Most conferences kickoff with an opening general session. Why? What's the point? What's the purpose of a general session? Back To Presentation Basics What' the purpose of a speaker for any presentation? Nancy Duarte, author of Resonate says it best, Presentations are most commonly delivered to persuade an audience to change their minds or behavior. At its basic level, presentations are to persuade. Some may say that presentations are to inform. I typically respond with, "Inform for … [Read more...]
Leveraging Professional Speakers For Conference Impact
Most conference expense budgets are tight and limiting. Technology innovations, including Skype, Snagit, DIY screen capture and affordable video editing tools, can help you bring more thought leaders to your conference experience. Increasing Conference Value With Professional Speakers Professional speakers are often the most remembered, valued and polished elements of a conference. Typically they are reserved for general sessions. What if you could add a dose of their thought leadership to … [Read more...]
Do Not Start With The Roof: A How To Blueprint For Your Presentation Content
Imagine you're going to build a house. You don't just start building and add more wood as you proceed. Nor do you start with the roof and build from the top down. You start with a blueprint. You create a detailed and precise plan of what you want your house to be. The blueprint serves as the architecture and engineering design. It's the guide to building the house. Blueprint For Developing Presentation Content It's the same thing with your presentation. You should start with the end in … [Read more...]
Speakers Talk Too Much!
You talk too much! Yes, that's right. You talk too much! Talk, Talk, Talk I remember growing up that my sister and father never stopped talking. They seemed to be in an endless competition to see who could talk more. They never shut up. They even talked when other people weren't listening. My father would wake up in the morning and begin singing at the top of his lungs. Never mind that it was 6 am. He'd walk into my bedroom and pound on the walls with glee, shouting: "Good morning, good … [Read more...]
Three Conference Speaker Processes That Will Alarm You [Free Speaker Report]
Who has the final decision making power to hire a professional speaker for an organization? The answer may surprise you. And it may cause you to drop your jaw, raise your eyebrows and shout, "Huh?" Recently, Velvet Chainsaw partnered with Tagoras, Inc., a leading continuing education company, to survey conference professionals about their use of speakers. Here are three findings from The Speaker Report: The Use Of Professional And Industry Speakers In The Meetings Market. (Free PDF download. … [Read more...]
Fostering Hot And Spicy Audiences
Imagine for a moment that you're preparing for a presentation for an upcoming conference. Close your eyes and visualize that your audience appears to be actually sizzling in their seats with enthusiasm. They are on fire for your words. Creating Audience Combustible Motivation Now imagine you have that same experience every time you present. This vision is not unrealistic. You can create experiences that foster combustible motivation in your audience! How? By eliminating the two primary … [Read more...]
Conference Organizers Top 15 Professional Speaker Pet Peeves
Recently, Velvet Chainsaw partnered with Tagoras, Inc., a leading continuing education company, to survey conference professionals about their use of speakers. One question asked respondents to share their biggest pet peeves regarding professional speakers. 15 Guaranteed Ways Speakers Destroy Their Marketing Strategy Here are their top 15 most disliked pet peeves about professional speakers. 1. Arrogant, prima dona or diva-like behavior. Unconventional requests from professional speakers or … [Read more...]
Creating Sizzling Audiences: From Essential Sparks To Combustible Motivation
Imagine for a moment that you're preparing for a presentation for an upcoming conference. Close your eyes and visualize that your audience appears to be actually sizzling in their seats with enthusiasm. They are on fire for your words. Now imagine you have that same experience every time you present. Creating Audience Combustible Motivation This vision is not unrealistic. You can create experiences that foster audiences with combustible motivation! How? By eliminating the … [Read more...]
