Jeffrey L. Stein DTM

Probably the most important piece of the puzzle. Don’t look at it as a failure but an opportunity to improve and up your game. First reach out to the client. Get their feedback and take. If it’s client you really want to keep, you might want to do something special to prove that. If there’s video, study it. Then put it away for 1-2 weeks and watch it again. Time can change perspective. It’s also an opportunity for peer feedback.

Not just your topic and speech but others too. Anytime I’m watching a presenter, I’m evaluating them. I’m looking at what worked, what didn’t, why, and what I might do differently. It’s gotten to where I don’t just do this with speakers but comedians, movies, storytellers, and television shows. The more you can use your skills of evaluation and build them, the more it’ll help you build your critical thinking skills.

At this point the biggest tell is buy in. Do believe what you’re saying when you say it? Do they look enthusiastic or excited about what they’re saying or even to be there? If you’re not, people can tell. Through voice, facial expressions, movement, and attitude. If you don’t believe why should they?

Transitions are the key to great delivery and success. They’re like when you turn on your turn signal on your car so people know what you’re doing. That’s how obvious transitions need to be. What gets missed is it’s also where you should be connecting your points to your premise of your entire presentation. You can’t assume people will connect your points to it. You have to do it yourself and as clear and concise as possible. It allows you to build what’s known as a thruline. Thrulines are essential for keeping the premise and theme intact best done through transitions. This is why transitions are extremely important in your speaking and structure.

If you’re not careful, answer an audience question can lead to other questions & quickly derail your entire presentation. After having it happen once, I went back to something from my days as broadcast radio show producer: you’re the talent. You’re who they hired—who they came to see. You have content & things to say/address. The callers, or this case the questions, wait on hold for a reason: it’s not their show. It’s your time, your show—always. Be polite and professional but don’t let anyone change the program on your platform.

I’ve worked as a promotional products account executive for 16 years. A branded cocktail napkin might seem trivial to some but to others it’s an added small touch that can add just a little more prestige and/or a corporate sponsorship opportunity. Promotional products are an opportunity to stand out and add a little more zing to your trade show or trade show booth. It means sitting down with a professional who’s as invested in what’s good for you and your brand as you are. You also need to be honest with what you need, when you need it, why you need and your budget so we can find you the best possible options. If your promo products executive isn’t invested in you & your success as much as you are, maybe it’s time for someone else.