Easy for You to Say
The Presentation Skills Handbook
by
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From Chapter 1: Audience The most effective presenters know their audiences! Most people prepare their presentations by focusing on: “What do I want to say?“ This is the wrong approach. The presenter’s role is to educate and inspire the audience. So the right approach is: “What does this audience want/need to know?” Remember: It is about the audience – not about you. When is your next presentation? If you don’t have one coming up, ask yourself - what message do you wish you could deliver? • “Our department needs 2 more people.” • “I’d love an international job.” • “Marry me”. Choose any message - and work through these next pages with that audience in mind. Let’s make it easy for you to say. Start here: Who’s in your audience? What question could you ask that would make everyone in your audience say YES? Here’s an example from a team of 5 women I coached this year: They were rehearsing a truly extraordinary panel discussion, in which they shared real, actionable insights women could use to grow their careers in a male-dominated industry. They opened with: “Who here has ever been the ONLY woman in the room? Today, you’ll hear how you can succeed in this amazing industry.” I thought… I can’t wait for women to hear this! Then, as we always do, we double-checked the audience for their event. The expected audience was 75% MALE. (!!!!!!!!) So, we adapted the presentation. With the same energy and wit, they not only spoke to the women in their industry – but also challenged the men to more effectively champion women and nonbinary people in ways they hadn’t considered before. The new opening: What a thrill when the entire audience connected with them. The male audience members expected a lecture – instead, they were surprised to hear several ways men benefit from recruiting more women. (Increased paternity leave!) Imagine the disaster if we hadn’t checked the demographics... if they’d delivered a presentation directed to only 25% of the audience! Every message you give can be adapted to the entire room.
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About the Book
You have a presentation tomorrow – for your boss, your team, new clients, or an audience of thousands. Where do you start? How do you know the audience will listen, agree, take action (and not fall asleep)? How do you strategically prep for this without sounding robotic and rehearsed? Open this handbook to any page, and you’ll find the answers. You can follow the steps in order or skip ahead to your greatest needs. Write all over it, bend the pages, and use the steps to share your story. Backed by the science of adult learning and decades of live & virtual training, “Easy For You To Say” is a simple handbook that elevates your communication and lives up to its name.
About the Author
Shelley Bamberger is a nationally acclaimed presentation coach with BFA and MFA degrees in performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory (CCM). After a successful career in musical theatre, radio, and commercials, she launched i-Cue in 1995 to coach professional speakers. Her passion is channeling her theatre training into community service – empowering people to seize the spotlight and share their stories. Erin Bailey Lake is a writer/trainer/musician with degrees in music and communications from THE Ohio State University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University. She created the company’s virtual business in 2020 and expanded its Presentation Skills training to include Storytelling, Interview Skills, Hybrid Meetings, and Personal Branding. Her passion is helping fellow shy introverts make their voices heard.