Rap Tap and Act

Songs can make your vocal inflection exciting and fun. When you listen to the words of favorite song pay close attention to how the the singer puts emphasis on certain words. What would happen if you sang parts of your presentation for practice.

That’s right sing a part of your presentation and listen for how you are forced to put more inflection certain words. Why? Because you would bore yourself if you just spoke the words without any “beat” of the music.

So, find some music ,without the words, and add the words of your presentation to it.

There was a story reported about a group of teens who prepared and presented an awesome presentation using skits and Power point on the plight of homelessness in their community. I am so very proud of them. Read the news article here.

Powerpoint can be a powerful presentation aide. But that is exactly what it is AN AIDE,  assistant and application that can transfer your information in a visual format. Yet, often that is forgotten by many well meaning presenters.

When the entire presentation is focused on the Powerpoint you will run the risk of killing your audience! I know those are fighting words but you must be an audience participant to understand how it feels to come alive only when the presentation is OVER. How many people have you seen coming out of a presentation looking like “road kill”?.

So my suggestion has always been to provide transitions in your Powerpoint presentation. Think of the transition like a commercial between your TV movie. Even if you are asleep when the commercial comes on it will often wake you up. Why?, mostly because the volume or vocal tones goes up.

So let’s pump up the volume of our Powerpoints by adding an audio or video.  You have the option of introducing the audio or video before the slide appears. Or you can simply press  the letter B  on your keyboard to blacken the screen in a room with lights on or W on your keyboard to create a white screen when the lights are off.

Use this as a transition to introduce to audio or video slide by interacting with the audience. You could ask them to listen or observe something specific. You can also use this technique after you have played the slide to ask them questions or generate a discussion. Either way you are keeping them AWAKE.

Here are two resources you can use. If you know of others just make a comment below.

Add audio or video resource #1 

Add audio or video resource #2 

Keep rapping, tapping and acting,

Rosie

Technology topics and tool sharing does not have to be boring. As a matter of fact you can use technology to pump up your presentation. Consider adding multimedia to your Powerpoint and adobe acrobat pdf!

And sometimes simply presenting your topic with excitement can be contagious.

Speaking of technology there is going to be a powerful full day conference , Technology and YOU ,sponsored by the New Jersey Chapter of National Speakers Association on May, 9, 2008.

I will be there doing a Meet The Pro’s session on blogging and I PROMISE I WILL NOT BE BORING!

Get more information below.

flyer-2008.pdf

Song Parody is a fun thing to keep your audience awake and alive. Here are two quick examples. They can also be very funny.

by Stephen Campbell

One substantial component of public speaking that should always be taken into consideration is knowing how to make a bond with your audience. Public speaking skills like this is one effective medium to develop connection with your audience and could make you a great public speaker. In order to develop a connection, you should have public speaking skills like understanding their part. Read the rest of this entry »

Click here for an article that will illustrate how to use a metaphor or simile to pump up your presentation.

10 Challenging Points about Powerpoint tell me what you think!

10challenging-points-about.doc

Doug Stevenson is a true storytelling genius. Look and listen to the 9 steps he uses while telling a story. Story telling can engage your audience and keep them AWAKE! Which is one of the goals of this site Rap Tap and Act!

You can view this excellent video HERE.

Here Are 9 Powerful Communication Tips You Can Use When Communicating Your Message Face-to-Face With Anyone!

1. Maintain Positive Facial Expressions.

2. Use Positive Gestures

3. Good Vocal Inflection

4. Use a Confident tone of voice

5. Use Fewer Filler Words

6. Put Passion and enthusiasm in your vocal tone.

7. Present Only Professional Looking Material

8. Use Eye Contact

9. Actively Listen!