Master Presentations for Workplace Success

I had the opportunity to view a group of presenters today who were all speaking about the benefits of working for their current employer, a large financial services organization. It was interesting to note that the newer college graduates displayed stronger presentation skills than the more senior staff.

How could that be? The fact is, the more seasoned employees had more details to give
and their longer term stints with this company was better testament to the benefits of employment with the company.

Here's what I think the difference was between the presenters - a much higher energy level from new graduate exuberance versus the calmer, more seasoned professionals.

The audience was clearly more engaged by the newer employees who spoke with energy and passion. For presentations, energy is definitely key to your believability.

According to A. Barbour, author of Louder Than Words: Nonverbal Communication, the total impact of messages breaks down the following way:
7 % words - verbal
38 % volume, pitch, rhythm - vocal
55 % body movements (mostly facial expressions)

Energetic presenters keep us engaged through body movements, volume, pitch and rhythm. These are skills to master and maintain. 

Create a "Kudos Folder" to showcase your work

I recently worked with a client embarking on a job search after several years with one organization. Although she had enjoyed her time there, the company was sold and a new management team had been in place for about a year. My client felt that there were increasingly fewer and fewer opportunities for her advancement as the company changed directions.

Although her good work was acknowledged over and over by the previous owners, she really had no records to show how much her prior bosses valued her work.

One of the things I recommended to this client was to immediately establish a "Kudos Folder" simply by adding a folder in her email account and getting a 3-ring binder for her hard copies of kudos she would receive. Additionally, she needed to immediately identify and contact others who were familiar with her work such as customers, vendors and former employees to ask if they would be willing to share an email with her about her prior work with them.

Within a week she had received several commendations from people she had worked with. Not only was that the boost in confidence she needed to move forward with her job search, the emails she received reminded her of projects she had forgotten.

Setting up a "Kudos Folder" in your email account is easy to do and can become a reservoir of information when it's time to update your resume.

Is your Wardrobe Ready for Career ReEntry?

Is your wardrobe ready for your career reentry?

If going back to work immediately find good values at shop discount stores, online catalogs or local consignment shops for suits and other conservative pieces. If you have time before going back to work, start acquiring great pieces over time by shopping out of season.

BullsEyeResumes.com reminds us of the little details that make or break a good first impression at the job interview.

*Article - Avoid Wardrobe Malfunctions When Dressing for the Interview

MetLife Brochure on Career Reentry

Thinking of reentering the workforce? Here is another good free resource.

This MetLife brochure is free online and offers career advice on Resumes, Interviews and Skills Inventory. Use this brochure, if career reentry plans include starting a business .