Heider and Simmel 1944 film illustrates our mind's determination to crea...

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Funny video but your audience doesn't want this!

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Our job is to make our audience feel smart. Don't do this!

Best version I could find of this hilarious video on the dangers of a jargon-filled message.  Forgive the quality.  

Let's make sure our presentations don't sound like this!

I can't get this story out of my head

At first I posted this fantastic video because it was fun. I promised the viewer a smile if they watched it. But now I'm editing this post. I notice how this video is an example of terrific corporate storytelling. We identify with the lonely travelers and then share their triumph when they overcome their reticence and join together. The story follows a single moment which makes it more powerful than a complicated corporate story that takes place over many segments. It's also a true story. And that's the story of what I learned from watching this video. I thought it was simply fun and now I see what it can teach.

There is nothing like a group class -- powerful effects.

Oh my gosh!!!!  I was much better than I thought. 

Remember I was managing expectations and set the bar low 😀

These videos were incredibly helpful Laura.  

I have much more confidence now after watching.  

It was an amazing 2 days!!!! Thank you so much for your coaching and guidance. 

Practice Practice Practice. 

Thank you again !!!!

Jeff

Next dates for our acclaimed public speaking workshop -- March 16 and 17, 2020

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Benefits of working in learning public speaking in a group

Managing nerves: We’ll take you through progressive exercises that reveal your strengths. As you present to partners and the entire room, you’ll gain confidence for more challenging exercises. You’ll see that you can manage your nerves and even speak without notes! There is nothing like speaking in front of a group to simulate the challenges of actual presentations. One on one coaching can’t replicate this. Working within a supportive group is the fastest way to conquer nervousness.

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Challenges, learning and laughter -- Day one of our January workshop.

Learning grows when working in a group. Join us for our next 2 day immersion in March or bring Laura to your company site.

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Day one of January "Art of Dynamic Presentations." Next dates, March 16 and 17, 2020

It is amazing to work with talented, dedicated professionals.


Learning with and from each other.

The Courage To Change our PPT Culture

Last week,I urged my client to put fewer words on his powerpoint slides. Dan liked the idea but wondered if his company would allow it. I suggested that he could have two different decks, one with mostly images - for his presentation, and an “after the event” deck with the complete text of his message. Today we got the bad news, Dan’s boss wanted slides that the “audience can read” while Dan gave his presentation. Unfortunately, this seems like a common reaction. We’re afraid that audiences won’t get the message if it isn’t printed on the powerpoint slide. But multitasking in this way – reading while listening – leads to more distraction and less engagement with the speaker. Even if we learn best practices for presentations, if our companies resist any changes from “how things are done,” slide decks can continue to get in the way of dynamic presentations. What do you think of using two types of ppt decks? 

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Small tweaks lead to big changes in our presentations.

Join us!

You’re standing in front of a group telling a story. You can feel their delight, they’re leaning towards you, curious and fascinated. You’re nearing the end and you know you’ve got them. This group understands your insight, or product, or request.

Next week, January 9 and 10 is our next “The Art of Dynamic Speaking.” Join us for this immersive deep dive into storytelling, organizing your ideas, speaking without notes, building executive presence and more. You CAN inspire and motivate your colleagues, clients, and community. Call Laura for more info: 630-531-0000

© 2019 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Checklist for dynamic speaking

These elements combine together to create our dynamism. In our workshops, even small tweaks of volume and posture lead to large changes in executive presence. Let 2020 be the year of changing small habits to make big changes in our communication and career. © 2019 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Practicing can often feel very uncomfortable but this coming year, push through the discomfort and you'll discover your own inner genius.

A football player in one of my classes said, "I used to throw the football for hours everyday.  I'm amazed that I never practiced my presentations but expected them to be successful."  

Practice!  It's a key factor in successful presentations.

© 2019 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Public Speaking Dread Transforms to Excitement

Hi Laura,

 

Thank you for emailing the links.

More importantly thank you for helping me getting better with presentations. I have learned a lot during these two days.

You are such a good instructor. Please continue to teach this class.

Again thank you for sharing your knowledge with presentations.

Zena

Methods to Bring us into Your Story

Brain research says that a well told story creates similar brain patterns between the listener and speaker. Here's a reminder of ways to keep a story vivid for your listener.



© 2019 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

New Year's Resolution? Take two days for the most important career skill

Aaron was great with his customers but he hated giving presentations and often read his powerpoint slides. He felt like he was missing many sales because he couldn’t find a way to relax.

Jenny often got feedback that she talked too fast or ran over time during her presentations. She was told that her voice sounded too young and that she didn’t have the “enough gravitas” for the executive team. 

Martina had to lead quarterly meetings but she wasn’t sure how to organize her ideas or make them compelling. 

In two days, these three cheered each other on during challenging exercises that helped Jenny find her own “executive presence,” while Aaron learned that he loved telling short client stories that were funny and powerful. During day two, Martina had a breakthrough, she understood how and why she needed to simplify her ideas and how doing this would help her audience enjoy and remember her presentation.

We’ve seen many students transform in two days. Come join us for our next group in January. Fun, interactive, and guaranteed to meet 

your public speaking goals -- at your location or in Chicago near O'Hare.

© 2019 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

For presentations of several hours, ditch the PowerPoint!

In these digital days, working without PowerPoint is a refreshing change from the norm. Flip charts can give your audience something to look at and keep our presentations both simplified and organized.

If I'm speaking for half a day or less, this is a great option. If you choose to use flip charts, make sure to fill them out before the event.

The fabulous Viceroy hotel in Chicago delivered flip chart paper to my hotel room before my event last week. Made that task much more comfortable.  In addition to the large, visible text, we can make small pencil notes that only we can see. These can help us remember a story or necessary transition.

© 2019 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

More reviews from last week's class.

"Thank you for sending the videos, Laura. I really enjoyed having you at our meeting. Lots of fun and learned a bunch."

--E.J.

Kind words from an attendee

From this week's onsite training: "What an amazing experience Laura, thank you so much for taking the time with us! I’ll be working on polishing my stories for the rest of my life now thanks to you. :)"

--Chris R
















© 2019  Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved