Powerful Pithy Presentations Tip #6: Talk To Strangers
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There’s usually little time to seek out a great coach or take a class to help you prepare for that all-important “make or break” presentation you found out about last week!
But the ability to craft and deliver powerful, pithy, presentations is the most important tool used in the business community for getting things done! Your presentation will make the difference between your success or failure!
The goal of Powerful, Pithy Presentation Pointers is to deliver one memorable, easy to implement presentation tool at a time! Then you can practice it 100 times and make it your own!
Powerful Pithy Presentation Pointer #6: Talk To Strangers
A large amount of my time is spent talking to strangers! I work in the background of Willie Jolley Worldwide. From receiving calls from those who have heard Willie on radio, seen him on television, or read one of his books, to attending functions as part of product sales support, I’m talking to strangers. My responsibility is to make people feel welcomed, appreciated and served with excellence. That is, I must be proactive in meeting their needs in a cheerful fashion - whether it’s the answering of a question, the purchase of a product or just meeting and greeting of folks as a part of the Willie Jolley team!
I would rather stay in and read or complete paperwork, than face the varied social settings and workplace environments I’ve been thrust into. But, I’ve had to learn strategies to cope! I believe there are many like me, normally reserved and perhaps a bit shy, whose work life requires a more outgoing and take charge presence!
Here are a few strategies I’ve learned that have helped me tremendously. I’m sure they can work for you too!
1. Smile!
Find someone to make eye contact with and raise your cheeks and smile. This says you are open to conversation.
2. Ask a question that requires more than a yes or no answer.
“How did you end up at this event?” In fact have several generic open-ended questions you can ask! People love the sound of their own voices and sharing their stories.
3. Stand with your arms unfolded.
This is "open body language.” Never stand with your arms folded.
4. Keep the eye contact with the person you are speaking with!
That says you are interested in what they have to say.
5. And when ready to end the conversation, extend your hand to thank them for the time spent, the great information offered, or for allowing you to serve them!
6. Then smile, move on and repeat the process!
Dee Taylor-Jolley, MEd
Trainer/Speaking
Presentation Skills Expert
“If all my talents and powers were taken from me by some inscrutable providence, and I had my choice of keeping but one, I would unhesitatingly ask to be allowed to keep the power of speaking, for through it, I would quickly recover all the rest.” -Daniel Webster
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