16.3.11

And now presenting...


It has been said (thanks Jerry Seinfeld) that people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of dying. That would mean that the average person would rather be the one in the coffin, than the one delivering the eulogy.

There comes a time, ok, several times in the CIO's career where he or she will be called to present. This may be to the President, the board, peer groups, employees, users, media, etc. The list is endless. Since the role of the CIO is changing so dramatically to one of an influencer or catalyst, and less about being a technology expert, the skill to effectively communicate is essential.

This is not only about your career. How many of you have experienced Death by PowerPoint, or suffered through bad presentations? This is a skill that benefits everyone.

Here are a couple of resources I have found very useful:

- Ethos3 is a delightful, informative and incredibly company of professional presentation designers. If you can't engage them, then browse their website and view the free tips and resources they have available. http://www.ethos3.com/ View an interview with Scott Schwertly, the founder and CEO of Ethos3 on Michael Hyatt's blog here.

- Gar Reynolds (Search Google for his name) has authored a book: Presentation Zen. Well worth the read. Take a moment to view Gar's blog (here) and check out his presentation for John Medina's excellent book - Brain Rules.  The excellent image above comes from this presentation.

There are scores of other excellent sites, but these will prime your presentation pump, and give you lots of ideas.

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