2024 Listener Favorite: Cracking the Presentation Code with Terri Sjodin
Dec 19, 2024
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This conversation features Terri Sjodin, the Principal and founder of Sjodin Communications, known for her expertise in persuasive presentation skills and her bestselling books. She shares insights on common pitfalls in presentation skills and the importance of self-awareness. Terri emphasizes mastering the elevator pitch and discusses the balance between creativity and information. The episode dives into the complexities of in-person versus virtual presentations, highlighting strategies for connection and engagement that can elevate any professional's impact.
Mastering the elevator speech is essential for engaging communication, allowing professionals to spark curiosity in under 90 seconds.
Recognizing common presentation mistakes and improving self-awareness can dramatically enhance effectiveness, especially in virtual settings.
Deep dives
The Elevator Speech Effect
The concept of the elevator speech is highlighted as a critical skill for effectively communicating ideas, products, or services in a limited timeframe. While reaching out for a client’s attention in less than 90 seconds may seem impossible, the emphasis is on inciting curiosity that encourages further discussion. This skill encourages professionals to craft concise and engaging messages that can lead to future opportunities or appointments. By practicing brevity, individuals are trained to self-edit and discern essential points, ultimately enhancing their persuasive presentation abilities.
Common Presentation Mistakes
Research identified three major mistakes frequently made during presentations, regardless of experience level: winging it, failing to conclude with a call to action, and being overly informative. Many individuals admitted to improvising due to time constraints or overconfidence, which often resulted in missed opportunities. The importance of preparation and structure is stressed, as those who take the time to organize their thoughts are more likely to connect effectively with their audience. These mistakes not only hinder personal performance but can also lead to broader implications in sales and business outcomes.
Adaptation in Presentation Formats
The transition to virtual and hybrid presentation formats during and after the pandemic poses unique challenges for presenters. Participants noted the difficulty of engaging an audience virtually compared to in-person, where rapport and personal connection could develop more naturally. The lack of physical presence can lead to a sense of disconnect, with many presenters misusing time and failing to create engaging content. The awareness of these differences allows professionals to adapt their strategies and enhance their effectiveness in virtual environments.
Strategies for Improvement
To enhance presentation skills, three key recommendations are provided: increase self-awareness, manage time effectively, and have fun during presentations. Recording practice sessions and reviewing them can yield valuable insights into delivery and engagement, helping presenters identify areas for improvement. Moreover, structuring presentations with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion allows for better time management and ensures all critical points are adequately covered. Ultimately, emphasizing enjoyment in presentations fosters a connection with the audience, making the experience more memorable and engaging.
Welcome to the What's Next! Podcast with Tiffani Bova.
As we approach the end of the year, I’m pausing to look back and celebrate all of the wonderful guests that I had the honor of speaking to on the show. And based on your feedback, many of these guests resonated with you as well so we’re giving you another chance to revisit the stories, insights, and lessons you loved most in 2024!
This week I'm excited to highlight an episode with Terri Sjodin.
Terri is the Principal and Founder of Sjodin Communications where she specializes in advancing the persuasive presentation skills of professionals. She is the author of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestseller Small Message, Big Impact: The Elevator Speech Effect and her latest book, Presentation ready, which was published earlier this year.
THIS EPISODE IS PERFECT FOR… anyone who wants to improve their presentation skills.
TODAY’S MAIN MESSAGE… the way we deliver information matters. It can make or break the decisions people make but frankly it’s a skill that few of us are taught. In this conversation, Terri unpacks critical insights and practical strategies for leaders - but really anyone - to be a more impactful communicator.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Top mistakes people self-identify in their presentation skills.
The importance of awareness and course-correction.
How to establish connection in a virtual setting.
Striking the balance between being creative and being informative.
WHAT I LOVE MOST… the idea that there is no boring material, only boring presentations.