Biesenblog
Riveting Insights on Communication, Storytelling and Presentation Skills
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3 Quick Virtual Presentation Tips
Five years after the COVID lockdown, I still see a lot of problems in Zoom and Teams meetings. So here are three quick virtual presentation tips to address some of the biggest issues I see. But first, a story. We Should Know Better by Now When the world went into...
How to Tell a Tough Personal Story: 7 Tips
In my last post I talked about the power of personal stories to captivate and compel the people you most need to influence. These are stories drawn from your own experience. Stories that will resonate with your audience because they actually resonate with you. I also offered a simple process for...
Is it Okay to Tell a Personal Story? Yes!
If you're wondering whether you should tell a personal story, here's your answer. Yes! A personal story is the best way to break down walls with people, build trust and influence them to act. I was reminded of this in a workshop I recently conducted. Participants were asked to submit stories on...
5 Reasons to Practice Your Presentation Out Loud
There’s a right way and a wrong way to practice your presentation. Sadly, I’ve found the wrong way is the most common approach: sitting in front of the computer and tabbing through the slides in silence. If it’s important (and if it’s not important, why do it?), it’s worth spending...
How to Fix Filler Words (And Other Speaking Tics)
Years ago I attended a presentation at work when I noticed the person next to me was making little tally marks on his notepad. By the end of the meeting he got up to 17. Afterwards I asked him what he was doing. He said he was counting the number...
Mastering the Art of a Successful Panel Discussion
“I don’t really have to prepare — it’s just a panel discussion.” How often have you heard that? But a panel discussion is about more than just showing up and answering questions. In some ways it’s more complex than a regular presentation, with less control and more variables. So here...
Body Language Myths Busted
It’s been said many times that 93% of communication is nonverbal. Guess what? It’s a myth. In fact it’s the mother of all body language myths! And a harmful one at that, especially when it comes to presentations. Because it causes people to tie themselves into knots trying to maneuver...
Story Details: What to Keep, What to Cut
When it comes to story details, some matter and some don't. Striking the right balance between the two can be challenging — especially when the story is about ourselves. Because it’s almost impossible to be objective — to stand outside ourselves and see what others see. As a result, we...
How to Find Great Stories That Make an Impact
Stories are all around us, just waiting to be discovered and told. Here’s how to find great stories you can use to win over any individual or audience, from customers to colleagues to communities. Storytelling Intimidates Most People In my storytelling workshops I equip people with the essential principles, processes...
Executive Presentation Coaching Made Easy(ish)
Some people are born to do executive presentation coaching while others have it thrust upon them. If you’re ever asked to help one of your executives, team members, clients or customers with their presentation, here are some key steps for bringing out the best in them before they hit the...
How to Communicate With Integrity: 6 Keys
When it comes to building and preserving a reputation, integrity is everything — integrity in what we do, of course, but also in what we say. So here’s a quick guide to help you communicate with integrity. Do What You Say Failing to deliver on a promise or commitment can...
5 Tips for Handling Group Presentations
When it comes to group presentations, there are two types of people: Those who are excited about the opportunity to collaborate, confident that the final product will be better than what they could accomplish on their own; and Those who dread it, fearing the process will be difficult and chaotic...