by PowerPoint’.
EMILY CUNICH COMPLIANCE MANAGER, BOUTIQUES & INVESTMENTS
How did Michelle's program change your attitude to presenting in business? Michelle’s program definitely made me remember the fun side of presenting, even in a business context, and helped me to not dread having to present but rather enjoy it. In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills? The training I provide on regulatory requirements and compliance in the finance industry can be pretty dry. I was recently required to give this type of training to my external clients comprising investment professionals, executives and board members of boutique fund management businesses. Using the techniques I gained on Michelle’s course, I was confident going into the sessions and also received really positive feedback from those in attendance.
What kind of presenting do you do at work? I present to my team, other departments within my company and also to external clients. The type of presentation can vary from informative to training. Most recently, I have been giving training sessions to my external clients. What prompted you to attend Michelle's Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass? I decided to do Michelle’s course because, whilst I am a naturally confident speaker, I knew the presentations I had been giving were lacking something which was in turn making me nervous before presenting. I knew I wasn’t doing my best. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I knew that there had to be a better way than following the process of putting a presentation together by sitting down in front of PowerPoint and www.michellebowden.com.au
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since completing Michelle's training? Michelle’s techniques have really helped me to structure my presentations in a way that allows me to get my message across and maintain interest at the same time. It may sound obvious but this is not the easiest balance to achieve given the dry nature of the content that I need to cover. Michelle also reinforced the importance of using your personality when presenting. This was a significant ‘take-away’ point for me as the standard style of business presenting that I had learnt on the job had slowly but surely squashed my confidence in using my own personal style of expression for fear of not coming across as professional. I have a light hearted style of speaking and like to make jokes.
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SUCCESS STORIES! (CONT.) What were your top three take aways from Michelle's program? 1. Now I know how to draw out my key message in my own words and in a way that is meaningful for my audience.
better you deliver on the day. As a result I have been rehearsing more than I would have in the past and as it turns out she’s right!
2. I love Michelle’s 13 point structure to presentation design. This structure is a really quick way to help me set up my presentations in a way that keeps the audience engaged in the content throughout. 3. I understand the importance of rehearsal. This is an area where I could potentially let myself down. Michelle let me know that there’s no way around it, the more you rehearse the
YOU CAN’T PRESENT THAT! BY ANTONIA GRIMMARD When programmers created a presentation package called PowerPoint it was a godsend and a nightmare all rolled into one. Suddenly you were able to release your inner designer and showcase your animation skills to a broad audience. Unfortunately no one was game enough to tell you your presentations were dull, overloaded with effects and you were no Rembrandt! Now there are so many examples of dynamic presentations to draw inspiration from, there is no longer any excuse for presenting a lack-lustre effort for an important pitch or event. Your audience is too discerning for you to get away with that. So what do you do once you understand that your promotion or your sale can depend on a well thought out and engaging presentation? You call a presentation designer.
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A presentation designer will add visual impact and clarity to your message and ensure it is informative, entertaining and engaging. Stop wasting your time banging away at your presentation and delegate it to an expert and get on with what you are good at. Brought to you by AOK Creative Pty Ltd - your presentation experts. aok@aok.com.au
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BREAK YOUR FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Glossophobia is something you may be able to relate to. It’s the fear of public speaking. And you probably know that most people feel very anxious or nervous before important presentations. For many people, this anxiety can extend to informal team meetings or one on one presentations to colleagues and clients, even if such events occur regularly. Not everyone experiences glossophobia, but most people feel nervous when they care about an important presentation they have to make. The reason this nervousness is no good at all is it will hold you back in your career and life. When you’re very nervous you are less likely to speak up so people won’t even know you have something valuable to say. When you’re nervous you don’t speak as credibly as you’d like, your voice shakes, your face goes red and you won’t think as clearly as you’d like to. Then other people take the credit for your hard work. When you’re nervous and you force yourself to speak up often it comes out all muddled so your stakeholder is not persuaded - then you end up feeling incompetent, embarrassed and cross with yourself for stuffing it up. How do I know this? Well I’ve worked with thousands of people who experience disabling nervousness on a regular basis. Prior to working with me some of them have taken beta-blockers
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just to be able to do their job, one girl just kept fainting, and most people describe an inability to think clearly and the cringe-worthy selfconsciousness. If you are one of the many people who feels nervous before a presentation or business pitch you will probably know that nervousness can present itself in a variety of different forms. Symptoms can be as mild as sweaty palms, a dry mouth, blushing or a thumping heart beat, through to physical illnesses such as the shakes, vomiting or fainting (to name just a few!). No wonder public speaking is considered to be up there with some of the greatest fears in the world! These awful symptoms can significantly reduce the amount of enjoyment you derive from communicating at a high level with others and often leads to your desire to dramatically improve your presentation skills. Well it’s time for some good news. Presenting can be fun! Managing nerves is mostly to do with your approach, regardless of whether you are presenting at work or to a huge conference audience.
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BREAK YOUR FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING (CONT.) Fight or flight In 1915 the concept of fight or flight was developed by Dr Walter Connon to describe an animal’s response to threat. Essentially you can think of it like this: when you are faced with stress (presenting is very stressful for many people) you have two choices: 1. Fight it. You can fight it, in other words, you can soldier on and push through your discomfort to beat the feeling. If you fight, you can make the most of the opportunities that present, and step up and be heard so people know what you are capable of. 2. Run away. You could choose to flee, that is, you could run away, avoid presenting, and delegate the job to a colleague. If you flee you will avoid the conflict, but you will also pass up the chance to showcase your professional expertise so no one will know what you actually think or feel about the subject and you may find yourself being passed over for future opportunities.
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Couple this understanding of fight or flight from Dr Connon with a concept described by Dr Hans Selye, who discovered that as humans we experience two main kinds of stress. Dr Selye called these two types distress and eustress. Distress is the bad or negative kind of stress that weakens and disables you. Eustress is a positive or good stress that enables you and makes you powerful. The main way to turn your distress into eustress is to use the power of your mind and your selftalk, and reframe in your mind that you are a strong and confident presenter and you will do a great job today. Understandably, most people would love to ‘eliminate’ the feeling of nervousness when they present or pitch. Whilst some people say it’s good to have some nervousness I tend to disagree. I believe that it’s good to have endorphins and some adrenalin pumping through your body before a presentation – this helps you to perform at your best. But nervousness – who needs it?
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BREAK YOUR FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING (CONT.) Don’t even think about picturing your audience naked! You can use a number of excellent techniques to reduce your nerves and increase your enjoyment of presenting, and they don’t include imagining your audience naked! What a laugh! I’ve been told stories time and again of presenters who were told by their boss to imagine their audience naked, and they either froze on the stage or felt more nervous than ever. In fact, unbelievably I overheard a mother advising her 5 year old to imagine everyone naked (this was the best advise she could think of I suppose) at the local school public speaking competition last year OMG! Imagining the audience naked won’t work, so please don’t do it! So, it’s time for some good news. Presenting should be fun! Presentation Skills can be learnt. Managing nervousness is mostly to do with your approach, regardless of whether you are presenting one on one to a client or to a large audience in a conference environment. There are a number of excellent techniques that you can use to reduce your nerves and increase your enjoyment when presenting.
Each of these techniques help you feel more confident and ‘ready’ for your presentation. Do these things and you will stand out – head and shoulders above your colleagues and competitors! Happy Presenting!!! About Michelle Bowden Michelle Bowden is Australia’s presentation and influencing skills expert and one of only 35 female Certified Speaking Professionals in Australia. This is the highest designation for speakers in the world. Michelle is the author of How to Present: the ultimate guide to presenting your ideas and influencing people using techniques that actually work (Wiley), and STOP! Your PowerPoint is Killing Me! For further tips and techniques to dramatically improve the way you communicate, present and influence please visit www.michellebowden.com.au
Here are some of my presentation skills tips for you: 1. Think about your audience before you design your message. 2. Structure your message with your audience in mind. 3. Rehearse. 4. Relax your muscles so that you aren’t holding tension in your body. 5. Breathe deeply. 6. Focus on your audience. 7. Use the power of your mind.
www.michellebowden.com.au
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THE TRUTH ABOUT GOALS BY DAVID PENGLASE My son Anthony has definitely inherited the entrepreneurial gene. Before he had finished high school he had started his graphic design business Penglase Creative and as he entered university launched a second business called Citifect Clothing. He recently reminded me of something a careers counsellor had told him at high school. She had said 'without goals you'll never feel successful'. What great advice that was. I am amazed at how many people I meet at conferences who sort of agree. You see: It's easy to agree that goal setting is important. It's easy to set goals. It's easy to write goals down.... .....but goal setting isn't enough. In Napoleon Hill’s lesser known book "The Master Key To Riches" he perfectly outlines the importance of goal setting.
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Hill writes: "Humans are aspirational goal seeking beings" The need to have aspirational goals to which we are working toward achieving is an innate driver of all human beings. And it is this that highlights why so many people feel something is missing in their lives....that they are unfulfilled.....that they sense there is something else for them, but that they're just not sure what it is. So today I simply remind and encourage you to set, write, and pursue aspirational goals. Oh....and if you're still a skeptic of goal setting, I'd simply ask you this question.....where's your evidence that goal setting is not a good idea......because I can show you HEAPS of evidence that it is.....but have never found any that proves it isn't. Happy goal setting. www.intentionomics.com
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HAPPINESS FACTS BY EMMA VEIGA-MALTA Happiness Facts... Denmark is ranked the world's happiest country...Australia sits at a happy enough No.10. Being creative and e x p r e s s i n g ourselves makes us happy (well, we knew that already, didn't we!) Â Small talk reduces our happiness by 30% Happiness, like yawning, is contagious. The more you hug your children, the happier they will be as adults. Five random acts of kindness in a week will increase your happiness for up to 3 months.
"Happiness is the secret to all beauty. There is no beauty without happiness" Christian Dior. "Happiness is not ready-made. It comes from your own actions" Dalai Lama www.mybespokechair.com
THE PERFECT GIFT.... Do you know someone who is going on parental leave? Do you want to give them a gift they will cherish forever? Why not give them the gift of design; a gift voucher from 'My Bespoke Chair'?
Visit www.mybespokechair.com to purchase a beautifully wrapped gift voucher.
I am personally so excited about this fabulous on-line service. 'My Bespoke Chair' is a designyour-perfect-chair website, where YOU are the designer. Design your perfect chair online and they will create it. Right here in Australia. Your colleague can personally design a chair for their baby's room, which will grow with the child and be loved for a lifetime. Isn’t that gorgeous? www.michellebowden.com.au
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DON’T POKE AT THE SCREEN WHEN USING SLIDES! BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Oh my goodness! Iʼve just read an article from someone claiming to be an ʻexpertʼ in presentation skills who suggests to the reader that “what you touch you own”. This writer advised that you must touch your screen when pointing out key facts on your slides. This way you will ʻownʼ the data and control the audienceʼs attention. What a complete nonsense! Hereʼs another way of looking at it. When presenting with slides as a visual aid your main goal is to avoid split attention. Split attention is that phenomena you have experienced when you attend a presentation with slides. Itʼs where you find yourself looking at the presenter, then the slides, then the presenter and so on so like you might in a tennis match. We know from Swellerʼs theory of cognitive load that your audience cannot listen, and look, and watch you, and think, and understand what youʼre talking about all at the same time.
An alternative is to put up the slide and move to the opposite side of the room or stage. Turn your body towards the slide and gesture to the slide. Look at the slide not the audience when you do this. It indicates to your audience that they should look at the slide too. Talk them through what youʼve got up there for no longer than 10 seconds and then walk back to the center of the room and blank your screen using the ʻbʼ key on the computer or the ʻblankʼ button on your remote. If there is something very important to point out in a busier slide (not that your slides should be busy!) then be sure to colour code that important thing and refer to it by colour: “you can see in the yellow circle....” When you do this your audience will look at the yellow circle so thereʼs no need for you to cast ugly shadows on your screen or poke at the screen in an unprofessional manner. Have a go and see how much better this is for you and your audience. Happy presenting! www.michellebowden.com.au
SHHH JUST LISTEN.... BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Sometimes we spend too much time speaking at our stakeholders when in fact we should instead try the art of listening. UK improvisation expert and speaker John Cremer says whenever he has the unbearable urge to talk he asks three open ended questions. This helps him to develop deeper relationships, more trust and new opportunities more quickly. www.michellebowden.com.au www.michellebowden.com.au
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BLACK IS BACK BUT BUYER BEWARE BY ROBIN POWIS All over Black is the new neutral. It comes in different shapes, textures and cuts. In high shine or matt this forever hue looks stylish in pure wool, crisp cotton, luxurious leather, sumptuous silk or lace. Monochrome from head to toe is right on trend and sizzles on Victoria Beckman or Angelina Jolie with their stunning dark looks. Or a man in a dinner suit always looks debonair and suave.
Black for the fair-haired Indulge in classic pieces like black tailored wool trousers, well cut skirt, shiny black shoes, black leather belt or a signature handbag, briefcase or wallet. Add your best colour to complement it. Girls wear makeup, show some skin (if appropriate), wear in a sheer or lace, add sparkling jewellery and a soft hairdo. Guys leave it for cocktails and invest only in black accessories like beautiful brogues, gentleman’s umbrella, the finest black socks or a classy belt.
Black evokes strength, looks assertive but can be a barrier when trying to communicate at work. However for those with fair hair or a softer look, buyer b e w a r e . B l a c k To wear colours to suit your personal colouring call instantly ages you and over shadows you. R o b i n o n 0 4 1 9 4 6 8 2 7 2 o r v i s i t Therefore only wear black below the waist to look www.defininingstyle.com.au more alive.
DON’T LEAVE STRAIGHT AWAY! BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Audience members (and conference organisers) expect you to hang around for a few minutes after your presentation. When you stay after your presentation it allows a number of things to happen: Audience members can ask in-depth questions that were not appropriate to discuss during your presentation.
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Shy audience members will have time and space to ask you a question they need answered. Both you and audience members who may be interested in what you do will be able to exchange details. You will have a chance to thank the conference organiser for including you in their conference.
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THE STRUCTURE OF A GOOD STORY BY MICHELLE BOWDEN We know that stories bring our content to life and help our audience to remember our key messages which makes us remarkable – worthy of remark around the dinner table at night. You can extract a story from: •
anecdotes, metaphors, analogies, examples, case studies, legends, fairytales, myths, your personal and professional life, magazines, newspapers, journals, movies, family, friends and clients’ lives (with their permission of course), children’s stories and fables.
People often tell me they are afraid of telling a story because it’s not very professional. On the contrary, the right story can increase your professionalism because it can reinforce your experience and trustworthiness = your credibility. There are many courses around that you can do to become a good storyteller. It’s really quite simple though, if you’d like to tell stories try Dale Carnegie’s Magic Formula Story. It is a really simple 3-part technique to use for telling stories. Here’s what you do: •
•
•
What else do I have to remember when I tell stories? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6.
7.
8.
Love your story and tell it like you own it! Talk with your audience not at them. Keep the story short! Make sure the story is relevant! Use your gestures, stage emotive language and vocal emphasis when you tell your stories, so the story is exciting for your audience and to ensure you pull your audience into the story with you. Aim to create a Referential Index Shift. This is a fancy name that means the storyteller’s reference becomes the reference of the audience member. In other words — your story becomes their story! Practise with your friends before delivering it to a business audience. Your friends love you and be more forgiving! Listen to other storytellers as much as possible. You’ll learn heaps about what to do and what not to do. Happy Presenting! www.michellebowden.com.au
Incident. Tell the story — this is where you deliver a short, interesting account (the incident) to your audience. Point. You know how some storytellers tell the story, tell the story and tell the story. And you sit there thinking, ‘get to the point’! Well, it’s really important that you deliver the point of your story. Don’t assume it’s obvious to your audience. Benefit. This is where you link your story, and the point of your story, to the people in your audience who are listening to your story.
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GRATEFUL IN APRIL BY MELINA SCHAMROTH At times, global and personal events can leave us feeling overwhelmed. Here’s a way to help change that – check out Grateful in April, a free month long program to help you feel good about what you already have in your life. Initially launched as a social experiment conceived by Melbourne social entrepreneur, speaker, and author Melina Schamroth, the Grateful in April campaign is fast becoming an annual must-do for people all around the world. Grateful in April encourages people to spend 30 days developing positive-thinking habits, ultimately aiming to establish an on-going ‘attitude of gratitude’ in everyday life. “People simply sign-up online for free and receive 30 days of tips and hints for developing a positive outlook on life,” Melina says.
People can get more Grateful in April inspiration by following the campaign on Facebook and Twitter. Grateful in April is a non-for-profit, annual campaign that complements the objectives of Melina’s own, multi-award-winning business m.a.d.woman - making a difference and charity, the m.a.d.woman foundation. m.a.d.woman aims to encourage, inspire and enable people to make a positive difference to their community and environment through creating opportunities for corporate community involvement and corporate social responsibility. Her programs have helped more than 300,000 people to date. http://madwoman.com.au/ http://gratefulinapril.com/
“The reality is life can be tough. Grateful in April provides people with an opportunity t o re g a i n s o m e positivity in their lives by celebrating even the most basic of things like having a roof over your head and food in the fridge.” “We want people thinking and acting in ways that make them f e e l g re a t about themselves and the world around them,” Melina says.
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CONFIDENT SPEAKING VOCALS–AUDIO
A confident, persuasive speaking voice lies within you! Many of us know someone who has a strong, rich, resonant voice. Maybe it’s an actor like Sean Connery or Cate Blanchett. At some point you may have found yourself wishing that you could enhance your vocal quality and projection so you were more compelling, influential and persuasive when speaking in meetings, persuading your manager, or selling to your clients. Well you know it’s possible, and it’s easy! Creating a rich, resonant influential voice is all about warming up your voice, and this CD will take you through the warm-ups that actually work one by one. Enjoy!
HOW TO PRESENT–TIPS FROM THE MASTERS–AUDIO SERIES
Fast-track your presentation and speaking skills success by discovering the presentation secrets of 14 of Australia’s top conference keynote presenters. What would be possible for your career and income if you absorbed the wisdom of Australia’s top speaking professionals and could learn from their tips and their mistakes? Well, now you can in this series of insightful interviews by Australia’s #1 Presentation Skills Expert–Michelle Bowden. Learn critical presentation tips from the amazing: Amanda Gore, Lisa McInnes-Smith, Glenn Capelli, Alan Parker, Siimon Reynolds, Rodney Marks, Sam Cawthorn, Marty Wilson, Terry Hawkins, Dale Beaumont, Catherine DeVrye, David Penglase, Avril Henry and Bruce Sullivan.
EXCEPTIONAL PRESENTATION DESIGN–DVD
You can design an exceptional presentation in a minimum amount of time! Imagine how helpful it would be if you could have your very own coach taking you through the design process for an exceptional presentation. That’s exactly what this DVD is for! If you have a presentation to write, simply play this DVD and Michelle Bowden will coach you through the design of an exceptional presentation from beginning to end. It couldn’t be simpler! An ideal accompaniment to Michelle’s book How to Present, you’ll be reminded how to identify the purpose of your presentation, analyse your audience and design a powerful message that influences your audience to change their thinking and/or behaviour using techniques that actually work!
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DON’T DICTATE - COLLABORATE! BY KEN WARREN We all like strong leaders – people who are very clear about direction, who can make tough decisions when needed, and use their strength as a force for good. But we also know leaders who use their power in unhelpful ways – those who call all the shots, who impose their decisions on others, and act in controlling or manipulative ways to get what they want. There are times for leaders to be decisive, of course, such as unpopular changes that need to be implemented, when health and safety is a concern, or when there is a very urgent matter requiring a speedy decision. There is also a time for those in leadership to make decisions independently, such as those relating to a team member’s performance or other confidential matters. However, problems tend to arise when an authoritative decision-making style is overused. Team members who do not get any say on decisions that affect them often feel disrespected, controlled, and devalued. What tends to help is when decisive decision-making is balanced with collaborative decision-making. I often see this in high-performing workplaces I visit, where challenges are brought to the team and there is a discussion around, ‘How are we going to make this work?’ In functional workplaces, when there is disagreement, people feel free to respectfully share their perspective and there is a focus on solutions for the future that take into account everyone’s perspective, where possible. People don’t always have to have the same opinions, but they do need to agree on the way forward – that is, if they are going to have harmonious relationships. Sometimes, leaders mistake consultation for collaboration. Being asked for your opinion is very good, but it is even better when you are in a position to make decisions that affect your role. www.michellebowden.com.au
Yes, talking with team members does take time. It can slow down decision-making. And such meetings need to be managed well so people feel free to speak up, one person does not dominate, and such meetings do not degenerate into personal attacks or a ‘whinge-fest’. But the benefits of collaboration are also there. Firstly, there is certainly greater ownership of solutions generated by the team. People are more cooperative with change in which they h a v e h a d a s a y. A n d i t i s h a rd e r f o r obstinate individuals to continue going their own way when there is a consensus by the majority to move forward in an agreed direction. Generating solutions also allows the diverse strengths in your team to be better accessed. People are more than just their duty statement and bring with them a range of abilities as well as experience in their role. Furthermore,
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DON’T DICTATE - COLLABORATE! (CONT.) creative, often better, solutions are generated than would otherwise have been the case. This is one of the mistakes made by decisive people – thinking that the first solution they have generated is the best one. Collaboration is also very disarming of highpower individuals who now have some power over decisions that affect them. Team members in general also feel properly listened to, respected and valued. Even when team members do not get what they originally wanted, they can at least get some of what they needed – explanations, a conversation, and the opportunity to be heard. Remember that the more we can give people a say in decisions that affect them, the happier
the team members, and the more effective the team. Ken Warren is a Relationships Specialist who helps teams to perform at their very best. Check out all of his FREE resources at www.positivepeoplesolutions.com.au
FREE BOOK GIVE AWAY BY GRAEME COWAN On July 24th, 2004, author Graeme Cowan took pen to paper and said goodbye to his family. “I just can’t be a burden any longer,” he wrote. Thank goodness he was unsuccessful. Then, after four failed suicide attempts, and a five-year episode of depression that his psychiatrist described as the worst he had ever treated, Cowan set out on a difficult journey back from the brink. Since then, he has dedicated his life to helping others struggling with depression and bipolar disorder—and that is how this book came to be. If you have severe depression or bipolar disorder, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Featuring interviews with people from of all walks of life, Back from the Brink is filled with real stories of hope and healing, information about treatment options and medication, and tools for putting what you've learned into practice. If you are ready to put one foot in front of the other and finally set out on the path to recovery, the powerful stories here will inform and inspire you to make lasting change. The book includes a special foreword by actress Glenn Close, and features in-depth interviews with former US Representative Patrick Kennedy; television talk-show host Trisha Goddard; director of public policy at Google Bob Boorstin; former chief advisor to Tony Blair and many more. To claim your very own copy of Back from the Brink be one of the first 3 to email michelle@michellebowden.com.au with the words Back from the Brink in the subject line. www.michellebowden.com.au
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TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER MELINA SCHAMROTH m.a.d woman
Never begin with an apology such as, “Sorry, this is someone else’s presentation”. You will put the audience offside before you begin. Try to meet some of the audience before you begin - it will feel less like you are talking to a group of strangers. Smile. Smile. Smile. Unless you are delivering bad news. Be very careful when telling jokes so as not to alienate your audience.
Social entrepreneur, speaker and author Melina Schamroth founded the multi-awardwinning enterprise m.a.d.woman (making a difference), the m.a.d.woman Foundation and the international campaign Grateful in April. m.a.d.woman won the National 2011 Telstra Business Award for being the most socially responsible business in Australia. Last year Melina was named one of the 40 Most Inspiring Women over 40 in Australia by Prevention magazine and awarded The CEO M a g a z i n e E x e c u t i v e o f t h e Ye a r f o r Community Contribution http://madwoman.com.au/ http://gratefulinapril.com/
Call any ‘elephants’ in the room to diffuse attention to a bad or awkward situation (humour can often help). Deliver unpaid presentations in the same way you would for a paying client. Ensure you can deliver your presentation without slides in case of a power cut or computer failure. Speak from the heart and you will inspire others.
On the exciting occasion of ‘Grateful in April’ let’s take a look at Melina’s tips for us when speaking in business: Be passionate about your subject matter. Even dry content can be entertaining and interesting when delivered well. Keep slides and handouts – and their content - to a bare minimum. www.michellebowden.com.au
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NO. 1 QUESTION TO ANSWER BEFORE YOU CHANGE ANY HABIT BY JAN TERKELSEN Answer this question. Why? Look at your life, your situation and ask yourself seriously, why do you want this?, why is it important to you? If you have enough why’s the how’s will take care of itself. You will find a way. See, you need to be able to create an outcome for yourself, the why has to be based on what you want, not on what you don’t want. When we base it on what we don’t want, like not wanting to be overweight, and then we attempt to change a habit, we loose some weight and then many of us give up. There have been many books written about how to loose the last 5 kilos. Why, because we have “solved” the problem.
I want to handle all the demands placed on me at work and not feel slammed at the end of the day. In order to change any habit you literally have to become a different person. You will need to change the way you think and feel about the activity you want to transform. This is where it gets challenging. First things first, let’s start with this, why do you want to change? Get the conversation happening in your head and let your body know to be ready for some changes. www.janterkelsen.com
However, if we look at it from the perspective of creating an outcome, like: I want to be fit, strong and healthy so I can be role model for my children. I want to have enough energy to be the best at what I do.
TESTIMONIAL about Michelle’s training: FROM FIONAL GOLINELLI, BUSINESS ADVISER AND TRAINER, RETAIL FORCE "Attending Michelle's course last year has transformed the way I prepare and deliver my training workshops. Her course provides structure so I left knowing exactly what to do - and what 'not' to do. Her engaging and motivating style makes you believe you will conquer your next big presentation without any sweaty palms. Thanks Michelle." For more information on Michelle’s coaching or training go to www.michellebowden.com.au
www.michellebowden.com.au
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YOU
IS IT TIME IMPROVED YOUR PRESENTATION SKILLS? COME JOIN ME! Dramatically improve the way you present and influence. Attend one of my Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclasses in 2014 and change your life!
then practice, then lear n something then practice… Group sizes are limited to only 10 people per program.
BRISBANE: 15-16 April (3 places left!) MELBOURNE: TBA
Risk free approach to a subject most people find ‘daunting’!
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: TBA
Risk free - 100% moneyback guarantee.
Plenty of time for you to get personal one-on-one time with Michelle’s during the program.
CANBERRA: TBA
Endorsed by thousands of people from over a hundred corporations around Australia.
A d d r e s s y o u r s p e c i fi c , personal needs.
Interactive and personalised.
Learning with lots of laughter.
To chat about your specific needs or receive more information please email Michelle directly:
Seriously, it’s a life changing
experience!
Facilitated by Michelle Bowden who has over 20 years experience running her programs and who has been nominated for Educator of the Year for the last 4 years. Absorb yourself in a generative and experiential approach. Learn something
Techniques are embedded so you remember them decades later. SYDNEY: 7-8 April 20-21 May 24-25 June 22-23 July 12-13 August 16-17 September
michelle@michellebowden.com.au
There’s no need for you to fear public speaking. Please don’t miss a career opportunity ever again because you couldn’t speak up! Anyone can be an exceptional presenter in business - 100% guaranteed.
TESTIMONIAL about Michelle’s training: FROM MIKE ZISSLER, CEO, LIFELINE CANBERRA "Michelle is the consummate professional and an absolute delight to work with. Her upbeat presentation style ensures we are all smiling and most importantly getting the message. Working with Michelle is a pleasure and the knowledge and skills she demonstrates and shares through her presentations and workshops are both enlightening and fun." For more information on Michelle’s coaching or training go to www.michellebowden.com.au
www.michellebowden.com.au
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BOOK OF THE MONTH this must-read business book was in the best sellers list for all of last year. Go to my website
CD OF THE MONTH
GIFTS
Thinking of improving your presentation skills but don’t want to go on a training program? You need to grab a copy of How to Present - Tips from the Master. Tips from 14 of Australia’s top public speakers. Go to my website
Beautiful packaging for your next conference or client gift mailout. Vandoros Fine Packaging. www.vandoros.com.au
AMBIENCE
FITNESS
Like driving on a windy Italian road overlooking the stunning ocean, Glasshouse Amalfi Coast will excite and relax in unison. With Freesia, Lavender and Lime, it’s as invigorating as an afternoon siesta.
Spin (also variously known as cycle classes or RPM) has taken the world of gyms by storm, combining low levels of embarrassment — it's conducted in low-lighting studios — with music and one of the biggest fat-burning workouts you can get.
MICHELLE LOVES...
Here are some of my favourite things for you
BEAUTY
BRAIN FITNESS
La Source 60 Second Fix for Hands. Restore dry, parched hands to silky smoothness in just two easy steps.
Online sudoku! http://sudoku.com.au/
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BEAUTY Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm is super-nourishing and loaded with mango and shea butters. Just what dry, delicate lips need to feel comfortably soft and smooth.
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Photo Gallery
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