Copy Bill Maclaren
by Graham Davies
Bill Maclaren, the distinguished Rugby commentator who died this week, used three presentational techniques that are accessible to people with much less talent than he was blessed with.
First of all, he prepared thoroughly. He researched and made notes about all 30 players on the pitch...and all the reserves. He could also tell you something about the referee and both linesman. He never had to struggle for a piece of personal knowledge, because he had it all carefully set out in front of him.
He also used strikingly distinctive language when under pressure. I will never forget forget him describing one hard-scrummaging wing forward as "rampaging like an angry octopus".
But his most important presentational asset was his sheer enthusiasm for his subject. Talking about Rugby was never a job. It was a passion.
Preparation, unique words and appropriate intensity are three things that everyone should use, whether they are presenting in a TV studio or a Company Boardroom.
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Friday, 8 January 2010
Presenting Mrs Robinson
by Graham Davies
I never like to gloat when a pompous, arrogant politician falls flat on their face. OK, I'm lying. But I am particularly pleased to see the downfall of Ulster's leading Cradle-Snatching Christian.
Iris Robinson's presentational persona has largely been concerned with making pronouncements on the sinful behaviour of homosexuals. She has also preached extensively about the sanctity of marriage.
It turns out that she is a Born Again Hypocrite.
I would advise any public figure never to pontificate about other people's morality. It is a topic that simply should not be the subject of presentation from anyone outside of a pulpit.
by Graham Davies
I never like to gloat when a pompous, arrogant politician falls flat on their face. OK, I'm lying. But I am particularly pleased to see the downfall of Ulster's leading Cradle-Snatching Christian.
Iris Robinson's presentational persona has largely been concerned with making pronouncements on the sinful behaviour of homosexuals. She has also preached extensively about the sanctity of marriage.
It turns out that she is a Born Again Hypocrite.
I would advise any public figure never to pontificate about other people's morality. It is a topic that simply should not be the subject of presentation from anyone outside of a pulpit.
Friday, 1 January 2010
My Favourite Moment of 2009
by Graham Davies
My favourite Presentational Moment of 2009 actually lasted about 5 seconds. That was how long it took for someone to prove that what comes out of your mouth and how it comes out is more important than your age, your background and what you look like. It was a moment that has brought joy and hope to millions of people....and Superstardom for Susan Boyle and her cat.
She clearly still has serious personal issues. But they are the sort of issues than can be worked on quite effectively when you've got a few million quid in the bank.
Some commentators have moaned that she is no longer the "real" Susan. They say that her new look and vitiality are merely a Corporate Creation.
But look at the photographs of her from 30 years ago, when she was a vivacious and attractive teenager. That was the real Susan. Her real triumph is that she is now presenting herself in the way that she should always have done, for the last 3 decades.
She has become what she was meant to be. And if you are feeling a bit down about the way you are presenting yourself in 2010, have a look at that You Tube clip.....and see if you can watch it without breaking into great big smile.
by Graham Davies
My favourite Presentational Moment of 2009 actually lasted about 5 seconds. That was how long it took for someone to prove that what comes out of your mouth and how it comes out is more important than your age, your background and what you look like. It was a moment that has brought joy and hope to millions of people....and Superstardom for Susan Boyle and her cat.
She clearly still has serious personal issues. But they are the sort of issues than can be worked on quite effectively when you've got a few million quid in the bank.
Some commentators have moaned that she is no longer the "real" Susan. They say that her new look and vitiality are merely a Corporate Creation.
But look at the photographs of her from 30 years ago, when she was a vivacious and attractive teenager. That was the real Susan. Her real triumph is that she is now presenting herself in the way that she should always have done, for the last 3 decades.
She has become what she was meant to be. And if you are feeling a bit down about the way you are presenting yourself in 2010, have a look at that You Tube clip.....and see if you can watch it without breaking into great big smile.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Normal Models?!!
by Graham Davies
This evening I was working out in the gymn and I watched a fashion show on the TV screen in front of me. Unlikely, but true. And I saw something incredible. Something that I have never seen before during any of my many involuntary viewings of the Fashion Presentation genre: the models were cleary enjoying themselves.
Each girl in the show had normal feminine curves instead of the ironing-board-with-feet physique that dominates their sector. They wore make-up that enhanced their good looks. They walked along the stage with obvious enthusiasm. And they also did something that was really strange....something that is usually forbidden in a fashion show: they smiled!
Most models permanently wear the sort of expression that suggests that they have just been forced to go to the cafeteria at their Eating Disorder Clinic.
But the models I saw tonight allowed their enjoyment and their personalities to shine through to what they were modelling...and I actually started to appreciate the excellence of their clothes and the expertise of the designer.
It's about time that the Fashion Industry realised that enthusiasm for the product, from normal-shaped, feminine models, is a highly effective presentational device.
by Graham Davies
This evening I was working out in the gymn and I watched a fashion show on the TV screen in front of me. Unlikely, but true. And I saw something incredible. Something that I have never seen before during any of my many involuntary viewings of the Fashion Presentation genre: the models were cleary enjoying themselves.
Each girl in the show had normal feminine curves instead of the ironing-board-with-feet physique that dominates their sector. They wore make-up that enhanced their good looks. They walked along the stage with obvious enthusiasm. And they also did something that was really strange....something that is usually forbidden in a fashion show: they smiled!
Most models permanently wear the sort of expression that suggests that they have just been forced to go to the cafeteria at their Eating Disorder Clinic.
But the models I saw tonight allowed their enjoyment and their personalities to shine through to what they were modelling...and I actually started to appreciate the excellence of their clothes and the expertise of the designer.
It's about time that the Fashion Industry realised that enthusiasm for the product, from normal-shaped, feminine models, is a highly effective presentational device.
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Obnoxious Upselling
by Graham Davies
I have taken a short vacation from blogging, mainly because of not coming across anything that pissed me off enough to blog about it. That all changed today in WHSmith.
Obesity is a killer: one of the biggest causes of heart disease in the western world. It nearly always involves the person concerned having a diet that is obviously less healthy than it really should be. And healthy diets rarely involve significant amounts of crisps or milk chocolate. I speak as an unreformed carbandfatoholic.
I find the compulsory upselling carried out by WHSmith checkout staff to be particularly obnoxious. I was just paying for a newspaper when one said, "Would you like one of these chocolate bars for just a pound?"
I am now reasonably strong about confronting my chocolate problem so I was able to Just Say No. But alot of people are successfully ambushed by this ploy which exploits them when their defences are down.
Don't fall for it. And next time they try it on you, tell them where they can put their Toblerone.
by Graham Davies
I have taken a short vacation from blogging, mainly because of not coming across anything that pissed me off enough to blog about it. That all changed today in WHSmith.
Obesity is a killer: one of the biggest causes of heart disease in the western world. It nearly always involves the person concerned having a diet that is obviously less healthy than it really should be. And healthy diets rarely involve significant amounts of crisps or milk chocolate. I speak as an unreformed carbandfatoholic.
I find the compulsory upselling carried out by WHSmith checkout staff to be particularly obnoxious. I was just paying for a newspaper when one said, "Would you like one of these chocolate bars for just a pound?"
I am now reasonably strong about confronting my chocolate problem so I was able to Just Say No. But alot of people are successfully ambushed by this ploy which exploits them when their defences are down.
Don't fall for it. And next time they try it on you, tell them where they can put their Toblerone.
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Sugar Moans Again
by Graham Davies
If I ever have 730 million quid in the bank, I hope I do not whine as much as Alan Sugar does. Ironically, this week he has accused struggling businessmen of being "moaners" who live in "Disneyworld". I hope that this is a happier place than Sugarworld, where moaning has been raised to an art form.
Suralan clearly feels that any display of personal charm is a form of presentational weakness. He would like to see himself as a Straight Talker who does not suffer fools gladly. The reality is that he does not like to suffer anyone gladly apart from himself.
He has never learned one of the Cardinal Rules of effective straight talking: being rude makes your point of view far less persuasive.....especially when you happen to be right.
Perhaps we should all take Suralan more seriously. But perhaps he should take himself alot less seriously.
by Graham Davies
If I ever have 730 million quid in the bank, I hope I do not whine as much as Alan Sugar does. Ironically, this week he has accused struggling businessmen of being "moaners" who live in "Disneyworld". I hope that this is a happier place than Sugarworld, where moaning has been raised to an art form.
Suralan clearly feels that any display of personal charm is a form of presentational weakness. He would like to see himself as a Straight Talker who does not suffer fools gladly. The reality is that he does not like to suffer anyone gladly apart from himself.
He has never learned one of the Cardinal Rules of effective straight talking: being rude makes your point of view far less persuasive.....especially when you happen to be right.
Perhaps we should all take Suralan more seriously. But perhaps he should take himself alot less seriously.
Monday, 2 November 2009
Angry Email Response
by Graham Davies
Unless you are one of the lucky few, you will sometimes receive emails that make you very angry indeed. They may contain offensive allegations, factual inaccuracies and downright insults. And they may even be sent by long-standing, valued clients that you just did not believe were capable of such behaviour.
This is the way to deal with them: write a reply immediately, while your anger is still white-hot. Tackle every insult head-on, countering with several of your own....preferably even ruder than the ones they were stupid enough to use.
Point out the stupidity of every individual piece of inaccuracy. Above all, make it absolutely clear that you take the email as a deliberately hurtful and personal attack. Make your reply accurate, but ensure that it is your emotions that are more noticeable than the facts.
And then........STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER WITHOUT HITTING THE SEND BUTTON. Walk out of the room and do something else completely different.
Most people make the mistake of bottling up their feelings when they are the victims of corporate rudeness. By vomiting them all out onto the screen as soon as possible, you will give your self an emotional enema. Two hours later, you will be ready to compose...and send...the measured and statesmanlike response that will calmly counter the offensive email, while also ensuring the longevity of your relationship with its sender.
by Graham Davies
Unless you are one of the lucky few, you will sometimes receive emails that make you very angry indeed. They may contain offensive allegations, factual inaccuracies and downright insults. And they may even be sent by long-standing, valued clients that you just did not believe were capable of such behaviour.
This is the way to deal with them: write a reply immediately, while your anger is still white-hot. Tackle every insult head-on, countering with several of your own....preferably even ruder than the ones they were stupid enough to use.
Point out the stupidity of every individual piece of inaccuracy. Above all, make it absolutely clear that you take the email as a deliberately hurtful and personal attack. Make your reply accurate, but ensure that it is your emotions that are more noticeable than the facts.
And then........STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER WITHOUT HITTING THE SEND BUTTON. Walk out of the room and do something else completely different.
Most people make the mistake of bottling up their feelings when they are the victims of corporate rudeness. By vomiting them all out onto the screen as soon as possible, you will give your self an emotional enema. Two hours later, you will be ready to compose...and send...the measured and statesmanlike response that will calmly counter the offensive email, while also ensuring the longevity of your relationship with its sender.
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