High Impact Presentations

Dr Robert Cialdini of “The Psychology of Persuasion,” made some valid and breakthrough points when he laid down his seven laws of persuading others.

We can, in business presentations too, use the science behind these laws. Here’s how it can be done.

Law One, Reciprocity – People tend to return a favor for a favor.

While presenting make sincere efforts to educate your audience a bit. Offer insights into life, offer ways to improve work or, really offer tangible value. This will perk up people and make them trust you and the rest of your proposals.

Presentation Skills by Raju Mandhyan

Presentation Skills by Raju Mandhyan

Law Two, Commitment and Consistency – If people commit, orally or in writing, to an idea or goal, they are more likely to honor that commitment.

While presenting ask several rhetorical and open ended questions to which your audience will respond, speak up and, automatically, commit to their expressions which they authored and thus own.

Also make sure that not only talk but your business is simple, streamlined and quite high on commitment and consistency when it comes to delivering the goodies you are talking about. This is what my book, The HeART of Public Speaking with Mind Mapping is mostly about.

Law Three, Social Proof – People will do things that they see other people are doing.

In presentations, offer true and tested testimonials from well known people or organizations or even cite true examples of successful usage of your products or services by others.

Law Four, Authority – People will tend to be influenced by authorities and celebrities.

If your product or service is certified, recognized by a legit institution or authority, please make a point to cite that fact. This action authenticates all other aspects of your presentation or persuasion.

Law Five, Liking – People are easily persuaded by other people that they like.

Presentation skills teachers and trainers across the world will tell you to dress nicely, groom yourself well, smell good and smile.  I say yes to all that and would like to add that you must also feel nice inside, groom your heart and mind and be happy and loving towards your audience. They will like you and they will give heed to your presentation.

Law Six, Scarcity – Perceived scarcity will generate demand and therefore give power to the one owning title to the things in demand.

Uhh, be a little careful with this one when it comes to business presentations. Today, we live in an abundant world driven by eco-consciousness and ethics. State and express scarcity of products or services only if there is one. Do not create an artificial perception of scarcity. Your audience might end up hating you for life. You need to earn, have and keep their trust. Truly.

Law Seven, Stay Cool – This one is by yours trulyOne thing Dr. Cialdini didn’t talk about and which is very high up for me while making high impact presentations is that one must always stay cool. Stay cool when under pressure. Stay cool when it is hot in the room. Stay cool when things go wrong. Stay cool even when you are royally messing up your business talk. Stay cool because people have the uncanny ability to read real intentions which hide behind external behavior and actions. Yes, stay really cool to make high impact presentations.

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