3 Tips to Memorable Presentations

I had a chance to hear Geoff Ramsey, CEO and co-founder of E-marketer speak the other day at a fine Austin Interactive Marketing Association session at the tony UT club on the campus of the University of Texas.

Geoff impressed everyone with his take on the future of interactive marketing.

As I was engaged in Geoff's presentation, I realized that there are 3 main tips to memorable presentations:

1. Use PowerPoint to make it POW!!

Powerpoint is not a necessity for a great speech, (or even a good one for that matter) but Geoff used plenty of imagery, motion, and video to make each slide resonate. Thankfully, we did not have to suffer through bulletpoints and text. Nicely done.

2. Be funny

We all love to laugh. Geoff had us rolling right from the start. And when some jokes didn't work (and some inevitably won't), Geoff did not take himself too seriously and moved on. He took chances with his humor and the audience appreciated it.

3. Converse with the audience

Geoff routinely asked the audience questions, gauged reaction, and was generous with his eye contact. It was refreshing to see him enjoying his position in front of the welcoming audience.
He may have been speaking to 100, but it felt like he was talking to me.

Happy Speaking!!

Until next time,
Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

Think 'See Saw' When Communicating

I walked by a neighborhood park the other day and noticed two young kids gleefully playing on a see-saw. The see-saw is a throwback, but still extremely effective as a crowd-pleaser. Each kid sported a grin as wide as Texas as the see-saw teetered and tottered rhythmically on a clear Sunday afternoon. Each kid reveling in the moment when they are on top, waiting for gravity's inevitable pull.

The give and take of the see saw then caused me to reflect on communication. For communication to work, two must actively participate. One person communicating is a performance not an exchange. The same holds true for the see-saw. One kid sitting on a see-saw is a lonely kid searching for a buddy.

Next time you are in the midst of communication, visualize the see-saw as it ebbs and flows from one to another. Don't overtake or overwhelm the conversation. Listen actively and let the other person 'take the floor' just as often as you open your mouth.

Take this tip to heart and you are letting each person in a conversation know what it feels like to be on top of the world. They might even start grinning, which isn't a bad thing.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

Naden's Corner

Photo credited to photosandhobbies.com

Books to Read in 2008

Last post, I shared with you what I read in 2007. This time I'd like to reveal some of what's on tap for reading in 2008.

My life's a bit more busy now than a year ago so this will be a stretch, but why not shoot for the stars, right?

Goal: 16 books.

Here are the 4 out of 16 that I most look forward to reading in 2008:

1. What the CEO Wants You to Know: How Your Company Really Works

by Ram Charan

I've heard good things about this book as it boils being successful in business down to simple, reasonable, and understandable metaphors. The sweet science of making money at business unveiled.

2. The Starfish and the Spider

by Ori Brafman

Like it or not, the world is becoming more fluid and flexible. This book takes an interesting stance that there are two types of businesses: 'spiders' (full or hierarchies and top-down mentality) and 'starfish' (peer relationships and collaboration seize the day).

3. Beckham: Both Feet on the Ground

by David Beckham

This had to make the list. (Christmas gift from my Mom, a voracious reader -- thanks Mom!)
Seriously though, I am intrigued to learn what makes this soccer phenom tick. Let's hope he can bring some spark to American soccer interest now that he's playing here in the States on a regular basis.

4. The Money Masters
by John Train

I've really taken a keen interest in business investing since I read Graham's 'The Intelligent Investor'. This book comes highly recommended as a classic view into the minds of the superb investments philosophies of Ben Graham, Warren Buffett, John Templeton, and Phil Fisher. Here's to consistently profitable investments.

That's all for now. Time to read.

Dan