Comments on: What to look for in a presentation skills trainer

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:48:14 +0000

Thanks Darren

That’s a great impromptu speech too!

Olivia

By: Presentation Skills

Presentation Skills — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 10:43:13 +0000

Great line about being rule driven.

Here is a great Toastmaters video about being rule driven.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4ZOPZvzG6o

Cheers

Darren Fleming

By: cna training

cna training — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 03:25:54 +0000

Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!

By: Fred E. Miller

Fred E. Miller — Mon, 24 May 2010 10:55:25 +0000

Good Post, Olivia.

One size does not fit all.

Interview several trainers before deciding on one to work with.

We all have different personalities and they are not always compatible with each other.

I have a friend who is an excellent editor, but I know I couldn’t work with her.
However, I know she does good work, and would recommend her to others.

The same thing with trainers. We’re not all a fit for everyone.

In fact, the trainer should, when necessary, tell the prospect that there might be someone else who can better serve their needs.

Thanks!

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Wed, 19 May 2010 01:31:10 +0000

Hi Mary
That’s a great strategy.
Olivia

By: Olivia Mitchell

Olivia Mitchell — Wed, 19 May 2010 01:30:29 +0000

As usual, beautifully said, Anke .

By: mary langan

mary langan — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:48:07 +0000

Thank you once again Olivia for a great post. Rules cause presenters so many problems, and many feel liberated knowing that it is ok to have notes, or that they don’t have to start with a joke.
When delegates are not convinced I suggest that they watch some of the TED talks, where you can see such a wide variety of presenters, some with notes, some who sit rather than stand etc. By seeing how compelling these presenters are, often purely because of their passion for a subject, it convinces the doubters.

By: Anke Tröder

Anke Tröder — Tue, 18 May 2010 12:08:29 +0000

Amen.
There are no rules, is the only rule I believe in, when it comes to presenting.
It all depends. On the reactions we cause. And want to cause.

A speaker with notes may have a fascinating voice and the notes will become totally invisible.
A speaker with cluttered slides may have such a relevant story to tell that it makes the slides perfectly invisible.

A good trainer will never say you must, but: why don’t we try something else… and will guide students -step by step- and help them discover & develop their personal ressources. Because everyone is different, and we all need different rules.

That does not mean that there are no objective criteria for a good talk.
But sometimes they simply do not matter as much as the invisible touch.