Presentation Tip 2: The ACIDS Test (TM) Is your Call

End your presentation delivery with a direct call for your audience's attention in one of the directions listed in the "ACIDS Test"(TM). Your conclusion should include or imply your call. Call for Agreement or Action: Do you want a vote or the next step? Finding agreement is a precursor to identifying an appropriate plan of action. Call for Caution or Celebration: Do you want to reduce speed or reward? Determine if additional time, information, or other resources are necessary for an appropriate course. If all the resources are assembled, then a compelling vision and mission will inspire a following. Along the way to the goal and at the end of the goal, take time to acknowledge accomplishment and initiative with lunch or a party. Call for Information or Instruction: Do you need more data or a skill? Assess the situation and identify the missing links and performance gaps. Call for Discussion or Decision: Do you need more input or a plan? Determine if informed, reasonable progress comes next, or if more points of view and evidence are needed. Call for Sales or Solution: Do you encourage revenue or conclusion? Will you provide a service or product that serves the customer, or will you create a solution to resolve the current dilemma? Use the "ACIDS Test" in your next presentation conclusion.

Presentation Tip 1: Start with PIECE (TM) when Planning your Presentation

Presentations are designed to influence audiences. We use our spoken words to engage our listeners about our topic and our point of view. Many presenters fight anxiety while preparing to deliver their presentation. One way to quell the anxiety involves planning what the audience will deliver as a result of the presentation! Begin your presentation planning with the answers to the following questions. Persuade: What do you want your audience to do? If your audience is willing to agree, use a direct approach. If your audience is reluctant to agree, use an indirect approach. Inform: What do you want your audience to know? Tell them how this information will benefit them. Educate: What do you want your audience to understand? Tell them why you want them to understand. What is the benefit for them? Convince: What do you want your audience to believe? Use faith, facts, and feelings to arrive at the truth. Engage: What do you want your audience to feel? Take them through a pertinent experience to bring forth the emotions that drive your point. What "PIECE(TM)" of your topic will you serve your audience? You can reduce your anxiety by beginning here.

Greetings from Veterans' Day

After WWII, volunteer veterans were hailed as heroes. Korean Conflict veterans were confusing--was it a war or not? During Viet Nam, volunteer and conscripted veterans were dismissed, disgarded, and disregarded. In the past 20 years, distant wars in the Middle East have taken their toll on our veterans, including more women soldiers than ever before. One Vet of three wars, asked me if I thought Truman was correct in releasing the bombs over Japan to end WWII. He cared about my response. He had struggled to justify the deaths of innocents and agonized over how to stop the killing while preserving democracy and world stabilization. Nightmares plagued him. My father-in-law weeps seven decades after experiencing horrid events that haunt his memory. More Viet Nam Vets have killed themselves than those who died in action. US Vets are completing suicide every hour of every day. My brother has not spoken about his months on Viet Nam soil. We are just now understanding how important it is to recognize service and sacrifice in defense of our country and constitution, so we often say "Thank you."My step-son told me how proud he was when anyone stopped him on the street while he wore his uniform and said "thanks." Yet, he served state-side only, never went into battle. He sleeps pretty well at night. Finally, old evidence shared in VFW bars and VA hospitals is being published as new information on "Moral Injury" for civilians to read. The need for chaplains exceeds the need for psychotherapists with returning warriors. Perhaps "Thank you" creates a conflict within a soldier's conscience in today's warfare against non-uniformed enemies who can be any gender and age. If a soldier's action on duty has resulted in the death or injury of innocents, he or she may feel guilty when thanked. Perhaps, out of sentitivity, we should say, "I am glad you are alive and home again." Welcome home.