Well, it's been three weeks since I last blogged. I am sorry to all of you who expect a weekly blog on trucking issues, but I have been swamped with several cases and transition in personnel.
Usually, I try to provide some practical advice to my clients and colleagues. Many of you will be asked to make presentations at upcoming conferences. May I give you some advice on being a memorable presenter? I cannot take credit for the following, but I certainly want to share it.
The Legal Marketing Association's Los Angeles chapter's CME
(Continuing Marketing Education) program provided excellent content from many
memorable presentations. During the
program, I watched carefully as my industry friends and colleagues presented
their expertise in wide-ranging areas important in law firm marketing.
Cheryl Bame, Principal of Bame Public Relations, provides some takeaways and pointers for delivering a
memorable presentation and being a great speaker:
1. Don't
just educate, entertain.
People have
short attention spans so it is important to not only provide valuable content
but also to keep people engaged by interjecting creative anecdotes and some
humor without offending anyone.
2. Get
personal with the audience.
Tell stories
that illustrate your points and offer a meaningful way to connect with the
audience.
That means show enthusiasm
when you speak. Your audience will know
when you are bored or tired of speaking about your topic. It will show in your face and body language. I can still recall one of the better presentations by my friend Phil Bond, who was/is passionate about trucking AND the insurance industry. If you're in this industry, there must be something you like about it so SHOW it. Judy Burkhalter of Old Dominion was/is also very passionate about the industry and she inspires!
