| What Presenters Can Learn from Dancing with the | | | | 3. Meet and greet. |
| Stars | | | | As people arrive, circulate and introduce yourself to |
| Want to know a not-so-well-kept secret? I'm a | | | | members of your audience. It's the equivalent of |
| "Dancing with the Stars" junkie. If you have yet to | | | | DWTS competitors working the crowd and winning |
| watch this hugely popular TV show, give it a try - it's | | | | fans before they take the stage. Try to find out a |
| pure entertainment. | | | | little bit about attendees and their interest in your |
| But what does a show about ballroom dancing have | | | | topic. This way, you're gazing at familiar faces while |
| to do with giving a presentation? Everything! You | | | | you talk, and can use their names or reference their |
| see, both are live performances with high stakes. | | | | anecdotal comments as appropriate. This alone will |
| And just like DWTS contestants must both rehearse | | | | help keep your audience alert and plugged in. |
| and mentally prepare for their performances each | | | | 4. Practice the introduction. |
| week, you should have a similar "ritual" to get ready | | | | Seek out the person who will be introducing you. |
| for each and every presentation. | | | | Making a personal connection can transform a boring |
| Lessons in becoming more memorable | | | | recitation of facts and figures into a friendly, |
| Even if you've a crafted a wonderfully compelling | | | | engaging introduction that sets you up for success. I |
| story, effectiveness as a presenter is all in the telling. | | | | always ask the person who is introducing me to wait |
| To ensure that your message sticks with your | | | | for me on the dais so I can shake his or her hand |
| audience long after you've left the stage, try this | | | | and have a "warm" hand-off. |
| effective five-step pre-performance ritual: | | | | 5. Lights, camera, action! |
| 1. Rehearse aloud. | | | | You are "on" from the moment you're introduced, so |
| Like DWTS' intensive dance rehearsals, now's the | | | | approach the podium with a confident stride and |
| time to work out any kinks. And the only way to be | | | | shake hands with your introducer. But remember, |
| sure your content and delivery truly "work" is to | | | | your audience is not quite ready for you to jump into |
| practice aloud. Eliminate words you find hard to | | | | your presentation - even if you're having an |
| pronounce, determine pacing, and find where to | | | | adrenaline rush. Before you say a word, take a |
| pause or add emphasis. Recognize that a great deal | | | | breath, look out and smile. Those few seconds allow |
| of editing and rewriting can take place during your | | | | everyone to settle down, change gears and prepare |
| rehearsals. | | | | for your presentation. |
| 2. Scout your stage by arriving early. | | | | Whether waltzing on national television or presenting |
| My suggestion? Plan to arrive at the venue at least | | | | last quarter's sales figures, all performers have one |
| 30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. Get | | | | thing in common - when the lights go on, they must |
| comfortable, familiarize yourself with the room, test | | | | be ready to give it their all. By integrating these five |
| any equipment and troubleshoot any logistical | | | | steps into your preparation ritual, you'll handle the |
| problems. Check out this logistics checklist for more | | | | podium as gracefully as the stars handle the dance |
| tips. | | | | floor. |