Visual Aids

Visual Aids

• Learning is improved up to 200%  (Study at University of Wisconsin)
• Retention is improved up to 38% (Studies at Harvard and Columbia)
• Time to explain complex subjects is reduced by 25% and 40% (Study at Wharton School of Business)

Rerun from 02/17/2014 05/08/2017

Part 2- Stand up and Use Visual Aids

The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania did a controlled study of a presentation in which they tried to persuade people to invest their money in a new business.

• Group A: told story sitting down, and  58% agreed to sign up for the business proposition.
• Group B: same facts, numbers,  BUT used visual aids.  79% said they will sign up for the business proposition.

Rerun from 02/10/2014 and 05/01/2017

English Speaking Skills: The What and How of a 30-Second Elevator Speech

An elevator speech is used as a marketing tool since it lets those you meet know where you’ve been and where you’re hoping to go in the future.  Write that 30-second speech, and it is worth memorizing.  What’s not to like about  30 seconds to communicate your skills, interests, and future goals – especially if you are looking to expand into a new job or perhaps an internship.

Here’s a sample elevator speech:

“Hi, my name is Joan Lee.  I am currently a junior student attending XYZ college.  My major is business with a minor in art and graphic design.  I have volunteered with the student union administration during my years at college.

Last summer I completed an internship with the Museum of Contemporary Art and I’m hoping to find an internship in finance this summer in the Chicago area.  I have always had an interest in art and graphic design and I’m finding I have a talent for business.  In the future, I’m hoping to combine these two very different areas of study and find myself a career that includes both.”

I love templates and models.  Use this as the model for your 30-second elevator speech.  You’ll be able to use it as a personal marketing tool.  And you’ll find that selected portions of these phrases are ideal in other social settings when conversing with new acquaintances.  Therein lies your confidence for social situations!

Click here: www.cleartalkmastery.com/scheduler to sign up for a Free Sample Lesson with us!

Be sure to watch our English Speech Tips videos and Accent Reduction Tip videos  for more English pronunciation and accent reduction exercise.

Rerun from 02/19/2014 and 03/22/2017

Stand Up and Use Visual Aids!

People who stand up and use visual aids are perceived as:

-more professional

-more persuasive

-more credible

-more interesting

-and better prepared

Rerun from Feb 3, 2014 and April 24, 2017

English Speaking Skills: How to Write an Elevator Speech

The term “elevator speech” first became popular during the early days of the internet explosion, when companies that won cash from venture capitalists were often those with a simple pitch.  The best could explain a business proposition in the time it took occupants to arrive at their floor on an elevator.  Now, an elevator speech can be any short speech that sells or explains an idea, promotes your business, or markets you as an individual.

But how do you write such a speech?

The top tip is to know your audience.  Research your audience.  You’ll succeed in making a positive impression if your elevator speech clearly targets the individuals you are talking to.

Also, know yourself.  Figure out your proposition.  Define exactly what you are offering, what problems you can solve, and what benefits you bring to a prospective contact or employer.

Here are some places to start.  Answer these preliminary questions to form a frame about you:

1. What are your core strengths?
2. What adjectives would you use to describe yourself?  How would others (your supervisor, you colleagues) describe you?
3. What are you trying to ‘sell’ or let others know about you?
4. Why are you interested in the organization the person represents?

Then outline your talk. You could use these questions to start your outline:

1. Who am I?
2. What do I offer?
3. What problem is solved?
4. What are key contributions I can make?
5. What should the listener do as a result of hearing this?

Now to finalize your speech.  The key to this is to expand on the notes in the outline and write out each section in full.

Here are some guidelines:

1. Take each note and write a sentence.
2. Connect those sentences with additional phrases to make them flow.
3. Change any long words or jargon into everyday language.
4. Cut out unnecessary words.
5. Finalize your speech by making sure it is no more than 90 words long.

The final tip is the same as the first tip: know your audience.  Adjust to the people you are talking to.

Next time: more tips on “elevator speech” and a sample!

Click here: www.cleartalkmastery.com/scheduler to sign up for a Free Sample Lesson with us!

Be sure to watch our English Speech Tips videos and Accent Reduction Tip videos  for more English pronunciation and accent reduction exercise.

Rerun from 02/12/2014 and 03/15/2017