How to use Mind Map Tool for making Great Presentations

In the current globalized world of business, Presentations have become an intrinsic part. Not a day goes without making a Presentation to the CEO or the Chairman, or the Angel Investor, or banker, or any one else for that matter, for clinching a deal, or for raising a fund or a loan, or what have you. Presentations need not be such an awesome task if you learn to apply the basics.

The main elements of a Presentation are preparation and practice. In order to make the right preparation you have to first define the purpose of your Presentation. You have to be clear about the objective of your exercise at every point of your Presentation. You will then have to decide the main message you wish to convey, the kind of audience and the best and appropriate mode to reach the audience. The duration of your Presentation, the settings and facilities available at the venue are other factors that play a definite role for make a scintillating Presentation.

By far the most important aspect of Presentation is maintaining eye contact throughout your Presentation, for only then you will be able to strike a rapport and keep them riveted on what you say. Having a positive and genial approach, keeping your content simple, concise and informative and spicing up with humor and questions to prevent them from losing their interest are other elementary aspects of a Good Presentation.

Equally important to know is that you should capture your audience’s attention in the crucial first 7 minutes, which is the maximum span of attention before your audience’s attention begin to sag. The vital message and objective of the Presentation must come through clearly within those first few moments so audience are aware where you are leading them.

It must be obvious by now that preparation is absolutely vital for making meaningful Presentation. This is where Mind Mapping as a Mind Tool will be of immense aid. In writing the purpose, content, speech and in fact the entire course of Presentation can all be effectively dovetailed into a Presentation Mind Map. You can sequence every step of your Presentation using Mind Map. As Mind Mapping involves giving our full attention, you can be thorough and plan your Presentation well.

Beginning with writing the content of your speech, text for the visual display, the allotment of time for each aspect, being prepared with probable questions to field your audience, quoting anecdotes, humor and so on, Mind Maps serve a simple and yet effective tool. They are not at all obstructive as you will be able to capture the entire sequence of your Presentation, step by step, within just one page. That speaks for the simplicity and power of the Mind Maps. You really have got to learn the technique to understand its true value.

The Best Way to Prepare For a Negotiation

Negotiating is one of those skills we all have and use every day. Some are better than others but we all engage in negotiations all the time. Negotiating is not limited to your day job but comes useful in every situation you want something of somebody and includes when you’re talking to your boss, co-workers, spouse and children.

When most people think of negotiation they think of it in business terms or dealing with a salesman, but in fact a negotiation can be as big as two hostile countries sitting down and talking or your child asking you if they can borrow the car.

Before you enter into any negotiation you need to be prepared and there are 3 areas in which you have to be prepared every time. They are:

Yourself – Knowing yourself and knowing what you want is the most important factor. It will take you some time and thinking to clearly define what you want out of life but once you do your confidence will be increased and your negotiation skills will improve. Preparing yourself also means knowing your strengths and weaknesses.

The other person – As soon as you find out who you will be negotiating with it is very important to research that person. This offers a couple of advantages that can save you a lot of time and make the negotiation go smoother e.g. by doing your research you will have found out what authority this person has and therefore you will not ask for impossible things the person can’t offer, also on the other hand you will know for sure if they are claiming they don’t have the authority.

Knowing a little about the other person also has some social benefits. You can build rapport from the start by showing you know a fact or two about the other person. In situations such as an interview this can work wonders because it shows you took the time out and did research.

The Industry – You need to know about the industry you are working in. Strive to constantly learn about what is going on in your industry so you stay updated. Whenever you are going to be negotiating in an unfamiliar industry make sure to do the research so you know the players and the issues.

How to Avoid Stress When Delivering a Speech Or Presentation

You don’t have to feel unique and strange if you have stage fright when speaking in public. Happens to many. I was wrong, and not infrequently, even to me – this to take an example at hand:)

Over time, I was the main protagonist of public speaking scenes so embarrassing. So I will not tell them to you (but remember trembling voice, shirt stuck to skin, burning face?). Instead I will say how I started to treat me.

First aid I received was from a source very close at hand: TV. One night I watched Seinfeld. And what I hear? Jerry says that he made a survey of which is the thing which people fear most in life, proved that most Americans fear… speaking in public! and only a minority… say, dead! Comic conclusion: put yourself in the situation of a speech at a funeral, most would prefer to be in place of the dead, rather than in place of the priest.

And now here’s the first tip: Start your presentation with a little joke.The more your audience is stunned and more quiet, the more your blood pressure is higher. If you managed to snatch a reaction from the start, will give you courage, and will make the rest of the speech to flow more naturally. With humor and even self irony, you can use emotions in your favor, turning them into sympathy.

The second tip is related to the homework: the more is done more thoroughly, the more you will be easier to get through trial. Of course, there are those people “charismatic” that prepare the draft one night before.

Also on the training event, and also from personal experience, I can guarantee that drinking a glass of alcohol before will give you the strength to do what you want. Relax all your muscles and breathe several times. It’s a good exercise control. You learn to master the start.

During the speech itself, it is best to choose a position that involved a “shield” between you and the audience – a table, a gallery – will be good. If allowed, use your all helpful materials – projectors, files, notes.

If you have prepared thoroughly before you will also have the time under control. Maintain structure that you have proposed it, not digress and let the presentation to evolve as a building, brick by brick, and will be increasingly easier.