How to present feb 2014

FEBRUARY 2014

www.michellebowden.com.au

IN THIS ISSUE USA Speaker Juliann Stitick shares her tips for presenting in business 10 Wellbeing Agreements Essential Qualities of a People Manager Dealing with PassiveAggressive Colleagues Do what you say you’ll do Impromptu Speaking Tip PowerPoint Tips Managing Disruptive Audiences TOP Interview Tips Stage Lighting Tips

PLUS: FREE book giveaway Success Stories www.michellebowden.com.au

How to Present Magazine

FEBRUARY 2014

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DIARY DATE INFLUENTIAL PRESENTATION SKILLS MASTER CLASS (2-day Public Program) SYDNEY February 18-19, 2014 FULL March 18-19, 2014 April 8-9 MELBOURNE March 18-19, 2014 BRISBANE April 15-16, 2014

BUSINESS WRITING SKILLS (1-day Public Program) SYDNEY June 20, 2014 To register or chat about your specific needs please email: michelle@michellebowden.com.au

WHO IS MICHELLE BOWDEN? Michelle is an expert in influential presentation skills in business. She has run her 2-day Influential Presentation Skills program over 635 times with many thousands of 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

Michelle’s Update Happy New Year! And a cheerful welcome to the February issue of How to Present. This issue is packed with articles that will assist you to communicate with greater confidence and influence.

This year brings a new public program you need to know about.

Due to popular demand I’m running my Refresher Program for the alumni of my 2-day Presentation Skills Programs as a public workshop. the investment is only $595+ GST per person (or $2500 for 5 delegates from the same company) and it's perfect for you if you have completed my initial training, loved the experience and want to: refresh and remember; learn more advanced content; and be inspired to continue the journey to masterful communication. This program is consistently rated the best on the planet - you’ll LOVE it! I'm so excited about this program please come along and perhaps you could spread the word for me?

Our cover girl Juliann Stitick, from the US, gives us her top oscar styling tips to help us put our best foot forward this year. PLUS in this edition I’ve shared some of my Tips for that next Job Interview, plus how to Manage Disruptive Audiences, tips for Impromptu Speaking and Business Writing. And I’ve included some Stage Lighting Tips for you to! Greg Mowbray reminds us to Do what you say you’ll do.

Graeme Cowan explains why Meaning is more important than Happiness, while Ken Warren gives us some ideas on Managing Passive-Aggressive Colleagues and Jan Terkelsen reminds us about the Essential Qualities of a People Manager. And you can read some inspiring presentation Success Stories.

Please tell me what you’d like to see in the pages of How to Present support@michellebowden.com.au next time and do consider forwarding this magazine to your friends and family - I appreciate your support - thank you.

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!

www.michellebowden.com.au

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Michelle Bowden’s Proven Presentation System 7KH XOWLPDWH JXLGH WR SUHVHQWLQJ \RXU LGHDV DQG LQÀXHQFLQJ SHRSOH using  techniques  that  actually  work Do  you  get  nervous  when  presenting  at  work?

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Whether  you’re  presenting  or  speaking  to  one  person  or  thousands,  this  is  the  essential  guide  to  becoming  an  RXWVWDQGLQJ SUHVHQWHU

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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! RACHEL LEONG TECHNICAL STRATEGY MANAGER ASTERON LIFE

What prompted you to attend Michelle's Influential Presentation Skills program?

I have always had an issue with public speaking, and as a result more recently I have felt that my reluctance to present was probably holding me back in my career. I realised that to move forward and create more visibility for myself and enhance my personal brand, it was critical that I learn how to overcome my fear of speaking in front of people. Michelle’s program seemed the ideal way for me to overcome my fear and learn ways to really stand out for al the right reasons.

How did Michelle's program change your attitude to presenting in business?

Rachel Leong is degree qualified (BCA (finance) and BSC (mathematics), New Zealand) and has gained the ADFS (Financial Planning). Rachel has managed the Asteron Technical team for three years, while continuing to remain abreast of legislative changes affecting super, insurance, tax, social security, estate planning and aged care. Rachel enjoys writing for external media on technical strategies and has gained considerable experience in developing and delivering financial planning strategy tools for advisers.

What kind of presenting do you do at work?

I present in many different ways. I present informally when catching up with my team members in their one-on-ones, team meetings or meetings with other stakeholders in the business. I also present more formally at adviser Professional Development days and Financial Planning Conferences.

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Michelle’s program helped in many ways. Not only did I get to see that most people find presenting a difficult task, I also learnt practical steps on how to overcome my nerves. The most important part was nailing the introduction. Once you have a well designed, audience focused introduction the rest of the message falls neatly into place.

In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved from improving your presentation skills?

The two days following Michelle’s presentation course I presented at two different Professional Development days. It was ideal timing to be able to try out my new skills so quickly after learning from Michelle.

Knowing that I had the tools provided by Michelle up my sleeve, I definitely presented with MUCH more confidence! I also knew that I had covered all my bases regarding what content should be included in the actual presentation.

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SUCCESS STORIES! (CONT.) attending Michelle’s training, I am more confident using Michelle’s logical and formal structure to refer to now, because it ensures I stick to the plan and present well every time.

I also have practical ways to deal with nerves and an understanding that not many people enjoy presenting so I should give myself a break!

Regarding my team, we have implemented the design principles that Michelle teaches in all our presentations so that everyone in the team will be able to deliver the same presentation.

What were your top three take aways from Michelle's program?

Now that I am able to present formally, I have shown my manager that I am a more valuable resource who is able to add much more value to the business.

In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since completing Michelle's training?

I’m more aware of the elements required for a robust presentation. While I believe that I covered most of these elements prior to

Cover the ‘why’, ‘what’, ‘how’ and ‘what else’ when trying to influence anyone in any situation – whether this be in an informal one-on-one, when writing articles or through a formal PD presentation.

Pacing and leading is a great way to create a compelling introduction.

Practise is what makes a great presentation!

TESTIMONIAL about Michelle’s training:

BY MICHELLE BOWDEN FROM BILL VAN NIEROP, DIRECTOR, AG EXCELLENCE

"Michelle's program delivered so much more than I expected. All I could think after the program was 'WOW'! Michelle is not only an enthusiastic presenter, she actually delivers real presentation skills and knowledge in a way that makes transfer back to your daily role successful. I now use many of the skills on a daily basis, particularly in the preparation and development of training presentations and business proposals. Plus it was a load of fun!"

For more information on Michelle’s coaching or training please go to www.michellebowden.com.au

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How to Present Magazine

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TOP TIPS FOR THAT NEXT JOB INTERVIEW

BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Congratulations! The time has come to get out there and find yourself a new job. With everything else going on in your life it might seem a bit daunting.

Lots of people tell me that they get nervous prior to an interview because they don’t know what to expect. So plan, prepare and practice some of your answers to the obvious questions and you’ll be likely to nail that job you covet!

Here are a few simple tips to help you on your way in an interview: 1. Analyse your audience. Do some research on the company and your interviewer. Ask yourself: “what will they be thinking, feeling and doing when I arrive?” and then work out what you want them to be thinking, feeling and doing when you’ve finished your interview.

2. Be Prepared. Work out what they might ask you and then plan what you’ll say in your answers. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!

You’ll feel a whole lot more confident if you know you have prepared well.

sure the interviewer won’t either.

5. Take your time. Give yourself time to compose an answer. Don’t feel that you have to immediately jump in with your answer.

6. Emphasise your achievements. The interviewer wants to know about you and your suitability for the position, so it is important to emphasise your achievements.

Relate specific examples where you have demonstrated your proficiency.

7. Keep it nice. Make sure you do not criticise your current or former employer.

8. Put yourself on their team. Link yourself with the prospective employer by using the employer’s name and products or services.

9. Manage your image. Image is as important as content in an interview. The way you look and the way you say something are just as important as what you say.

3. Build rapport.

Rapport is a connection or relationship with another and it’s easier to build rapport with people who are like us. We like people who are like ourselves – find common ground.

4. Believe in yourself.

If you don’t believe you are the best person for the job then you can be www.michellebowden.com.au

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TOP TIPS FOR THAT NEXT JOB INTERVIEW (CONT) 12. Ask for the job. Tell the interviewer you’d really like the job. It is worth making a succinct and positive statement about why you are the best person for the position.

13. Keep an interview journal. Once it’s over, write a brief summary of what happened.

14. Send a thank you. Prepare and send a brief, concise thank you letter. Restate your skills and what you can do for the company.

Try these tips and you’ll be nicely prepared for interview success. Best of luck!

10. Ask Questions. Write out specific questions you want to ask. Then look for opportunities to ask them during the interview. It’s not a great idea to ask about benefits or salary too early in the process.

11. Maintain a conversational flow. Make conversation rather than simply waiting for the interviewer to question you.

Michelle Bowden is a Presentation and Influence specialist. The author of How to Present: the ultimate guide to presenting your ideas and influencing people using techniques that actually work, Michelle has facilitated her Influential Presentation Skills program over 630 times for many thousands of people and is known for her ability to transform everyone into confident, engaging and persuasive business communicators so they get more of what they want in their life. For more information please visit www.michellebowden.com.au

DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU WILL DO

BY GREG MOWBRAY The number 1 tip for leaders - do what you say you will do.

reputation for being unreliable, which means that people won't be keen to trust you.

'Untrustworthy' is just about the worst label you can have if you are someone who aspires to lead others. If people think they can't trust you, they will be reluctant to develop a relationship with you, which then means they are unlikely to follow your lead.

If you aren't 100% certain you can deliver on a commitment, you are better off not making it. If you let people down, particularly if it's more than once, you will get labelled.

The best way to earn trust? Simply do what you say you will do. Anything other than delivering on your promises will lead to you getting a www.michellebowden.com.au

Make sure every time you say you will do something, you follow through and do it. It sounds too simple, but it makes a big difference. www.licencetolead.com.au

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MEANING MATTERS MORE THAN HAPPINESS

BY GRAEME COWAN I believe that the western world is suffering from a meaning deficit and this is never more evident than in the world of work.

Dramatic change and uncertainty are incredibly stressful for us, and many people that I have coached this year have been experiencing harmful stress levels. According to the Australian Psychological Society report Stress and Wellbeing in Australia 2013 severe distress has increased 42% over the last 2 years, whilst severe and extremely severe depression has increased 34% over the same period.

The APS study showed that working Australians reported significantly lower levels of job satisfaction, and significantly lower levels of interest in their jobs, than in the previous 2 years.

Employees are increasingly concerned about the uncertainty of work. The constant change from trying to do “more with less” is taking its toll when there is no direct link to work purpose.

Only 27% of highly stressed employees in an ‘RUOK?atWork’ Survey agreed with the statement ‘my organisational purpose energises me’ compared to 66% of employees with low levels of stress.

Why does meaning matters more than happiness at work?

1. Thriving through struggles, problems, stresses This factor probably more than any other, creates a compelling case for why meaning is more important that happiness at work. The researchers asked how many positive and negative events people had recently experienced. Having lots of good things happen turned out to be helpful for both meaning and www.michellebowden.com.au

happiness. No surprise there. But bad things were a different story.

Highly meaningful lives encounter plenty of negative events, which of course reduce happiness. Indeed, stress and negative life events were two powerful blows to happiness, despite their significant positive association with a meaningful life. We begin to get a sense of what the happy but not very meaningful life would be like. Stress, problems, worrying, arguing, reflecting on challenges and struggles — all these are notably low or absent from the lives of purely happy people, but they seem to be part and parcel of a highly meaningful life. In light of the constant change, uncertainty, and setbacks which are part of everyday work there can be no more compelling case for focussing on meaning rather than happiness at work.

Getting what you want versus need Not surprisingly, satisfaction of desires was a reliable source of happiness. But it had nothing to add to a sense of meaning. In the workplace, if we tie our esteem to our title, benefits, job, prospects, and this can change overnight. By focusing on the meaning of our work, we are less susceptible to vagaries of office relationships and the dynamics of decision making.

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MEANING MATTERS MORE THAN HAPPINESS (CONT.) Linking past present and future Meaning and happiness are apparently experienced quite differently in time. Happiness is about the present, whereas meaning links past, present, and future. Time spent imagining the future was linked especially strongly to higher meaningfulness and lower happiness. Work should be about a compelling future. If you want to maximise your happiness, it looks like good advice to focus on the present, especially if your needs are being satisfied. Meaning, on the other hand, seems to come from assembling past, present and future into some kind of coherent story. By contrast, meaning is seen as lasting, and so people might think they can establish a basis for a more lasting kind of happiness by cultivating meaning.

Contribution to others Being alone in the world is linked to low levels of happiness and meaningfulness, as is feeling lonely. Simply put, meaningfulness comes from contributing to other people, whereas happiness comes from what they contribute to you. This runs counter to some conventional wisdom: it is widely assumed that helping other people makes you happy. Well, to the extent that it does, the effect depends entirely on the overlap between meaning and happiness.

Helping others had a positive contribution to meaningfulness, independent of happiness, but there was no sign that it boosted happiness independently of meaning.

was an expression or reflection of the self, 25 yielded significant positive correlations with a meaningful life and none was negative. Only two of the 37 items (socialising, and partying without alcohol) were positively linked to happiness, and some even had a significant negative relationship.

The worst was worry: if you think of yourself as a worrier, that seems to be quite a downer. Our work is incredibly important to our self-esteem. In a survey I did for my book BACK FROM THE BRINK I asked over 4000 people who had major setbacks what worked best for them in regaining their outlook – fulfilling work was rated number 6 out of 60 strategies. We should choose work that is meaningful for us.

Why not take the Work and Meaning Inventory (WAMI)? Michael F. Steger is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Colorado, has developed a Work and Meaning Inventory. To find out more about it, and to complete the free assessment, follow this link.

Greame Cowan is a leading speaker and author on the area of mental health at work. www.graemecowan.com.au

Personal identity The final category of differences had to do with the self and personal identity. Activities that express the self are an important source of meaning but are mostly irrelevant to happiness. Of the 37 items on our list that asked people to rate whether some activity (such as working, exercising or meditating) www.michellebowden.com.au

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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!

www.michellebowden.com.au

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How to Present Magazine

FEBRUARY 2014

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DEALING WITH PASSIVEAGGRESSIVE COLLEAGUES

BY KEN WARREN “Action speaks louder than words, but not nearly as often.” Mark Twain, Author Do you work with someone who regularly doesn’t do what they say they will?

Do you sense that they are frustrated in some way, even though they say they are fine?

Do they regularly complain to others, instead of speaking to you directly?

If you know someone like this, they certainly can be very frustrating to work with. But it is important that we understand that behind such passive-aggressive behaviour is a strong need to avoid conflict.

To be honest, I don’t like the word ‘passiveaggressive’. I think it is a catch-all word that is too-easily used to label people who are exhibiting very human behaviour.

Not communicating frustrations directly with colleagues is very common in Australian workplaces. Many people who are indirect simply learn how to cope with their frustrations and move on.

But there are some with a reputation for letting their frustrations come out through their behaviour – ongoing complaining to others, unreliable performance, verbal aggression, or even a tantrum or hissy fit.

So, what can you do if you are dealing with such behaviour? Here are some options:

behaviours, reports of their unhappiness from others, and specific tasks not being done in a timely manner.

Speak to them directly: Don’t use a third party, if the difficulties are in the early stages.

Also avoid speaking with them using technology or allowing them to hide behind this. Instead, organise a good time to speak with them in person.

Start on a positive note: You could simply say that you want to get on the same page for the future. You could also ask if they are OK or guess how they are feeling and give them some empathy. Or you could define the problem in a face-saving way, perhaps that there was a communication breakdown.

Challenge politely: You could say, ‘I know you say you are fine, but, at times I sense some frustration …’ My personal favourite is, ‘Can you help me understand why you …?’

Sometimes, there will be a more honest dialogue about their frustrations or a very good explanation for why they behaved as they did. Other times, they will deny completely that they are frustrated or angry.

Look for subtle signals of their unhappiness: This might be their sullen demeanour, their tone or body language, avoidance

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DEALING WITH PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE COLLEAGUES (CONT.) At the very least, it will alert them that you are alert to their behaviour and are prepared to speak to them (politely) if it occurs again.

for each to have a copy. At staff meetings, you could also minute who is going to do what by when.

Collaborate on solutions for the future: This is far more helpful rather than focusing on personal attacks or arguing over whose version of events is correct. Don’t label them as passive-aggressive, undermining, or difficult. And ignore any personal attacks or disrespectful communication that comes from them.

Have a back-up plan: One of the interesting things about people is that we are all creatures of habit. So, we may have to anticipate some of the problem behaviour continuing in some way and how we might respond. Back-up plans might include verbal or written reminders, follow-up meetings to reinforce progress or fine-tune the plan, or perhaps confiding in a colleague or your manager about other actions that can be taken.

Instead focus on the issue at hand and solutions for the future, such as speaking to you (sooner) if they have concerns, letting you know if they have any difficulty completing a task by a certain time, or perhaps both of you touching base more regularly to make sure you are both on the same page. Remember that genuine collaboration is very disarming of high-power personalities.

Document everything: This is done to reduce the likelihood of miscommunications, them embellishing the truth, or altering the facts.

For example, after they agree to do a particular task by a certain time, you might perhaps send them an email confirming the discussion. Towards the end of a meeting with them, you could also write down what was agreed (to keep you both on track) and

If you are presently dealing with a work colleague who you find very challenging, would like to be proactive in minimising problems in your team, or perhaps be a little less difficult yourself, check out my upcoming workshop, Difficult Co-workers Made Easy.

All the details are following in Event #2.

Ken Warren is a Relationships Specialist who helps teams to perform at their very best.

Through his positive speaking programs, Ken helps people throughout Australia to build even stronger, more positive and productive teams, enhance their resilience and wellbeing at work, and provide excellent service

STAGE LIGHTING TIPS

BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Here are a few tips on stage lighting in case you’re speaking at a conference in the next few months: Make sure the lights light you not the plants!

A white, open wash that lights the whole stage is generally best. www.michellebowden.com.au

Make sure the lights are high, but not so high you get ‘bags’ under your eyes.

Ensure the lighting doesn’t affect your slides or AV. When presenting make sure you look past the lights and into the whites of your audience’s eyes so you don’t squint at your audience.

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STOP BEING A BORING PRESENTER

BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Death by PowerPoint! We’ve all been forced to endure it haven’t we? February is conference month and most conference delegates are bracing themselves for days of torture at the hands of inexperienced presenters who have typed their entire script into their slides! If you are presenting at a company kick-offs or cycle meeting somewhere around the world here are

some timely tips from my friend Antonia Grimmard to help you get PowerPoint into perspective.

Antonia is an amazing creative who can create first rate PowerPoint slide shows for you. To watch the clip below - please click this link: Stop being a boring presenter

TESTIMONIAL about Michelle’s training: FROM KEVIN DE WITTE, EXECUTIVE MANAGER, ACCESS SUPPORT ANIMAL HEALTH

"Michelle, you have helped me focus on the important aspects of communication and to overcome my self doubt and self-consciousness about public speaking (I'm still scared of heights but have one less fear now!) Many thanks."

For more information on Michelle’s coaching or training please go to www.michellebowden.com.au

www.michellebowden.com.au

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TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER JULIANN STITICK CEO/FOUNDER, YOUR SUCCESS STYLE

and achieves ongoing accolades from organizations including Marriott, The Four Seasons and Kaiser Permanente and The Capital Group, to name a few. JuliAnn believes that all women are beautiful and it is her passion to touch the world with that message.

Your Image as a Workplace Presenter: 10 Tips to a Polished Presentation 1. Be authentic in reflecting the best of YOU. 2. A polished image is crucial to instant credibility the moment you step on stage.

3. What you wear is a clear message about how much you respect yourself AND them.

4. Wearing colors in harmony with your own natural coloring makes you look younger, more vibrant AND more approachable.

5. Your best posture identifies you as a leader and others WILL follow.

JuliAnn Stitick, CEO and Founder of Your Success Style, is an Image Expert, World Class Stylist and International Speaker. With over 20 years in image she actively speaks, trains and provides business and personal image consultations for clients ranging from the boardroom to the entrepreneur to the full-time domestic goddess. JuliAnn was a top image stylist for Nordstrom for many years until she decided to step into the entrepreneurial world where she was free to incorporate her previous corporate background in the executive commercial real estate industry with her heart centered approach to image to create programs, services and products with a unique twist on business image, what she calls Your Success Style. JuliAnn styles for the Oscars

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6. Dress in a manner that clearly identifies you as the authority in the room.

7. Dress simply: Your outfit should flatter you, not overpower you.

8. Quality clothing speaks quality about you and your message.

9. Wear shoes that are fashionable, comfortable and have a solid foundation.

Stages can be uneven.

10. Have someone else 'proof-read' your outfit before you hit the stage!

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MANAGING DISRUPTIVE AUDIENCES

BY MICHELLE BOWDEN How do I manage difficult behaviour without causing negative ripples or negative feelings?

the activity you sent the rest of the group to do.

By this time they will generally have forgotten there was a disruption in the first place!

Perhaps you’ve had difficult audience behaviour in your meetings, conferences or presentations.

Examples can include side conversations, or a person who really loves the sound of their own voice and keeps calling out ideas or asking inappropriate questions that don’t add to the learning for the whole group. What did you do at the time? Did it work? Do you know what to do to make sure you minimise the amount of your energy you have to spend on managing the group, so you can spend more of your effort in connecting with the audience and influencing their behaviour?

Physical proximity. Walk close to them without turning your head or eye contact in their direction. Remember never to face ‘front on’ to them. Your physical proximity is often enough to help people realise their interruptions are unwanted at this time.

Here are some tips for managing difficult behaviour: Rapport. Ensure at all times that you maintain your 100% rapport. Don’t sound annoyed; if you do, you’ve lost your control. Remember, people are not their behaviour. So whilst the person’s behaviour might be seemingly ‘dysfunctional’, that doesn’t mean they are a dysfunctional person!

Hand it over to the audience. This is a version of ‘Turn to a Friend’. Use the energy of your audience and give permission to everyone to talk about something with the person next to them. For example: ‘OK everyone, please talk to the person next to you and find out their concerns about the project plan to date — you have two minutes.’ This way you have controlled the way the audience members go to the activity, and now you can control them turning their attention back to you when you say the time for the activity is up.

Turn to a friend. In this technique you suggest to the audience that they each turn to the person next to them and discuss three key things that are related to your subject. When you do this, it’s important that you give an example. And make sure you explain what you are asking the group to do in three different ways. This way they will be more likely to do what you are asking. Then, while the audience is all doing what you asked them to do, you can spend time attending to the people causing the disruption.

Once you have addressed the disruption you can re-claim your space and debrief www.michellebowden.com.au

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MANAGING DISRUPTIVE AUDIENCES (CONT.) strategy. Occasionally if you ignore the problem it simply goes away. I’ll cross my fingers for you!

Pre-framing. This is where you approach the person (who you know is going to be disruptive based on past performance) prior to the presentation and ask for their assistance during your meeting/presentation. This interaction might be a ‘Why? What? How? What if?/What else?’ presentation in its own right.

Good luck trying these approaches. Happy Presenting!

Calling the behaviour. This is where you articulate what the person is doing that is unacceptable. For example, if Shirley was interrupting Heath’s question you might say, ‘Your point is relevant and I’m conscious of not interrupting Heath’. Or if Brian was asking too many questions and taking the group off-track you might say, ‘Ah, yes, another question from you Brian.’ So you can see that whilst many of us would employ this technique with our close family and friends regularly, it is the most risky of the techniques because you need strong rapport. If you don’t do this technique well, you might cause a negative ripple that could significantly break rapport.

Ignore the problem. Sometimes this is the best

TESTIMONIAL FROM SALLY ANDERSON, PRESIDENT AT ISAIL USA LIMITED "Michelle Bowden exemplifies professionalism/integrity/and extraordinarily high standards for anyone interested in transforming their public speaking ability. Given that public speaking is the cornerstone of any executive/entrepreneur/business owners success it is essential to master these skills as a leader. If you have not experience Michelle Bowden for yourself or your people make sure you make a point of signing onto one of her next programs - the return to yourself and your organization will be priceless!"

For more information on Michelle’s coaching or training go to www.michellebowden.com.au

www.michellebowden.com.au

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KEEPING LEADERSHIP SIMPLE

BY GREG MOWBRAY

at least not being self absorbed will help.

Have a plan. Be prepared to say "this is where we need to go and this is how we are going to get there".

Get things done. Leading is about communicating but it is also about doing and getting results.

Shoulder responsibility. Show others that you are prepared to be accountable for what you and they do together.

I reckon one of the reasons people shy away from leadership responsibility is that they think it is hard. It can be, but it doesn't have to be.

If we had to boil leadership down to its purest essence it would look something like this.

Lift others. Somehow, leaders get others to try harder than they normally would. They are able to 'lift' performances because they understand what motivates others.

We tend to over complicate most things, but if you want to be a more effective leader, KISS! www.licencetolead.com.au

Care about others. Leading is all about helping others achieve good things, so being selfless or

BUSINESS WRITING TIP #1

BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Write actively, not passively.

It’s important to be direct, concise and clear when you write in business. Aim to put your subject at the start of the sentence and make sure it’s active.

Here’s an example of what not to do: “Your business case was reviewed at the recent board meeting on 15 June and was agreed to in principle and tabled for further discussion next month.”

Here’s an example of what works better: “Your business case has been agreed to in principle and tabled for discussion next board meeting.” 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 Influential Presentation Skills programs.

It’s a life changing experience!

Risk free - 100% moneyback guarantee.

Endorsed by thousands of people from over a hundred corporations around Australia.

Interactive and personalised.

Facilitated by Michelle Bowden who has over 18 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 then practice, then learn something then practice…

Group sizes are limited to only 10 people per program.

Risk free approach to a subject most people find ‘daunting’!

BRISBANE DATE: 15-16 April MELBOURNE DATE: March 18-19

Plenty of time for you to get personal one-on-one time with Michelle’s during the program.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA DATE: TBA

Address your specific, personal needs.

CANBERRA DATE: TBA

Learning with lots of laughter.

Techniques are embedded so you remember them decades later.

To chat about your specific needs or receive more information please email Michelle directly: michelle@michellebowden.com.au

SYDNEY DATES: 18-19 February 12-13 March 8-9 April 20-21 May 24-25 June 22-23 July 12-13 August 16-17 September

There’s no need for you to be nervous about public speaking. Don’t miss a career opportunity because you didn’t speak up ever again!

TESTIMONIAL about Michelle’s training: FROM DANIELLE WILLIAMS, JURLIQUE Finally a practical, fun and non-threatening program on how to be a wonderful speaker and presenter! The tools and templates are invaluable. Thank you for your knowledge and ability to impart it in an entertaining manner. You are so approachable! The offer of follow-up support and being available 100% over the two days sets you apart. Thanks a million!

For more information on Michelle’s coaching or training go to www.michellebowden.com.au

www.michellebowden.com.au

How to Present Magazine

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ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF A PEOPLE MANAGER

BY JAN TERKELSEN Be inspired - You can’t inspire others if you can’t inspire yourself. Learn what lights you up and do more of that with what you have, in the time you have, and with the resources you have in this moment. It stands out because so few of us act on our inspiration.

Listen - Learn to listen to others, really listen, with an open mind and an open heart.

You will learn more about a person, situation or event, faster.

Be accepting - Accept other peoples’ values and don’t measure them by your own.

Don’t judge - Judgment and comparison kill team spirit and creativity. – How often do you go into a meeting expecting it to be a waste of time, and it is? Change your perception for a start, then act on that. Be different in those meetings.

Learn to acknowledge - Acknowledgment is vital. Be proactive in this space. Who have you genuinely acknowledged this day?

What qualities do you nurture?

www.janterkelsen.com

FREE BOOK GIVE AWAY PROJECT SARAHA BY MARK AND DAVID SIMON A powerful personal story of mates, fathers and brothers who inspire, challenge and motivate each other in the lead up to the biggest race of their lives, Les Marathon des Sables aka The Marathon of the Sands. This marathon is a six-day race across the Sahara Desert of

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Morocco. The authors are Australian.

To claim your very own copy of Project Sahara be one of the first 5 to email michelle@michellebowden. com.au with the words Project Sahara in the subject line. Good luck!

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BOOK OF THE MONTH OK, I know it’s MY book! If you are serious about really improving your business presentation skills then you need this book. Go to my website

CD OF THE MONTH 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

HEALTH & WELLBEING Triathlon Pink is an all-female triathlon series with a fantastic, fun day of personal achievement. Challenge, yourself and have fun as well as raise funds for charities who provide breast cancer support, education, research and advocacy. www.triathlonpink.com.au

AMBIENCE

FITNESS

As rugged as its coastline, yet as smooth as its boulevards, Marseille is a contrasting blend of Gardenia, Sandalwood, Cardamom and Casaba Melon aromas with a coastal village vibe. www.glasshousefragrances.com

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

FLIP CHART STANDS I LOVE these because they have adjustable paper clips for holding ANY Flipchart pads. www.visionchart.com.au

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BRAIN FITNESS Online sudoku! http://sudoku.com.au/

How to Present Magazine

BEAUTY Inika's famous 100% Vegan and Certified Cruelty Free Kabuki Brush is one of a kind. The thick and luxurious brush head of the Inika Kabuki Brush delivers complete coverage and is soft and silky on the skin.

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Photo Gallery

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