Shift From Change to Progress

"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything."

~ George Bernard Shaw
Irish Dramatist.

 (1865 - 1950)

Often people are uncomfortable with change. And, typically, people appreciate the benefits of progress. While all change doesn't guarantee progress, nearly no progress would be possible without change.

So, when you are thinking about change, reposition your focus to the progress it may ultimately yield. And, if you are considering change that impacts others, please position your attitude, approach, language and vision on those results.

If we think or talk about "we must change", or "we need change" or "we have to change", we put people, including ourselves, in a place of no choice and/or lack of control. You, and they, will feel put upon and may do things out of compliance.

Instead, should we share about progress, and how the progress will benefit each person, and paint a picture where it is clear that each person who buys in will have a place in that picture, in that future, then people get committed to the actions it takes to get there.

Insist on change, and some will come along based in fear and ultimately minimal action and compliance, and yet project progress, and watch many get committed and join the progress in a way that shares in the action and the success that follows!

How "Maybe" is Worse than "No"!

Telling someone you might be there, or providing a "maybe" as a reply is not only not an answer, it is downright thoughtless in regards to the person asking.

A "no" is not rude. A "no, thank you" requires no other explanation.

A "maybe" means the person asking is left wondering. He or she cannot plan or move forward, rather that person has to follow up with the person replying "maybe" to get a solid response...needlessly taking up time due to the carelessness of planning on the other person's part. If you are not sure if you are going to atttend, say something like "Due to a potential conflict, I'll say "no" for now. If there is a change in plans, when is your final RSVP deadline, if it is not now?" If it is right then, be okay with that - the other person doesn't want to be in "I'll try-ville" or "Maybe Town" or "We'll see-ville" until you make a decision.

When you use "No" instead of "Maybe", will you possibly miss out on opportunities because your time could become free later? Yes. Will you risk getting a reputation of being indecisive, non-committal and thoughtless? No. And, based on that, please stop using "Might", "Maybe" and other distant options in order to position yourself and others for committed experiences!

Deliver a REAL Introduction

Believe it or not, an engaging introduction can be an important part of a powerful presentation. And, a bad introduction is often a sad start for a presenter who has to first recover from the introduction, and second has to attempt to engage an audience after that recovery.

 

An effective introduction should be REAL, meaning the introducer simply, and only covers the:

 

Reason for the talk/presentation/training. Welcome people, and let them know what the topic is.

 

Examples of the importance of the topic. State 2-4 reasons someone will want to listen to the presentation.

 

Acknowledgement of the speaker’s credentials and name. Share 2-4 relevant facts about the speaker that will enhance the presenter’s credibility and pique the audience’s interest. Clearly and confidently state the name of the speaker/presenter last, with a pause between the last comment and the first name and a quick pause between the presenter’s first and last name.

Leading of the applause. As soon as you finish the presenter’s name to the audience (which is done while facing the audience. You then turn to face the presenter as you start to applaud loudly and rapidly to indicate others can follow (and they will!).

 

An example of “keeping it REAL” for an effective introduction is:

 

Welcome to the Presenting Powerfully workshop (R)! It is important we learn to present confidently and professionally, learn tips and tools for connecting with the audience, and that we get our messages across effectively (E). Our speaker comes to us as a 10-time published author, former corporate regional and national leader, and a member of the National Speakers Association. Please welcome your expert on presentation prowess, Debbie Lundberg (A). Applaud immediately (L).

Deliver a REAL introduction and/or write a REAL introduction for yourself, if you are the speaker, and no longer will bad introductions, or worse yet, the reading of a full, long bio, be the start to any presentation!