Now, more than ever, it’s important to not just speak, but speak well, and that often means incorporating an element of entertainment.  After all, when our communications are not face-to-face, it’s a whole lot more difficult to hold the attention of those we are presenting to groups.  Consider the following scenarios that might happen during a virtual conversation:

• The person is distracted by emails.Imagine being face-to-face and having the person you are speaking with look away to read a text or email while you are in midsentence.
• The person is distracted by stray tasks.Imagine being face-to-face and having the person you are speaking with look away at a website or document while you are in midsentence.
• The person doesn’t have his or her camera on.Imagine being face-to-face and having the person you are speaking to retreat behind a wall while you are in midsentence.

It’s no wonder consultants, teachers and trainers are struggling to hold the attention of their audiences.  When I first began as a trainer, my task was to teach a two-day class in the wonders of flood insurance to claims adjusters, actuaries, and underwriters. I was bound and determined to breathe some life, and interest, into one of the most lifeless and uninteresting topics you could be saddled with.  More than once, I was called into my manager’s office and greeted with what I used to call, “the look.”  For the record, “the look” was the frustrated expression I would see on my manager’s face when she would ask, “Did you really do ____ at your last training session?!”

In fairness to my manager, I did push the envelope a bit, but in fairness to me, I was simply trying to insert as much energy and creativity into a dry, lifeless topic as I could possibly muster.  Looking back on those conversations, I can honestly say I wasn’t on the wrong track; I was just out of balance a bit.

As long as you aren’t sacrificing the time or complexity of the information you are delivering, what’s wrong with a little entertainment?  Personally, whether virtual or in person, I don’t think it’s a question of mixing information and entertainment; it’s a question of how much, or what percentage of each, you incorporate within the presentation.  I wish I could provide you with an actual number, but I can’t.  That would depend on the nature of the presentation.  For instance:

• In a typical keynote or kick-off meeting, the mix might be 50% entertainment, and 50% training.
• In a typical training workshop, the mix might be 25% entertainment, and 75% training.
• In a typical dinner presentation, the mix might be 75% entertainment, and 25% training.

So, although the mix can fluctuate, whether it’s virtual, or live, I believe the combination of entertainment and training is critical.  It’s so important that years ago I decided to give it a name; “EnterTrainment.” There have been others that have come along and used the term.  I suppose I could have tried to have applied for a registered trademark, but protecting the name wasn’t all that important to me.  I just liked what it stood for.  All you need to do is mix entertainment and training and you’ve got it, right?

Well, if you really want to call yourself an “EnterTrainer,” and be outstanding during all speaking engagements, you’re going to need to add two more elements to your delivery:

• The act or process of encouraging others.
• The act of moving the emotions of others to take action.

Determining the nature of the presentation and creating the right mix is important, but so is the inspiration and motivation you want to create. This compels others to not just learn and listen, but to take action… and That’s EnterTrainment!

The Presentation Whisperer Show is up and running!

You’ll hear candid conversations with top professional speakers, seasoned trainers, and authors finding their voice. We’ll be uncovering the secrets behind powerful delivery and go beyond the surface to reveal what really makes a presentation resonate. Whether you’re a keynote speaker, a trainer, or simply someone with a message to share, you’ll walk away with practical tools and inspiring ideas to elevate your delivery.  Give it a try!

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-presentation-whisperer-show/id1844512932

Because every presentation matters.

To all fans of The Blarticle® – I’ve got some exciting news!

After sixteen years and over 500 posts, I’ve gathered some of my very best into a new book: It’s a Blarticle®! 45 Quick, Powerful Lessons in Persuasion, Performance & Personal Growth.

You can find it now at all major online retailers, including Amazon, in both paperback and eBook formats…

…but since you’ve made it this far, I’ll take that as proof you’re a true Blarticle® fan! I’d like to thank you with a free copy of the eBook. Grab yours here: https://jolles-associates.kit.com/ebook

As always, I hope you enjoy it, and can take something from it.

I’m also happy to share that Pocket Sized Pep Talks is going strong; now with over 500 episodes!

You’ll hear a dynamic mix of quick solo insights, inspirational interviews, designed to teach, motivate, inspire, and yes… entertain. Whether you’re looking for a spark of motivation, a burst of inspiration, or just a quick dose of encouragement, there’s a Pep Talk waiting for you. Give it a listen!
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pocket-sized-pep-talks/id1497772972

Sometimes, five minutes is all it takes to change your day.