ChiroSpeakers.com

Slides May Collide

Slides may collide with your message. This simply means that audiovisuals may not always enhance your chiropractic talks. Don’t get me wrong, I think powerpoint and other computer generated slides are an excellent tool for speakers. They can strengthen a presentation and help audience members retain key information. However, all too often, chiropractic speakers seam to think that audiences will be captivated and inspired by a slide show and a narrated canned script. 

 

In order to deliver an effective and dynamic chiropractic talk, audiovisuals must be used in conjunction with solid speaking skills. You need to depend on the same thing that top speakers depend on–stagecraft. Stagecraft, otherwise known as presentation skills, brings out the best in you as a speaker and enables you to genuinely connect with your listeners. People come to hear what you have to say about health, and why chiropractic is important to you. 

 

(Audience members are MORE interested in you, and LESS impressed with your audiovisuals.) 

 

So then what exactly is stagecraft? It can include the use of appropriate gestures and facial expressions, knowing when to pause, maintaining a conversational tone and knowing when to stand still, or when to move about the platform. The bottom-line–audiovisuals don't make your chiropractic talks successful, you do!

Use Your Face

I was watching the Florida Marlins play the Mets on TV, when the game was interrupted by a rain delay. The channel broadcasting the event filled the open airtime with a poker competition until the Marlins and Mets resumed play. I found it entertaining how a good poker player’s dead-pan expression was such an asset to beating opponents. 

 

In contrast, as a chiropractic speaker, a dead-pan expression can seriously weaken the impact of an otherwise good presentation. Your face communicates your attitude, emotions and passion. Therefore, careful attention to your facial expressions is a must for improving your chiropractic talks and leading audiences to a healthier lifestyle.

 

One of the more common mistakes is when a D.C. share’s an upbeat, exciting and enlightening story about chiropractic, but his or her facial expressions are too serious or even emotionless. To strengthen your message, be sure that your facial expressions match the tone of your content/stories. For example, when telling a positive story, smile and use enthusiastic facial expressions! And when telling a serious story let your face illustrate you sincerity and empathy.