Prepping a Presentation is Like Prepping to Paint

Years ago, I tried to paint a room without much preparation.  I skipped using tape and just tried to wipe any spills along the baseboard because I was going to be "very careful."  Of course, this didn't work. 

In the same way, in the past I didn't always outline my message and align the main points before going to my powerpoint deck.  I didn't always send enough time to truly digest and understand my message in a deep way.  

When we  go through the work of prepping a room for painting, when it is finally time to get out the paint can, it is a much easier and fun job to lay down the new color.  The actual painting moves much faster and the dramatic change seems to happen almost instantly.

The same is true for prepping a new presentation.

Exploring Executive Presence

In our workshops we explore one major aspect of executive presence: the ability to claim space in the room or at the table. For each person it will look different since one important aspect of EP is being authentic. Even if you’re communicating in smaller groups, our workshops will help you stretch into your most dynamic self. 

We help you explore your projected voice, a relaxed but strong upright posture, confident eye contact, concise but engaging stories, compelling word choices, and enthusiasm.

If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough -- Albert Einstein

Speaking is different than writing. Our job as a speaker is to help our audience feel smart, not try to look smart ourselves through jargon or complex language. Simplifying our message takes work. Expressing our ideas simply and clearly takes practice.
© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Help! I Can't Remember What I Was Going to Say!

I heard it again today:  “I freeze up after questions, even though I know the answer.” This was from a client seeking interview coaching. My public speaking participants also lament “brain freeze.”   Emotional Intelligence and brain science can explain what’s happening.  Our nervousness triggers our flight/fight response. Our amygdala “hijacks” the neocortex, including the language centers of the brain. Now we can’t remember what we were going to say.

What can we do?  Practice! Whether presenting or interviewing we need to practice. Even personal stories need refinement.

Practice! When we practice we create stronger synaptic pathways in our brain related to our message. We’ll be more able to access our message since it has a stronger structure in our brain.

Also, find ways to relax. We can:
·      Take a supplement like kava (both relaxes the brain while enhancing focus)
·      Practice deep breathing
·      Use a visualization (our memories of great times in beautiful places can help). As we relax the amygdala stops firing and we can regain access to our higher thinking brain.

Create positive speaking experiences:

·      Take a class that will progressively give challenges while ensuring success (see www.training4breakthroughs.com!)
·      Speak more often at meetings or other functions.
·      Over time we can learn to trust ourselves and our abilities.

Remember that no one is perfect.  Even if we could memorize our presentation and deliver it flawlessly, we’ve missed the great opportunity to connect with our audience. Our listeners don’t want perfection, they crave our authenticity and passion.  If we’ve prepared and know our message, our inevitable small word-fumbles won’t matter to our audience. We won’t draw attention to small gaffes and we’ll treat any larger ones light-heartedly, with self-deprecating humor.  

Next Open Enrollment class -- March 16 and 17

Experience the power of learning public speaking in a group and then apply the lessons to projects of your choice. Participants change as we learn with and from each other. Our group is an amazing support as we discover the power of our authenticity and how to speak dynamically. Includes videotaping. Next dates: March 16 and 17. 

Workshop location: 8745 W Higgins Rd #110, Chicago, IL 60631 

Walking distance from Cumberland blue line 

 Discounts available for 2 or more registrations!

Laughter = deeper learning

Customized training downtown in Chicago today

I LOVE working with executive teams! Hardworking group of five today utilized our time together to craft stories for upcoming presentations. Fun witnessing and participating in their creative process as a team - refining and aligning their message.

Hashing out ideas

We think there is a place for powerpoint but Job's point is well taken. We need to always create the powerpoint AFTER hashing out our ideas and message.

 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Sign up for our free e-book!

What you’ll learn: 

• The most important element to include in a presentation. 
• The science behind storytelling. 
• The art of storytelling details. 
• 10 methods of making your presentation interactive and memorable.

Growth as a speaker involves some stumbles!

We can show you how. March 16 and 17, 2020

Join us!

Know someone ready for a deep immersion in executive presence, storytelling, and public speaking best practices? Next dates: March 16 and 17.

Public speaking + Emotional Intelligence = Impact and Connection. The top row (arenas of awareness) and the subsequent skills of Self Management help me deliver a message that can reach hearts and minds. (I'll also need great delivery mechanices, authenticity, and vulnerability.) The box labeled Relationship management shows the many benefits of sharing my message. (This model comes from Daniel Goleman's work)  © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Keep your message and your technology simple!

Travel light.  Your audience will appreciate it.

Projecting our voices

Yesterday's downtown Chicago training room was LONGGGGG. I needed to project far more than usual. (Thank you opera training!) We spent even more time talking about the secret of projecting the voice fully. (Taking pauses and deep breaths to support sound.) These salespeople sometimes present in these types of rooms, and there is no microphone option. A strong voice is a key component of executive presence. Our training today will give them a competitive advantage. 

 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Come to one of our open workshops, or bring Laura to your location for a customized workshop of any length

Our next two day workshop is March 16 and 17, 2020. 

2 Day Agenda 9am - 4pm

Topics for day one:· 

• Leveraging our nervousness  
• Secrets to Storytelling – the premiere skill
• Analyzing verbal and nonverbal habits
• Improvising on the spot
• Making a persuasive pitch
• Working with powerpoint
• Adding dynamic power verbally and nonverbally 

Topics for day two:· 

• Organizing our material
• Developing executive presence
• Working without powerpoint
• Delivering our speeches for feedback
• Exploring our own style
• Using stories for personal branding
• Exploring interactive speaking methods

 © 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Dressing to remember emotional intelligence.

I love clothing that makes me think. While working on a project on the johari window I imagined emotional intelligence insights in clothing. What if an entire team wore these for a meeting or an event? I like the visual reminder of what I see -- and what I don't! 

 #communicationskills #emotionalinteligence


© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Find your stories. Refine your stories.

Having a micro story to use for introductions of any kind can make us memorable and help build our personal brand. These prompts can help us find these stories.

© 2020 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

Stage Fright is Normal -- Fun old-timey look at public speaking nervousn...

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved

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

© 2018 Laura Lewis-Barr all rights reserved