MAY 2014
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IN THIS ISSUE Jason Jelicich shares his tips for presenting in business Maximise your training $$ I am NOT defined by my body Listening to your inner voice Are you delaying a difficult conversation? Understanding People Top Tips for Presenting to Camera You cannot bore someone into buying your ideas! Re-engaging a disengaged team member
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PLUS: FREE book giveaway Success Stories And much, much
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DIARY DATE PERSUASIVE PRESENTATION SKILLS MASTERCLASS (2-day Public Program) SYDNEY 2014 May 20-21 June 24-25 July 22-23 August 12-13 September 16-17 October 14-15 November 12-13 December 203 *** Refresher Program is this month! *** Date: 22nd May 2014 Venue: North Sydney 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
Michelle’s Update Welcome to the May issue of How to Present This issue is packed with articles that will assist you to present persuasively in business with greater confidence and charisma! I am still jumping for joy after helping one of my clients win a $350 million pitch this week. Yes that’s right! $350 million! My 13 steps REALLY work! If you’ve not yet attended my 2-day Persuasive Presentation Skills Masterclass then I promise you, this week is the week to make that committment for yourself and register so you reap the benefits of being a more confident, clear and persuasive communicator immediately in your career and life. Already completed my 2-day program? Have you booked yourself in for my REFRESHER PROGRAM on May 22? It’s only $595 + GST. Or please rally some of your colleagues and come as a group of four to save big $$. It’s only $1000 + GST for 3 people to attend together for the whole day! You can book here. PLUS, I’ve shared how to better Understand Others. I also place my tongue in my cheek and remind you that You Cannot Bore Someone into Buying your Product or Service! Plus I’ve shares some insights into how to Maximise your Training $$$. Robin Powis inspires us with her article, I am NOT Defined by my Body. Jon Pratlett reminds us to Listen to your Inner Voice while Greg Mowbray asks us, Are you Delaying a Difficult Conversation? And, I give you my Top tips for Presenting to Camera and the fabulous Ken Warren gives us invaluable advice for Re-engaging the Disengaged Team Member. Plus read some inspiring presentation Success Stories. 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! Clinical, Operational and Financial backgrounds. Presentations include pitching proposals and B2B presentations. I also serve on a not-forprofit board and communicate regularly with Board Directors and Executive Directors.
DANA BELL NATIONAL KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER, ABBVIE
What prompted you to attend Michelle's Influential Presentation Skills program? I wanted to improve my skills and approached a colleague who presented brilliantly for some advice – he had done the program and regularly uses the methodology. It was a no-brainer really! I’d seen the ‘proof in the pudding’ with his presentation style and the investment was reasonable, so I went ahead and registered! How did Michelle's program change your attitude to presenting in business? Dana Bell is a Health Care professional who is described as engaging, strategic, empathetic and innovative! Dana’s expertise in stakeholder engagement, negotiation and business strategy are sought after through her roles as a leader in the Pharmacetical Industry and not-for-profit Board Member. What kind of presenting do you do at work? A wide range of presenting to a broad range of stakeholders! Formal internal to Directors, Brand Teams, Sales Teams, cross-functional teams and individuals either face to face or virtually. Informally there are countless times I need to influence without formal authority. I also present to my Asian Regional colleagues either in person or virtually. Presentations are either about strategy development or execution, account updates, opportunity analyses, pitching for funds and commercial updates. External customers include Executives, Directors and Departmental Heads – again, a wide variety of functional roles ranging from Management,
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The program changed the way in which I prepare presentations – from the audience analysis, strategic messaging, structure and delivery. I also find that I use aspects of the overall program in isolation as well as together if a formal presentation. For example, I use the “Pace Pace Pace Lead” structure in a simple conversation as well as part of a formal presentation. I used to be concerned about understanding the individual profiles of my audience and would feel under-prepared if I didn’t know of their personal styles or drivers… now I have confidence to structure my communication to overcome unspoken objections by “covering my bases” with all styles. This has had a significant impact on my confidence and impact. We ran a short program for some internal colleagues, which I participated in as a refresher, and I got so much out of that as well! Now that more people within our organisation have completed the program, we can reinforce each other if we are working together on or supporting each other in presentations.
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SUCCESS STORIES! (CONT.) In general, what positive outcomes have you achieved since improving your presentation skills? More effective and robust planning for formal presentations, more impact for the corridor conversations or 1:1 meetings where there is no formal presentation, enhanced ability to coach my team in their presentation skills, improved email communication, vastly different looking slides (with a lot less words and more images!) and overall increased enjoyment of presenting (and I already enjoyed being centre of attention!!!).
What were your top three take aways from Michelle's program? 1. This methodology works! – each individual chunk or wrapped up all together in a formal presentation – Trust it and use it. 2. Cover all your bases with personality types with some simple tools in choice of words, positioning and pacing objections. 3. Simple is good! Be disciplined to use the steps and save some time for questions.
In what specific ways have your presentation skills improved since completing Michelle's training? 1. Preparation, being conscious of my natural strengths/tendencies and weaknesses and having the discipline to ensure I cover off the aspects of the presentation that I naturally pay less attention to (out of the Why, What, How, If/ Else). 2. Slides with more impact – less words and more images. 3. Better communication in general: emails, more effective in influencing in 1:1 meetings and corridor conversations.
TESTIMONIAL about Michelle’s training: FROM SAM WEIR, SERVICE PLANNING MANAGER AT WAVERLEY LIBRARY "Michelle gave a detailed, engaging and memorable presentation to a diverse group about the importance and value of excellent presentations skills. The group was engaged right from the beginning and Michelle's enthusiasm and deep knowledge of her area shone through the entire training session. Feedback was really positive, even from people who had been less than enthusiastic about attending. One of her great strengths was to be able to demonstrate the importance of excellent presentation, beyond the obvious and to show how it can help in many different aspects of business and professional life." For more information on Michelle’s coaching or training please go to www.michellebowden.com.au
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I AM NOT DEFINED BY MY BODY BY ROBIN POWIS I was inspired by best selling author and speaker Janine Shepherd to write this blog after hearing Janine say “I’m not defined by my body! Janine’s fighting spirit is remarkable when she refused to believe from medical staff she would never walk again, after spinal surgery and months in hospital. Janine defied the odds by saying “If I can’t walk, I’ll fly.” And fly she did. IMAGE WOES Today we are too often defined by our body which can affect our self confidence and self esteem throughout our life. Whether it’s our shape, our height, our colouring or whatever we all need to stop worrying and start living. For women, our self doubt can start as a child when we are told we have puppy fat, or at puberty, or after childbirth or when we approach menopause. What ever it is, as women we need to meet life’s challenges and live our lives with integrity, capitalising on our strengths while admiring the strengths of others. PERCEPTION EXERCISE Try this exercise, write down the five words that describe you, or your perception of how others see you. Then ask your closest friends and family (the ones whose opinion you trust) how they perceive you. You will be amazed when you compare these with your perceptions. This really is an uplifting and enlightening experience for everyone to try to start the new year with a bang. www.michellebowden.com.au
So, you are too short, then look at wearing garments that allow colour to flow through the body. A little out of shape, then wear streamlined clothes that skim and flatter your body. Dislike your fair skin, then wear colours that enhance you to look vibrant. LIVE WITH GRACE The more we focus on what is wonderful in our life, what we are grateful for, the more we can rethink the direction of our lives. A NEW DIRECTION Next focus on what you are willing to change this year, not maybe, but really change. Realise your goal whether it is to lose weight, tone your body, start a beauty routine, redefine your image and then most importantly embrace life to the fullest. www.definingstyle.com.au
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MAXIMISE YOUR TRAINING $$$$$ BY MICHELLE BOWDEN Most of us know that transferring learning from a training course to the workplace is key to achieving the best possible return on our investment. The question is: how do you maximise the chances of this learning transfer occurring? In a notable study (Broad and Newstrom, 1992), the manager’s involvement in setting goals and objectives with their team members before training, rated as the most important component of transferring learning from a training course to the workplace. What do you need to do? If you are a manager and your team members go on courses, please use these questions (or make up your own) and use them to facilitate a discussion between you and your team member. It will go a long way toward maximising the relevance of the training.
What do you think you are good at? What would you specifically like to improve in this skill area? What don’t you enjoy about this skill?
How will developing this skill question enhance your job performance? What is your current level of competence in this skill area? What do you do well?
What do you enjoy?
I know that you know this! The question is: can you afford to ignore the fact you know it? Can you afford not to have this pre-training conversation? Happy Presenting!
TESTIMONIAL about Michelle’s training: FROM VARSHA KANWAR, COMMERCIAL BUSINESS MANAGER, CISCO "Attending Michelle Bowden's Presentation Skills Workshop was one of the best things I have done for myself personally & professionally. Although confronting and challenging at times, it was also one of the most innovative, fun and practical learning experiences. I have since been able to leverage the skills learnt in different facets of everyday personal and business life. Thank you Michelle for enabling & empowering me with the expertise !" For more information on Michelle’s coaching or training please go to www.michellebowden.com.au
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LISTENING TO YOUR INNER VOICE BY JON PRATLETT As the leader, asking someone to reflect on their own performance is far less threatening than giving them feedback. Starting with "What do you think worked?", moves them toward a reward state. Acknowledging what they said, will continue to minimise any threat. Once they have told you what they felt worked, asking them what they would do differently to improve their performance next time, is more likely to generate meaningful suggestions and is Self Correction. They are now likely to feel safe and be able to hear a suggestion you may have, having had their say first. When someone says to you "I'd like to give you some feedback" what is your immediate internal response? Panic! Have you also felt like you lost your ability to think and say something even vaguely coherent. The brain's core motivation is to move away from danger and move toward reward. Generally, when offered or given feedback, good or bad, a threat response (away from) is generated. To the brain's prefrontal cortex (PFC), our executive controller if you will, this means the following:
Electrify your people rather than electrocute them! Jon Pratlett integrates tried and tested leadership principles with the latest insights from: Neuroscience, Social, Cognitive & Affective Psychology, Neurobiology, NLP and Systems Leadership to support you and your team in Minding Your Gaps. www.jonpratlett.com
Get ready to fight or run - glucose rich, oxygenated blood (the brain's fuel) is redirected from the brain to the major muscle groups. There is a reduction in our field of view, working memory, and ideas for action. It’s harder to learn, be interested or collaborate. Yes, I'm ready to hear feedback!! Not! The brain friendly solution - Electrifying Feedback! www.michellebowden.com.au
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TOP TIPS FOR PRESENTING TO CAMERA BY MICHELLE BOWDEN As technology advances and organisations increasingly look for new and innovative ways to find that next ‘perfect hire,’ it’s becoming increasingly more common to have to submit a video interview for that job you really really want. And it’s scary enough having to do this when you are a speaker, actor or performer let alone a regular person who just wants a new job! Let me help you with my top tips for presenting to camera. 1. Prepare. Plan your key messages and always keep what your interview wants to hear in mind.
close to the lens of the camera as possible or you'll get 'shifty eyes' looking back and forwards from the screen to the camera. 7. Posture. Brace your core and ensure your shoulders are back and relaxed. Move your hands naturally as you speak but keep them towards the bottom of the frame. 8. Connect. Look right into the lens of the camera and imagine you are talking with a friend. Do this before you press record so you are already in the zone before the filming begins.
2. Practice. Run through the script in front of the mirror before recording your message. And know you might have to record a few takes before your happy with the result.
9. Pause. Take normal pauses between phrases to ensure you breathe properly and don't rush it.
3. Warm up. Find some face and vocal exercises to limber up your face and lips so you speak clearly.
10. Be you! Most importantly, be yourself. Use the same mannerisms, speech patterns, facial expressions and emotion that you'd use in person. www.michellebowden.com.au
4. Relax. Tense and relax your muscle groups so your body relaxes before pressing record. 5. Dress. Wear something that looks terrific on camera. Do a practice run to check how it appears. 6. Software. Type or download your 'script' into teleprompter software on your smart pad. 7. Positioning. Check the background behind you and make sure the teleprompter is as www.michellebowden.com.au
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ARE YOU DELAYING A DIFFICULT CONVERSATION? BY GREG MOWBRAY Could you achieve a better outcome by choosing different words and using a different tone? This is being empathetic.
Are you delaying a difficult conversation? Here's what to do. First of all, we all do it. Some of us do anything to avoid conflict. Some of us want to be friends with everyone. No one really enjoys delivering words that might cause upset or worry. Second, as a leader, there is no escaping the need, from time to time, to say what needs to be said. Nothing gets better if left alone, and it will most likely get worse and become a bigger issue than if you dealt with it swiftly. If you delay or avoid difficult conversations then you really aren't fully accepting the responsibility of being the leader.
4. Plan for the conversation. Book in a time for it to happen. Write down in advance what you are going to say, in the order you are going to say it. Plan how to finish the conversation on a positive note. Rehearse in private or even confidentially role play with a trusted third party. 5. Do it. Be positive, unemotional and firm. Like most things, the more we do them, the better we get at them. Before you know it you will dealing with issues the minute they come up and everyone will be happier. www.licencetolead.com.au
Here is a simple guide to planning and having the difficult conversation. 1. Ask yourself if the person in question fully understands your expectations and specifically where they are letting you down or what the issue is. If the answer is no, then that's where you start. 2. Think about the result you want from the conversation. Be specific. What will success look like? 3. Think about how the person is likely to receive the news predict their reaction. 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! Seriously, it’s a life changing
experience! Risk free - 100% moneyback guarantee. Endorsed by thousands of people from over a hundred corporations around Australia. Interactive personalised.
and
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 then practice, then lear n something then practice… Group sizes are limited to only 10 people per program. Risk free approach to a subject most people find ‘daunting’! Plenty of time for you to get personal one-on-one time with Michelle’s during the program. A d d re s s y o u r s p e c i fi c , personal needs. Learning with lots of laughter.
Techniques are embedded so you remember them decades later. SYDNEY: 20-21 May 24-25 June 22-23 July To chat about your specific needs or receive more information please email M i c h e l l e : 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.
REFRESHER PROGRAM - MAY 22nd! The refresher program is a really excellent chance to practice what you know, remind yourself of all the important things that didn't actually stick and are holding you back, plus get that wonderful heightened sense of confidence in your communication skills back. And it's priced so there are no excuses except "I'm too busy"! Here's a comment from a past participant: "OMG I love Michelle Bowden! Her 2-day program was amazing and unbelievably her refresher is even better! It's because you already kind of know the models and in the refresher you just refine and refine until you know you'll be able to nail it in real life consistently. I was worried about the effort it would take to participate in one of Michelle's courses again (very full-on), but now that I've done it, I highly recommend this to everyone who has completed her program. I think the refresher is an essential part and you should consider it a natural extension of the first training you did with her. I'm ready to fly with the eagles!" Stephen F, General Manager, Telco/Entertainment Industry
Here are the details - please consider attending: Date: May 22nd, 2014 Venue: 20 Berry Street, North Sydney
Investment: $595 + GST or group rate is $1000 + GST for 3 people Please register yourself online here www.michellebowden.com.au
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UNDERSTANDING OTHERS BY MICHELLE BOWDEN The ability to ‘get along’ with people is very important in our business and personal relationships. It plays as important a role as intelligence, skill and aptitude in succeeding. And, getting along well with people in part necessitates having some ability to underrstand people. It is easier to understand people who demonstrate the same or similar characteristics to us. Certainly it is most easy to build rapport with those people who are like ourselves, and difficult to build rapport with those who are not like us. When we don’t understand others, we often find it difficult to relate effectively to them. So how can we better understand others? The ways people pay attention and think fall into predictable patterns called ‘Meta-Programs’. What are ‘Meta-Programs’? ‘Meta-Programs’ are specific patterns that determine the way people think, value, feel, speak, behave and respond. Our ‘MetaPrograms’ function as unconscious filters that structure messages and information. And, over time we take them for granted and have less and less awareness of them. We assume our filters are the ‘right’ way to perceive. We may even come to think any other approach is ‘wrong’.
unnecessary hurt and pain. We also make second-guesses about what they will do in the future, how they will respond to us. We do all of this based upon our prediction of what we believe about the person’s nature. In day-today life we are often oblivious to other people’s needs and we frequently fail to realise other people’s experiences. In part this is because we operate from the stance that others think and feel like us. We use our own experience as an indication of how other people think, feel speak, value, gesture and behave. So how can Meta-Programs help us appreciate the differences that we find in others? 1. Conflict reduction. As you recognise and accept that people differ in the way they sort and process information, you will find you don’t have a need to fight it! So you won’t waste energy expecting your stakeholder to be like you. You can appreciate their strengths and weaknesses and let them be.
How can we learn to read these unique and personal patterns in others accurately? We are reading people every day. We are constantly guessing what others think, value, want and feel. And we do so based on our assumptions about human nature. Many of us think that if we can figure out the motives and intentions of others, the possibility of them tricking or hurting us reduces and we will avoid www.michellebowden.com.au
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UNDERSTANDING OTHERS (CONT.) 2. Accepting Differences. Appreciating people’s differences stops you moralizing about the right way to think e.g “you shouldn’t be so illogical”. Rather than fight their style, you can appreciate the benefits and can match them in your communication. This reduces resistance when you interact with people. 3. Communication flexibility. It’s important to realise that you are empowered to communicate in a way that fits the other person’s style. This means your message will have maximum impact for them. 4. Empathy. Acceptance also expands your ability to empathise. It frees you from a thought process that suggests your way of thinking is the only way. 5. Prediction accuracy. With an increased ability to understand and empathise with
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others you will find you are better able to predict their future behaviour. It’s important to realise that the most important ingredient in effective business communication is the ability to get into the other person’s shoes as well as seeing soemthing from your own point of view. For those of you who have attended my keynote presentations or masterclasses I call it ‘Third Position’. Developing the flexibility to shift from the other person’s shoes (to ensure that you behave in a respectful and appropriate way) to your own position (so you meet your own needs) ensures you will create that win/win outcome that works best in business. Happy Presenting! p.s A fantastic book on this subject is Figuring Out People by Bob Bodenhammer and Michael Hall. Enjoy....
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MAY 2014
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RE-ENGAGING THE DISENGAGED TEAM MEMBER BY KEN WARREN " M a n a g e m e n t i s n o t h i n g m o re t h a n motivating other people." - Lee Iacocca, American Businessman Is there someone at your work who has mentally quit, but physically stayed? Are they lacking motivation, not really contributing to their team or organisation overall? Do they tick boxes just enough to avoid being performance-managed out of the workplace? If you have someone like this in your team, it can be extremely frustrating - not only for the team leader, but also for the team members who know that someone is putting in minimal effort. Of course, the very best way to have engaged team members is to hire people who are selfmotivated, whose values are already aligned with the values of the workplace, and who are already engaged with the importance of the work being done. But, alas, we don’t live in a perfect world. Often, we have to make the best out of the team we have. So, what can you do to re-engage disengaged team members? 1. Address any disappointment or hurt. If they performed well for much of their early employment with your workplace, consider if something has happened along the way to contribute to their disengagement. Perhaps they missed out on a promotion, had a serious altercation with someone in their team, or they might feel like what they have to say doesn’t make a difference. If you can have an honest conversation about any unresolved issues or at least www.michellebowden.com.au
guess how they might be feeling about what has occurred, this can give you an opportunity to give them some empathy for their situation and mend the relationship. 2. Tell them what you have noticed and ask them if they are OK. At the very least, this will help them to realize that you have noticed they are not performing well and create an awareness of the need for change. You might also elicit some challenges they are going through at home or work that will partly explain their behaviour. It is my experience that the great majority of people who are not performing well are unhappy about something at home or work. While many of us don’t let our own personal challenges affect our performance at work, for others, their unhappiness at home or work does come out through their behaviour. 3. Ask what you can do to support and encourage them with their work. This needs to be done from a position of genuine care and concern. It is also important you are open to what they have to say and can respond non-defensively.
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RE-ENGAGING THE DISENGAGED TEAM MEMBER (CONT.) Pay very close attention to what is motivating for this individual – perhaps emotional support, a new challenge, or some control or say over decisions that affect them. Everyone is motivated by something. Our job is to find out what they value and see if we can link this to improved performance. When team members don’t know what they need or are not speaking up, you might give them some time to think about this or offer some suggestions to see if any are a good fit. You can also try some experiments and notice anything you do that helps. 4. Offer what you can. You might, for example, offer a team member who is not finding their work particularly enjoyable, more of the work that plays to their strengths or a particular interest. Engagement is not so much of a problem when they are doing work they want to do.
the needs of the workplace. For these individuals, trades often need to be made such as, “We're happy to give you support and time to address those concerns. While you are here, though, there are some things we need from you.” 5. Communicate very clear expectations of their role. Giving empathy to a team member does not mean you can’t be very clear about the reasonable expectations for their role. These might relate to the time frames, the quality of the work being done, the amount of work generated, or the way they work in with their colleagues. A nice way to start this part of the conversation could be, “Perhaps it wasn’t clear about what is expected of your role …” Or “Has this been explained to you?” Remember to be very specific about the behaviours you want to see or the standard that needs to be achieved.
For a team member who is frustrated at decisions taken by management, you might offer genuine collaboration or a greater say over decisions that affect their work. It should be no surprise that people tend to be more engaged when they are empowered to make decisions for themselves. For individuals going through personal challenges, good workplaces tend to offer a lot of support and flexibility. However, there are some individuals who take advantage of this goodwill, never reciprocating in regards to www.michellebowden.com.au
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RE-ENGAGING THE DISENGAGED TEAM MEMBER (CONT.) 6. Catch people doing the right thing. Even problem-performers have times they are performing better. Be curious about what is working during those times and make a point of reinforcing the improvement. We should not be surprised that in highperforming teams, there is a higher than normal recognition for people’s efforts. Keep in mind that people like recognition in different ways. Some value a simple and genuine thanks given privately. Others value a written note. Some value the time that you give them. You can also take advantage of better performance, by having team members, particularly those who are disengaged, share stories about what they do that is working, what is best practice, and ways to improve the work they are doing. 7. Encourage a positive and supportive workplace culture. Great leaders do this by communicating a clear and compelling vision, speaking about the values and behaviours they want to see (E.g. positive relationships, helping each other out, always looking for ways to improve, achieving best practice).
members accountable for their performance, when needed. Being engaged at work is all about people bringing their best self and energy to work with a desire to excel at what they do. Ideally, people are internally motivated with their values and strengths being a good fit for the role they are in. There are, of course, some who refuse to be engaged - they are determined to hold onto hurts and disappointments, have made the decision to change jobs or retire, or are simply a bad fit for the organisation. However, on many occasions, there are actions we can take to reignite a flame that is barely flickering. We do this through genuine care, an honest conversation about solutions, and holding people accountable for their behaviour. 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
Positive workplace cultures tend to be achieved when the right behaviours are modelled, over time, by senior and middle managers. Some workplaces also spend time with their team in developing an agreed list of values and corresponding behaviours that they wish to see in their team. When these are agreed upon and written down, they become a road map, which makes it easier to reinforce progress and hold team www.michellebowden.com.au
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TIPS FROM A PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER have early on so they don’t get distracted thinking about them.
JASON JELICICH PROFESSIONAL SPEAKER
5. Structure before content: Like a house, build the structure before you start putting the fittings in, otherwise you’ll have nowhere to hang things. 6. Blow up the issue: People love hearing about problems before solutions so blow up the issues to really get their attention. 7. Pause, smile, start: Use this every time you start a presentation i.e. stop, take a breath, smile…and then start. This allows you to center yourself.
Jason Jelicich is CEO and founder of BePresent Enterprises, an organisation devoted to creating more connected people and healthier working cultures. Jason’s message is as simple as it is powerful: be present. Why? Because when you are engaged in the moment you are at your happiest and most productive. www.thepresent.com.au Here are Jason’s presenting tips for us: 1. Be Yourself: People dislike incongruence and the best way to avoid it is to not try to be someone else.
8. Throw the ‘love’ blanket: Imagine throwing out a ‘love’ blanket over your audience, see them as friendly people who are a lot like you. 9. Polished book-ends: The most important parts of a presentation are the beginning and end – make sure these are the most polished parts. 10. Video / Audio record where possible: There is no better way to improve your speaking than to see (or hear) yourself in action. You’ll know what worked and didn’t work straight away!
2. Feel the room: Acknowledge where the room is at before you start and then gently transition them towards your desired state. 3. Be clear on your outcome: The clearer you are on your outcome, the clearer they will receive it. No room for doubt. 4. Pre-frame concerns: Try to address obvious concerns your audience may www.michellebowden.com.au
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MAY 2014
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YOU CANNOT BORE SOMEONE INTO BUYING YOUR IDEA OR PRODUCT! BY MICHELLE BOWDEN “You cannot bore someone into buying your product!” This is a famous saying by David Olgivy. Have you ever been subjected to the classic sales pitch where the sales person told you all about themselves and how clever they are, instead of listening to you tell them what you need and why you need it? People are much more interested in solving their own pain, than in listening to you going on and on about your products and features and your impressive client list. So listen more than you talk and be sure that when you speak you say something that’s completely related to solving your client’s pain, frustration or challenge. That way you’ll be relevant, engaging and interesting. www.michellebowden.com.au
FREE BOOK GIVE AWAY BY JENNIFER HARWOOD Successful business networking is an art form. It takes practice and is learned and refined over time. This book gives you the business tools and confidence on how to successfully network to grow your sales and business to create results. To claim your very own copy of The Art of Networking be one of the first 2 to email michelle@michellebowden.com.au with the words The Art of Networking in the subject line. 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
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FRAGRANCE
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
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Walnuts are an essential element of your diet. Just 7 walnuts a day and you will experience the benefits.
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Here are some of my favourite things for you
BEAUTY
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M.A.C Eyebrow crayon is selfpropelling, self-sharpening, brow defining. Confidently adds what you need: shape, colour, density in one streamlined tool just like a pen.
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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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