The definition of harmony: “Agreement in feeling or opinion; accord: live in harmony. 2. A pleasing combination of elements in a whole.”

Irene Rosenberg, CEO of Kraft Foods, who was recently recognized for her leadership, spoke about harmony. Everyone is always talking about balance. Sometimes balance does not bring the results you want. Harmony does not necessarily mean balance. However, it does connote a sense of calmness and stability in the situation.

You can’t always have balance but you can strive for harmony in any circumstance.

Recently I was asked to host a webinar on Building Your Brand. Those who have hosted know it can be extremely challenging if you are accustomed to audience interaction. Most webinars will have some participation when the audience sends in questions which helps keep the energy up.
In this particular one there was a dry run which I encourage everyone to have to work out any problems. Practice also helps to develop a relationship with the person or persons responsible for your introduction and managing the technical side of the webinar.

Here are some tips to help manage a successful event as the presenter:

Do:
• Have a practice before the event to talk thru the program.
• Be sure to work out some guidelines with the folks managing the technical side.
• Time the presentation. On air time allotment is pretty unforgiving. If you run over it, folks will be cut off.
• Let the audience know how you will be answering the questions either during or after the talk.
• Answer questions with a positive spin.

Don’t
• Stop your presentation if the visuals are not working. Paint the picture in words.
• Send heavy graphics on your PowerPoint without checking with a technical person first.
• Answer questions not related to the topic. Give the audience another method to contact you with off-subject issues.
• Perform a monologue. Be sure your handouts give the audience a way to participate (quizzes work well).

These tips will help keep the audience engaged and minimize technical problems.

An audience’s attention span is very limited. So, whether you’re in front of an audience of 50 plus or of 10, your message must be succinct and still pack a punch. Remember these seven keys when crafting your message. Never wing it. Practice this formula and you will always grab the audience:

1.Begin with the end in mind
2.Make every word a key one
3.Immediately create a picture or ask a rhetorical question
4.Speak with authority (you are the expert)
5.Validate the audience (get them involved)
6.Always practice the message out loud while standing up
7.Passionately convey your authenticity

If you practice these seven key steps you will always deliver a succinct, impactful message. Also, at least 90% of your audience will be engaged in your talk.

In a recent Jay Leno show a Republican presidential candidate was the guest. Jay is an easy interviewer and a moderate Republican so it seemed like the guest should have been comfortable. Instead, he was very wooden and stiff. His posture shouted: I am uncomfortable and not too likable.

Not everyone is going to have a natural ease about themselves. However if you are going be in the public eye, practice and exercise your body so you convey a fluidness and ease in front of the public.

Here a few suggestions:
• If you can take a workshop, I highly recommend an improv class (I took one and it helped me tremendously)
• Stretch before you present or are going to be interviewed
• Take a dance or yoga class

I firmly believe the folks who can appear naturally relaxed in front of an audience practice it. Plus, a few fortunate ones probably began speaking early in front of an audience. Avoid being perceived as wooden. It takes so much work to change that perception.