Perfect Phrases for Executive Presentations: Hundreds of Ready-to-Use Phrases to Use to Communicate Your Strategy and Vision When the Stakes Are High

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ISBN: 9780071467636 | 0071467637
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Copyright: 2/8/2006

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THE RIGHT PHRASE FOR EVERY SITUATION . . . EVERY TIME Any successful leader will tell you: Giving a strong presentation is the most immediate and powerful way to set goals, form strategies, and sell your vision-to both internal and external audiences.Perfect Phrases for Executive Presentationsnot only tells you how to plan and deliver your address, but also provides phrases for every part of the speech or presentation. Organized by speech type and audience, you'll be walked through the beginning, middle, and end of a speech, giving you effective phrases to use. This invaluable book includes A detailed review of building an effective presentation for a wide variety of meetings and conferences Instructions and phrases for writing effective speeches for nearly 30 different groups and interests, from shareholders to commencements Techniques you can use to become a more effective speaker

Preface

xxi

Part One. What Makes a Great Speech?

(32)

1. Quickly Establish a Link, a Relationship with Your Audience

(3)

2. Speak to and with the Audience: Make Your Speech Interactive

(3)

3. Begin Right Away and Make Your Purpose Clear at the Outset

(6)

4. Give Your Speech a Simple and Easily Perceivable Organization

(7)

Announce the Structure of Your Speech at the Outset

(1)

Mark Your Transitions

(3)

Changing from One Perspective to Another

(3)

5. Practice Authenticity

(2)

6. Be Clear About the "Audience Value" You're Presenting

(3)

7. Create a Strong and Memorable Ending

(5)

8. If There Will Be a Q&A Session After Your Speech

(1)

Part Two. Speeches at Internal Meetings and Conferences

(24)

9. General Employee or Management Briefings

(6)

Begin with a Note of Enthusiasm and Organizational Unity

(1)

Review the Strategies and Connect Employees' Jobs with the Corporate Plan

(1)

If Your Organization Is Playing Catch-up

(1)

If Appropriate, Congratulate Them for Their Cost-Containment Efforts

(1)

Note That Continuous Competitive Pressure Is a Given, as Is Continuous Improvement

(1)

If the Entire Industry Is Struggling, You Can Note That Fact and Make a Motivational Point

(1)

Note That Productivity Savings Alone Are Not Sufficient to Grow the Bottom Line

(1)

Show That You Appreciate the Difficulty of Their Jobs and Their Challenges as Managers

(1)

Articulate the Fundamental Balancing Act of Management

(1)

Emphasize the Need for Constant Re-examination and Renewal

(1)

Summarize the Basic Structure of Your Presentation

(1)

End on an Optimistic and Inspirational Note

(1)

10. Gatherings of a Particular Management Level or Functional Specialty

(6)

In Speeches to a Particular Staff Group, Reassure the Audience of Their Value and Bright Future

(1)

If Appropriate, Point Out What an Efficient Organization They Are

(1)

Make a Suggestion for Ongoing Professional and Personal Growth

(1)

Distinguish Problems from Opportunities

(1)

Affirm the Importance of the Function/Profession to the Organization's Success

(1)

Urge the Audience to Pursue Continuous Self-Development

(1)

If You're Speaking at a Conference, Urge the Audience to Network, Build Relationships, and Have Fun

(1)

Urge the Audience to Develop a Tolerance for Ambiguity and for Multiple Points of View

(1)

If They're Struggling with a Serious Issue, Assure Them of Senior Management's Support

(1)

If the Audience Will Be a Significant Help in Implementing the Plans You've Laid Out

(1)

End by Complimenting the Audience

(1)

11. Announcing New Strategy, Vision, or Direction (Including Reorganizations and Mergers/Acquisitions)

(5)

Emphasize the Need to Initiate Change

(1)

If Appropriate, Talk in Terms of a Course Correction and Leadership

(1)

If Appropriate, Give the Audience Some Sense of the Scope and Importance of the Changes

(1)

If the Strategy Is Designed to Retain Customers, Emphasize the Importance of This Goal

(1)

Urge the Audience to Become Excited About the Coming Changes

(1)

Emphasize the Importance of All the Preparation That's Been Done

(1)

Emphasize Personal Responsibility for the Future

(1)

Acknowledge the Challenges

(1)

Emphasize the Timeliness or Boldness of the New Strategy

(1)

Make a Personal Commitment; Ask the Audience to Join You in It

(1)

Urge the Audience to Break with the Past; Charge Them with Successful Execution

(1)

Put the Merger/Acquisition in the Context of the Organization's Strategy

(1)

12. Urging Support of a Political Action Committee

(3)

Explain That Much of What the Company Does Is Controlled by Government Policy

(1)

Note That the Health of the Business Requires a Certain Political/Regulatory Environment

(1)

Note the Growing Strength of Special-Interest Groups

(1)

Use a Cost-Savings Analogy to Take a Businesslike Approach to the PAC

(1)

Explain That a PAC Is a Way to Help Elect Politicians Who Support the Organization's Views: It's a Requirement for Business Success

(1)

Speak in Terms of Strength in Numbers

(1)

Make a Statement About Government Intrusion

(1)

At a Solicitation Meeting, Close the Deal

(1)

13. Visit to a Manufacturing Plant

(2)

If You Have Operating Experience, Show Your Firsthand Understanding of the Complexity of Manufacturing a Quality Product

(1)

Express Management Commitment

(2)

Part Three. Speeches to External Organizations

(48)

14. Some Possibilities for the Opening

(3)

If Your Assigned Topic Is Broad or Bland, Try to Take a Fresh Perspective on It

(1)

If You're Speaking to a Group Whose Profession or Expertise Is Somewhat Different From Your Own

(1)

If the Locale Has Been "Home" to You in Some Way

(1)

At the End, Thank Them Again for Coming

(1)

If the Organization Is Embarking on a New Program or Project

(1)

15. Service or Civic Organization

(3)

Praise the Audience

(1)

If You're Speaking at an Anniversary Event or the Organization Is in an Anniversary Year, Congratulate the Audience and Offer Best Wishes

(1)

Identify the Challenges That All Companies Face, Regardless of Size

(1)

Identify with the Organization's Values

(1)

If You're Speaking to a Business or Service Group That Has Helped Revitalize the Local Economy

(1)

Discuss the Wider Social Impact of Business

(1)

Refer to the Social Obligations of Business

(1)

16. Business Forum/Local Economic Club

(1)

17. Professional/Intellectual Forums

(1)

18. Commencement Speeches

(7)

Types of Commencement Speeches

(2)

Address and Greet Everyone Graciously

(1)

Compliment the Audience

(1)

Comment on the Skills That the Graduates Have Acquired

(1)

Urge Students to Be Creative in Seeking Opportunities for Service

(1)

Emphasize the Importance of Cultivating a Good Reputation Through Doing Good

(1)

To Lead into an "Advice to Graduates" Speech

(1)

Talk About How Students Must Build on Their Education

(1)

Close on an Inspiring, Congratulatory Note

(2)

19. College or University as an Alumnus or Alumna

(2)

Praise the Institution

(1)

Comment on Changes Since You Attended and Enduring Qualities

(1)

If the Institution Emphasizes Science, Note the Value of Humanistic Studies

(1)

If the Institution Does Very Well at Preparing Students for Life

(1)

If You're Receiving an Honorary Degree

(1)

20. Other Speeches at Academic Institutions

(3)

Comment on the Benefits of Contact Between Businesses and Academic Institutions

(1)

Comment on the Need for Collaboration Between Businesses and Academic Institutions

(1)

Draw Parallels Between Business and Academia

(1)

If Your Organization Has a Productive Relationship with the Academic Institution, You May Want to Comment on It

(1)

At Liberal-Arts Institutions, Consider Discussing the Impact of Liberal-Arts Values on Management

(1)

Urge the Audience to Cultivate Breadth and Versatility

(1)

Prepare the Audience for Differences Between Academic and Business Environments

(1)

Comment on the Importance of Lifelong Learning

(1)

21. International Technical/Technological Symposia

(1)

22. Conference of Fellow Professionals/Executives

(1)

Emphasize the Challenges That All Companies Face

(1)

End on an Encouraging Note About the Conference

(1)

If You're Closing out the Event

(1)

23. Business School Lecture

(4)

If Your Speech Is Part of a Lecture Series

(1)

If You've Been Invited More Than Once

(1)

If Appropriate, Congratulate the School on Its High Standards or Rating

(1)

If You've Had a Chance to Talk with Students Beforehand

(1)

If You Talk About Your Company, Frame It as a Case Study

(1)

To Lead into a Speech on Change

(1)

Emphasize the Skills That Your Organization Needs Business Schools to Provide

(1)

Emphasize the Importance of Understanding Customers and Markets

(1)

Emphasize the Importance of an Executive's Understanding Staff Functions

(1)

Profess Your Love for Your Industry

(2)

24. Speeches to Charitable/Arts Foundations

(4)

Express Your Support for the Organization's Vision, Values, or Mission

(1)

Praise the Organization for Its Effectiveness

(1)

Congratulate the Organization on Any Recent Significant Accomplishments, Anniversaries, or Milestones

(1)

Commend the Organization for Translating Ideals into Action

(1)

If Appropriate, Praise the Audience's Organizational Skills

(1)

Praise the Organization's Other Positive Qualities

(1)

If Appropriate, Praise the Organization's Adaptability

(1)

If the Organization Supports the Performing Arts

(1)

If the Organization Supports Children

(1)

Point to the Impact of the Organization's Work

(1)

If the Organization Supports the Less Fortunate, Express a Personal Perspective

(1)

If You've Been Asked to Solicit Contributions

(1)

Close on a Hopeful Note, Possibly Connected to the Organization's Mission or Values

(1)

25. Trade, Professional, or Industry Association

(7)

Open by Praising the Organization

(1)

Open by Mentioning Your Personal Ties to the Organization

(1)

Mention the Organization You Represent

(1)

Make a Positive Statement About the Communications Opportunity

(1)

Open with a Reference to Your Assigned Topic

(1)

If the Organization Has Come a Long Way in a Short Time

(1)

Emphasize What the Audience Members Have in Common

(1)

Consider Making a Relevant Reference to the Wording of the Invitation

(1)

Urge Active Participation in the Conference

(1)

To Emphasize the Importance of Time and to Create a Sense of Urgency

(1)

To Lead into Your Agenda of Action Items for the Profession or Industry

(1)

Call for Industry-Wide Entrepreneurship

(1)

Urge the Industry to Speak with a Single Voice

(1)

Emphasize the Importance of Professional Training

(1)

If Your Speech Has Been Largely About Your Company's Challenges

(1)

Conclude by Calling for a Commitment to Industry Growth

(1)

Conclude by Calling for Cooperation Among the Professions and Disciplines in the Organization

(2)

26. Financial Presentations to Board of Directors or Outside Analysts

(2)

Begin with a Clear Overview

(1)

Inject the Human Element

(1)

If Progress Has Been Slow, Ask for Patience

(1)

27. Suppliers, Retailers, Clients, Brokers, or Other Business Partners

(7)

Show Enthusiasm with a Strong Opening

(1)

Establish a Bond with the Audience by Explaining the Benefits for All

(1)

Show Appreciation for Customers/Clients/End Users

(1)

For a Conference That Involves Sports, Consider a Relevant Sports Metaphor

100

(1)

Create a Link Between Change and Opportunity

100

(1)

Ask for Suggestions and Ideas; Make a Connection Between Input and Success

100

(1)

Ask Your Business Partners to Help You Innovate

101

(1)

Praise Them for Having Helped You Innovate

101

(1)

Emphasize the Value of Trust Across the Supply Chain

101

(1)

Urge the Audience to Think Differently About Alliances and Partnerships

102

(1)

If You've Asked the Audience to Do Things

102

(1)

In a Speech to Customers/Clients/Retailers/Dealers, Close with a Commitment

103

(1)

Close by Praising the Audience

103

(1)

Close with a Call for Unity

103

(1)

Close with Good Wishes

103

(1)

Close with Optimism

103

(1)

If You're Speaking Near the Beginning of a Year

103

(2)

Part Four. Specific Speech Situations

105

(26)

28. Keynote Speeches (Internal or External)

107

(2)

Express Appreciation

107

(1)

Tell How the Keynote Word or Phrase—the Conference Theme Excited You

107

(1)

Create Excitement and Anticipation for Speakers Who Will Follow You

108

(1)

In Your Conclusion, Look Forward to the End of the Event

108

(1)

If You're Closing the Conference, Give the Audience a Positive Sendoff

108

(1)

29. Panel Remarks

109

(1)

Praise the Moderator and/or Your Fellow Panelists as Equals

109

(1)

Consider Ending by Stating What You Hope the Panel Discussion Will Achieve

109

(1)

30. IPO Announcements

110

(2)

Begin with a Formal Announcement (if No One Else Has Done So)

110

(1)

Briefly Review the Company History, Positioning the IPO as the Next Logical Development

110

(1)

Thank the People Responsible for Your Success Thus Far

111

(1)

Talk About the Positive Reaction from the Financial/Investment Community

111

(1)

Talk Optimistically About the Future

111

(1)

31. Emceeing a Conference ("Continuity")

112

(3)

Welcome Everyone and Create a Sense of Excitement and Anticipation

112

(1)

Praise the Locale

112

(1)

Bring on a Speaker or Entertainer

112

(1)

If You'll Be Returning, Announce That Fact

112

(1)

Thank a Speaker or Entertainer

112

(1)

Bring on the Next Presenter

113

(1)

Announce a Break

113

(1)

Break for a Meal

113

(1)

Thank the Person/People Who Made the Conference Possible

113

(1)

Close Out the Event, with Comments if Appropriate

114

(1)

32. The Annual Meeting/Shareholder Speech

115

(3)

Welcome Everyone

115

(1)

If Appropriate, Thank the Shareholders for Their Support

115

(1)

Open with an Overview of Your Talk

116

(1)

Share Credit for the Company's Performance (if Good)

116

(1)

Consider Closing on a Personal Note

116

(1)

If Possible, Close on an Optimistic Note

117

(1)

Consider Closing with a Strong Statement of Your Company's Mission

117

(1)

Reminder: Wherever Possible, Avoid Jargon and Speak Naturally

117

(1)

33. Speaking to Managers or Other Executives (Internal or External) About Quality or Productivity

118

(3)

Note the Quality Expectations of Your Customers or End Users

118

(1)

Mention the Connection Between Productivity Savings and Growth

119

(1)

Explain How the Organization Can Be Proactive on Quality

119

(1)

Talk About the "Holistic" Nature of Quality

119

(2)

34. Introducing a New Product or Technology

121

(1)

35. Speaking About Innovation

122

(9)

Distinguish Between "Invention" and "Innovation"

122

(1)

Explain How Technology Creates Wealth

123

(1)

Discuss the Broader Social Implications of Innovation

124

(1)

Emphasize That True Innovation Can Occur Anywhere

124

(1)

Show That You Appreciate That Risk-Taking Is Essential to Innovation

125

(1)

If the Innovation Is a Necessary Response to a Problem, Accentuate the Positive

125

(1)

Talk About the Anticipatory Nature of Innovation

125

(2)

Discuss the Importance of an Emphasis on Innovation and New Ideas

127

(1)

Note That You Don't Have to Be an Industry Leader to Innovate

128

(1)

Point out That Innovation Can Take Many Forms

128

(1)

Talk About the Fun/Play Component of Innovation

128

(1)

Urge the Audience Members to Promote Innovation

129

(1)

Close by Charging the Audience with Being Innovative

129

(2)

Part Five. Ceremonial Speeches (Internal and External)

131

(30)

36. Introducing Others

133

(4)

If You're Presiding at a Local Business Organization or Economic Forum

133

(1)

Enumerate the Person's Strengths and Illustrate Each with an Example

133

(1)

If the Person Is Multitalented or Multifaceted

133

(1)

Praise the Person's Persistence and Success Orientation

133

(1)

Talk About the Person as an Individual

134

(1)

Discuss the Person's Values and Pragmatism

134

(1)

Praise the Person's Leadership/Management Skills

134

(1)

If the Person Is Genuinely Nice

134

(1)

If the Person Has Considerable Practical Experience

134

(1)

Close by Summarizing the Person's Strengths

135

(1)

For a Governmental Official

135

(1)

For Someone Whose Work Has Had Broad Impact

135

(1)

End the Introduction on a High Note

135

(1)

If You're Introducing an Out-of-Town Visitor to a Local Group, You Can End With

136

(1)

37. Welcoming Remarks

137

(3)

Open with Enthusiasm

137

(1)

If the Audience Members Are There Because They've Been Selected

137

(1)

If the Event Is Periodic

137

(1)

Welcome the Audience

138

(1)

To Welcome Representatives or Dignitaries from a Foreign Country

138

(1)

If You're Welcoming Them to Any Kind of Reunion

138

(1)

End by Welcoming Them Again

139

(1)

38. Tributes and Memorials

140

(5)

For a Retirement Tribute

140

(1)

Praise the Individual's Energy and Capacity for Hard Work

140

(1)

Praise the Individual's Courage

141

(1)

If the Person Is Passionate and Outspoken

141

(1)

If the Person Is a Proven Motivator

141

(1)

If the Person Is Known for Clear Values and Solid Principles

142

(1)

If Appropriate, Praise the Person's Thirst for Risk and Innovation

142

(1)

If the Person Has a Record of Opposing Government Interference

142

(1)

If the Person Has a Record of Working with Government to Benefit the Organization

143

(1)

If Appropriate, Praise the Person's Devotion to His or Her Family

143

(1)

If Appropriate, Praise the Person's Leadership and/or Management Skills

143

(1)

Finish by Summarizing the Person's Strengths

144

(1)

39. Awards Presentations

145

(6)

Welcome the Audience and Tell Them Why They're There

145

(1)

If You Can't Be There in Person (and Are Being Videotaped), Apologize

145

(1)

Consider Starting with a Summary of the Qualities of the Winner(s)

145

(1)

If an Award Is for Professional Excellence or Achievement

145

(1)

Convey Your Excitement

146

(1)

If the Winner Has Been Underappreciated or Unappreciated

146

(1)

In the Case of Multiple Awards, Express Enthusiasm for Being Among Winners

146

(1)

If an Award Is for a Competition or Contest

147

(1)

If an Award Is Named for Someone

147

(1)

If Presenting an Award to a Group

147

(1)

If the Award Recipients Are Artists

148

(1)

If an Award Is Coming from Peers

148

(1)

If an Award Is for a Difficult Achievement

148

(1)

If an Award Is for Community Service or Some Other Commitment

148

(1)

If the Winner(s) Is/Are Eligible for Next Year's Award

149

(1)

If Appropriate, Discuss the Implications of the Winner's/Winners' Accomplishment(s)

149

(1)

Finish by Congratulating the Winner(s) Once Again

149

(1)

Before Presenting the Award, Consider Briefly Recapping the Winner's Accomplishment(s)

150

(1)

If Your Speech Is to Be Followed by Activities

150

(1)

40. Remarks for Accepting an Award

151

(5)

Show Appreciation and Humility

151

(1)

If You're Receiving an Honorary Doctorate

151

(1)

If You're Receiving an Award for Your Organization, Share the Credit

152

(1)

If You're Receiving an Award for Contributing to a Cause, Share the Credit

152

(1)

Another Possibility: Refocus Attention from Yourself to the Organization

153

(1)

If Appropriate, Share Credit with Your Spouse and/or Other Family Member(s)

153

(1)

If You're Receiving an Award for Career Accomplishments

153

(1)

If the Award Is Coming from a Group of Your Peers

154

(1)

If the Award Is for Community Service

154

(1)

Accept and End by Thanking the Awarding Organization Again

154

(2)

41. Milestones and Other Dedications

156

(1)

Emphasize Immediately That You Recognize the Significance of the Event

156

(1)

Credit and Congratulate the People Who Made the Event Possible

156

(1)

Dedicate

156

(1)

Finish with Appreciation and Congratulations

156

(1)

42. Christmas/Holiday Gatherings

157

(4)

Draw Parallels Between Workplace Family and Individual Families

157

(1)

Talk About the Sensory Experience of Christmas

158

(1)

Talk About the General Goodness of the Season

158

(1)

Talk About the Holiday Season as a Time of Hope

159

(2)

Part Six. Phrases and Language Strategies for Specific Audiences

161

(18)

43. Audiences Who Do Not Speak English as a First Language

163

(8)

Use Familiar Words

163

(1)

Avoid Ambiguity

164

(1)

Use Abstract Words for Abstract Things

165

(1)

Avoid Idioms

165

(1)

Increase Clarity by Inserting Implied Words

166

(1)

Reduce the Complexity Caused by Nominalization

167

(1)

Avoid Front-Loaded Sentences

168

(1)

Avoid Inverted Sentences and Word Sequences

169

(2)

44. Employees

171

(5)

Cultivate Sensitivity to Pronouns

171

(1)

If You're New to Your Management/Leadership Position

172

(1)

If There Has Been Serious or Disruptive Change

172

(1)

Make a Statement About the Unavoidability of Change

173

(1)

If Appropriate, Provide Assurance That the Worst Is Over

173

(1)

Note the Connection Between Change and Opportunity

173

(1)

Note the Connection Between Change and Renewal

174

(1)

After Talking About the Organization's Success, Give the Employees Credit

174

(1)

Ask for Their Ideas

174

(1)

Note That Teamwork and Individuality Are Compatible

175

(1)

45. Male Addressing Primarily Female Audience: Gender Sensitivity

176

(3)

Gender Sensitivity: Overcompensating

177

(2)

Part Seven. Becoming a More Effective Executive Speaker

179

46. How to Make Your Speech Sound Conversational and Personal

181

(5)

Replace Abstraction with Action

181

(1)

Replace Passive with Active Expressions

182

(1)

Break up Long Compound Structures

182

(1)

Expand Nominalized Sentences into Full Sentences

183

(1)

Use Contractions

183

(1)

Personal or Impersonal? How to Choose Your Style

184

(2)

47. The Most Persuasive Words in the Language

186

(4)

The Power of Push

187

(3)

48. How (Not) to Use PowerPoint

190

(3)

49. Improving Your Delivery

193

Tips on Oral Delivery

193

(3)

Assess Yourself

196

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Perfect Phrases for Executive Presentations: Hundreds of Ready-to-Use Phrases to Use to Communicate Your Strategy and Vision When the Stakes Are High

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

FREE SHIPPING

Rent More, Save More! Use code: BBRENTAL

5% off 1 book, 7% off 2 books, 10% off 3+ books

Perfect Phrases for Executive Presentations: Hundreds of Ready-to-Use Phrases to Use to Communicate Your Strategy and Vision When the Stakes Are High

Summary

Author Biography

Table of Contents

Supplemental Materials

Digital License