Thought Ignite - Thoughts-> Feelings-> Actions-> Results

I had been to the meeting of a very popular business community yesterday. A few CEOs presented their ideas on how to tackle the forthcoming and looming challenges of the industry.  Though the messages from each leader was so powerful and meaningful to the entire gathering, I was really taken aback on the presentation skills the majority of them lacked! The result being a cloudy disposition after the meeting, with no one knowing what next to do with the knowledge shared.

I just have to tell this to CEOs, business owners and senior managers: You have reached a point in life just because of certain decisions and actions you took in the past. Hardwork, perseverance and a belief in the positive definitely has been with you all along. But you will be surprised if I tell you that you have not yet exploited even a small percentage of what you could have acheived by now! The reason is just this: You might be having millions of ideas and views in your mind. If that is not capsulated and presented in your talk on stage and off stage and at all times of your business communication, your message will be mis intepreted, while you think that your message was clear to the listener. This is a skill and can be learnt if you know agree and know WHY you need this skill. You must begin to ponder and wonder where all in the past you could have done better if you had perfected this skill! Yes my friend: thinking is hard work!

A phrase by Michael Angelo presented by one of the speakers of the same meeting goes something like this: "The greater danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we hit it." How true!

All these business leaders have to do is raise their sights a little above their own business, look farther and learn the art of presenting what they see to the new generation.  Now that will definitely create an awareness. An impression beyond expectation. After all what makes the world go around? It is hope! Hoping to live that lifestyle one day. Hoping that this would be better, hoping to become like that person one day etc etc.

1. Gather your knowledge on your subject before you present something.
2. Create your slides and then halve their numbers.
3. Select one message that you are going to build your topic on
4. Tell the audience / listener clearly what you are going to speak
5. Tell them the content of the topic
6. Tell them what you have just told them

Thats it! Your presentation is clear and crisp and moreover remembered by the audience. If possible add a couple of real life impressive stories to complement your presentation. And remember to close your presentation just before your time is over.

If you need more help on this subject there are a huge number of books on presentation. Just pick a couple of them and read through. Modify according to your requirements.

And then here you are: You will now be delivering your powerful messages in an equally powerful manner.

Communication. Our most important skill, we would ever require in this journey of life!

Sanjiv Padman