gitp | Global Institute of Training and Presenting

What is Neuropresenting and why is it a ‘must do’ professional development experience?

Posted on March 20, 2019September 4, 2019 by gitp

What is Neuropresenting you ask?

It’s presenting with the brain in mind.

Neuropresenting® is a world-first programme blending Neuroscience principles, adult learning and professional presenting all in one innovative and highly interactive programme.

It is the first programme and qualification of its kind in the world and we are pretty excited about that.

Paula Smith (GITP Director) developed the first qualification in Presenting in Australia several years ago and although a robust qualification in its own right was missing a magic ingredient ‘Neuroscience’. It just happened to be what Karen Livey’s (A friend and colleague of Paula’s) expertise were in. So when Paula and Karen put their heads and expertise together the Neuropresenting programme and qualification was developed with the input of an International advisory board.

After a hugely successful pilot programme overseas, Paula and Karen thought it would be a great idea to set some new standards for training and presenting here in Australia and had the programme written to align with our Australian competency based training system without losing the integrity of the powerful programme.

These gorgeous Ladies were the first Perth Neuropresenters ®.

The Neuropresenting ® programme includes a broad range of topics and units.

14 ‘Neuropresenting Principle’s for powerful presenters
Exploring the learning brain
Brain-friendly learning environments
Presentation design using ‘Neuropresenting Principles’
Advanced presentation delivery
Platform skills and public speaking
Presenting art and science
Adult learning theories and practice
Story-based presentations
Innovative presenting practices and thought leadership
NLP and the world we live and learn in
Workshop and Keynote craft
Methodology magic
Presenting to media
Your speaking brand
The future of learning in a digital age

We are looking forward to personally presenting the programme around Australia and overseas later this year. It is delivered in a 3 or 5 day face to face block (depending if it’s the certification or qualification) with some on-line reading prior to the face to face block.

For enquires for our public programmes or to host a Neuropresenting programme anywhere across the globe email paulasmith@gitp.com.au

Next enrolling for Perth May 3rd – May 5th 2019

Together we can raise the standards for trainers, presenters and workshop leaders.

Register your interest now as a participant or a partner of the programme if you would like to help us get this innovative programme and qualification out to the wordl.

Email CEO paulasmith@gitp.com.au for more information, the full training plan and to register for August.

Accredited programmes are in parternship with RTO provider 2431 Australian Training Management

10 BIG Presenting Mistakes to Avoid

Posted on May 7, 2018February 23, 2020 by gitp

10 BIG PRESENTING MISTAKES TO AVOID or MAYBE 12

We’ve all been to those presentations.

Emotional Intelligence Training with GITP

The ones where we stare in horror at the presenter who lacks any presenting skill or worse, the presenter who just doesn’t know how to behave appropriately from the platform, boardroom or training room floor. Yes, that same presenter who has been hired to inspire, educate or influence us.

So here are a few mistakes or ‘don’t dos’ to avoid when you next take the platform so you don’t have to be ‘that presenter’

1. Don’t start boring – your opening should get the attention of the audience and incite curiosity. Be creative and relevant.

2. Don’t ask the audience to do anything before you establish trust – you know the presenters who want us to raise our hands, stand up, sit down, or hug someone before the presentation has even begun.

3. Don’t get off topic – If you are asked to speak on a topic, design and deliver on that. Just because you know lots of other stuff – save it for next time.

4. Don’t steal time – You go over by 10 minutes, you have just stolen 10 minutes from the next presenter and now all the morning tea has gone cold all because you wanted to talk some more.

5. Don’t data dump – Tell stories, interact, share, inspire and give great examples. Too much data hurts our brains and your audience won’t remember it anyway.

6. Don’t present too fast or too slow – Present at a pace that is brain-friendly and enjoyable to watch and listen to.

7. Don’t wander around – There is something quite powerful about stillness. If you do move around make sure you move naturally and with purpose not because you can’t stand still.

8. Don’t sell from the platform – unless you have permission to do so. You don’t need to hard sell to get buy in from an audience who wants more of you.

9. Don’t complain – Never complain about anything from the platform. You’re bigger than that. Not even about the room, the organisers, the catering, the audience, the previous speaker or the Manager who booked you. Yes, presenters do it all the time, unbelievable.

10. Don’t let anyone else have the last word – Remember the primacy and recency effect. Your audience needs to leave with your key message ringing in their ears, not the audience member asking when the toilet break is.

Okay I’m on a roll and can’t stop so if you want 2 more tips stay put. Hmm that’s a bit like stealing time isn’t it. Thank goodness you’re still here and morning tea is late.

11. Don’t talk about yourself too much – talk about your audience and how your key message will benefit them

12. Don’t be a copy of any other presenter – You are a ‘one of a kind’ presenter with a unique message – embrace your message and your authentic presenting style.

There are a few more but that’s a start.

Which ones are you guilty of? Even the professional speakers get it wrong sometimes. So perhaps you just needed reminding.

Now you know what not to do – If you want to know how you can be a speaking superstar book Paula to present an in-house programme for your key people or book into tone of our public master classes

Paula Smith CSP is your expert in Presentation Intelligence (TM) and has been helping leaders and business owners to master their presentations to grow their business and amplify their brands for the past 30 years.

Or talk to me about an in-house solution for your key people.

3 tips to help you gain control of those public speaking nerves forever

Posted on January 8, 2018January 8, 2018 by gitp

No need to avoid presenting any longer

Overcome Public Speaking Nerves with Paula Smith CSP — No need to avoid presenting any longer

You have been asked to present at your next industry conference. Woohoo!! Or maybe not. The thought of standing in front of 400 people is terrifying and the self-talk starts in your head.

I have no idea how to put together a presentation, what was I thinking?
No way am I going to put myself through all that stress
What if I get up there and I forget everything and completely fall apart?
What if they all hate my presentation?
What if they all hate me?
My reputation, credibility and career is ruined forever

Does any of this sound familiar?

Presenting is one of the MUST have skills in business, in fact in life. You will be constantly asked to share your view, your message, your products, your services or your story throughout your career. So, stop avoiding the inevitable and get on top of those presenting nerves and that self-sabotaging mind chatter.

Yes, you should at some stage learn how to structure and prepare a powerful presentation and yes, the more you present the easier it becomes but if you have that presentation next week and need some quick tips to keep those nerves at bay try the tips below.

Power pose – You may have heard this one before, but it works. Dr Amy Cuddy’s research on Presence discusses that our body can shape our mind and our mind can shape our behaviour. So, you can prepare to be confident with your body as well as your mind. When you are feeling anxious or challenged you react and end up in a fight, flight or even a freeze moment. By just slowing your breathing down for example can change what your nervous system is doing, and by standing tall with your head up and your hands on your hips can change the way your brain is reacting to the situation. Amy suggests you fake it until you become it instead of faking it until you make it. In other words trick your mind into thinking you are calm and confident. You will start to believe it. So, do that power pose in the bathroom mirror in the morning and before you walk on stage, then walk onto that stage with strong strides, head up and smiling at your audience. Just the way you hold your body can increase your confidence and the belief in yourself.

Prepare – The preparation is always evident. Never wing it. So many times, I have seen presenters crash because they don’t know their audience or even their own presentation well enough. Do your research about the audience, the outcomes and of course know your presentation inside out. This doesn’t mean rehearse word for word, far from it. Just know the content and your area of expertise well enough to be of service to your audience. If you think you are going to forget anything, have some strategies in place like notes, props, pre-prepared flip charts, key words on your slides. (no palm cards please) and be okay with not being perfect. Even seasoned presenters forget something they wanted to say from time to time.

Positive Mindset – If you have prepared your presentation and you know your stuff everything else going on is in your head. Think positively about your presentation. What gift will you be sharing with the audience? You’ve obviously been asked to present because somebody believes in you, you just need to believe in yourself. When you are comfortable and having fun you give permission for your audience to feel the same. Don’t confuse good nerves with destructive nerves either. I always get a few excited butterflies before any presentation. It just means I care. I then turn them into positive energy.

So, we are now ready to go. This is your new self-talk.

The day has finally come, I am looking forward to it
I am really excited to share this new research
I am sure I will meet some interesting new people before and after the presentation
This is great for my positioning in the industry and my organisation
I can’t believe how many times I have said no to delivering a presentation
I hope I get asked to present this again as I am so prepared

Now look into that mirror, hands on hips, head up and say out loud

“you’ve got this”

If you don’t need to present next week and have a little more time to prepare and want some help to become a speaking superstar register for my next Exceptional Presenter One Day Master Cass or talk to me about working in-house with the key people in your organisation. Thousands of attendees have attended Paula’s workshops over the past 30 years. I would love to help you to feel calm, confident and charismatic in any future presentation or training session.

Next Perth Master Class is on Friday February 9th – Register here

Next Auckland Master Class February 28th – Contact me for details psmith@paulasmith.com.au

Paula Smith CSP is your expert in Presentation Intelligence. Speaker, Author, Master Trainer and Coach in all things presenting. Paula has been helping experts, entrepreneurs and organisations harness the power of speaking for the past 30 years. She is also the developer of the first and only certification and Australian Diploma qualification in Neuropresenting.

More information on Paula’s programmes are at www.paulasmith.com.au

Does your audience remember your presentation? The primacy and recency effect

Posted on September 29, 2017September 29, 2017 by gitp

A quick and easy tip to help you plan your next presentation.

The most critical parts of your presentation are your opening and closing.

Apart from your presentation opening needing to grab the attention of the audience right from the start, you need to ensure your critical key messages are communicated at the beginning of your presentation or very close to and reinforced at the end of your presentation. Your audience will remember the first and last things you say to them so make sure your powerful key messages are communicated in the places where your audience is more likely to retain them.

The law of primacy and recency (also referred to as the primacy and recency effect suggests that we retain information first presented to us and information presented to us at the end of a presentation or conversation but we tend to forget much in the middle.

A 2013 study also found that the primacy effect is prominent in decision making. Great news for those board meetings and sales presentations. There is a large importance of the first reward on subsequent behaviour. The reward in a presentation may be a piece of exciting news or mind-blowing statistic or the unveiling of a new product in a sales presentation. This will prime the audience for more rewards as you continue.

Your audience should be able to recall the main point of your presentation with ease long after the presentation has finished so they can either share the information with others or take any action suggested from the presenter.

With this is mind, don’t wing your opening or closing. Craft a clever opening that gets attention and arouses curiosity that is aligned to the purpose and key message of your presentation.

When it’s time to close your presentation loop it back to your opening statements, phrases, actions or message and make sure the last words they hear you say are the ones you want them to remember and repeat.

How much work do you put into crafting your opening and closing?

Are your presentations memorable?

Paula Smith is the leading expert in Presentation Intelligence (TM) and the developer of the world-first National Diploma or Certification in Neuropresenting (TM)

Professional Speaker CSP, Master Trainer, Author and Business Consultant helping experts and organisational leaders to grow their business and their brand by harnessing the power of speaking for the past 30 years.

Paula’s next Presentation Skills Master Class – The Exceptional Presenter is in Perth on November 9th and 10th – More information and registrations here

or contact Paula to arrange an in-house programme for your key people.

www.paulasmith.com.au

The results are in from the Great Training and Speaking Debate

Posted on August 31, 2017May 11, 2018 by gitp

I am a little bit obsessed with quality training and presenting. For the past 30 years I have been helping trainers and presenters to step up, step out and share their expertise through a variety of different modalities. It is my belief that you owe it to your participants, clients or attendees to develop your presenting and training craft not just your topic or skill area. Earn the right to take that platform, boardroom or training room. Only when you bring your whole self to your presentation by mastering the art, science and practice of quality training and presenting can you truly be a treasured gift for your audience.

As CEO of the Global Institute of Training and Presenting I had the great pleasure of hosting the Great Training and Speaking debate last night with our GITP community.

The key topics that were explored and debated over a lively discussion and 3 presentations were:

Accredited training (Nationally Recognised) versus non-accredited training
Keynote speaking versus training/workshops
Your Intellectual Property (IP) or off the shelf materials and resources.

Our 3 speakers (RTO Owner and VET Expert Janet Curran, Keynote Speaker and Leadership Expert – Suzanne Waldren and Master Trainer and Team Development Expert – Louise Kelly) brought to the room some of the pros and cons to each of the debate topics and we were also moved and delighted with the personal journeys they shared with us from their experience in the industry.

After 3 thought provoking presentations and a lively audience debate and discussion, it was time to vote. The voting paddles started waving after every question was laid before them. There was much laughter and some groans and grumbles when they realised that couldn’t sit on the fence, a vote must be cast.

This proved much harder for the group than they thought as there are so many variables to be considered in such a diverse industry and so many more modalities that professionals can use to make an impact and solve problems for their clients. However, the last paddle was waved and the results were in.

Before I reveal the results, below are the 3 top pros and cons from the room for each modality. There were many more presented to be discussed and debated but dessert and hot coffee was calling and it was evident from this passionate group that if we didn’t stop for a break the list would just keep growing.

Accredited Training

Pros:

National Standards and Regulation
Evidence of learning and skills acquisition
Credibility in the market place

Cons:

Heavy Compliance
Not as flexible
VET Industry isn’t perfect

Non-Accredited Training

Pros:

Can make bespoke solutions for clients
Only accountable to your client – not regulated
Can get products and services quicker to market and charge accordingly

Cons:

Lack of standards across the industry
Less access to some government funding options
Credibility in some sectors

Keynote Speaking

Pros:

Large audience reach for a big impact for shorter amount of time.
Higher fees for professional keynote speakers
Travel to wonderful places for work

Cons:

Harder to build relationships with attendees
Bureaus may not want you at the start of your career
Sometimes difficult communicating your value and the time/expertise it takes to plan and develop a keynote

Delivering training/workshops

Pros:

Bespoke solutions for clients
Great relationships with participants
Deeper level of learning/skill acquisition for attendees

Cons:

The time needed to plan, prepare and deliver the training
Quality of some trainers/workshop leaders in the industry
Accessing quality training materials

Develop you own IP

Pros:

Complete control of your message and the quality
Positioning yourself as a category of 1
Can leverage, license and re-purpose own IP

Cons:

Time to develop your IP
Skills to develop materials, models, resources and systems
Expert positioning needed to communicate value of new IP

Buying IP off the shelf

Pros:

Save time
Variety to choose from
White labelling or co-branding options

Cons:

Quality of materials
Other trainers using same material
On-going costs

The caffeine and sugar levels were now adjusted and the results were announced.

Non- accredited training won by a whisker over accredited training
Keynotes won by a thread over training
And develop your own IP was a clear front runner over buying off the shelf.

But after another healthy discussion it was unanimous that the key statement agreed by all was the real winner.

“It all depends”

It depends on the outcomes needed, the timeframe, the location, the experience of the presenter, the branding, the business, the budget and the list went on and although the debate was over we continued to chat over a glass of wine or whiskey and it was clear that this conversation or debate was never going to be over.

There are pros and cons for every delivery mode of sharing your expertise, whether it be training, speaking, coaching, consulting, publishing and even curating it’s all about the impact you make on an individual or organisation that counts not always about the modality you choose.

Just ensure your very best self turns up to share because your audience deserves it.

Paula Smith CSP, CEP is your expert in Presentation Intelligence ™
Speaker, Master Trainer, Author and Business Coach helping indiviudals and organisations to grow their business and brand by harnessing the power of speaking and powerful communication

Developer of the world-first programme in Neuropresenting which is now a National Diploma Qualification
Conatct Paula to organise an in-house programme for your key staff or enquire about our public programme calendar and other amazing courses, workshops or keynotes.

It’s time to ‘Spice It Up’ No more boring presentations or meetings

Posted on August 3, 2017September 11, 2017 by gitp

Spice it up.

How many boring meetings, boardroom pitches or training sessions have you been to?

I am sure you are running out of fingers on your hands to count by now.

It’s very easy to ‘Spice It Up’. I am amazed that people still go into meetings, pitches or training unprepared or with little or no skills in this area when there are so many resources available to help them.

And sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars can be at stake if you miss the mark.

Here are 5 easy to implement tips that are sure to spice it up:

A hot opening – The purpose of an opening is to incite curiosity and get attention. Give those meetings an opening that they don’t expect so they sit up and pay attention right from the start.
Explode the senses – The more senses we engage the deeper level of recall/learning. Bring colourful charts, stunning images, props, short video clips, things to feel and taste (if appropriate) and even you are a visual resource so ensure you dress the part.
Introduce lots of flavour – Mix the method up. Don’t just talk at them. Get them involved too. Share a story, ask and answer questions and keep them engaged.
Offer 3 courses – Entrée – The facts/history to date, Main – the key messages facts, figures and content, Dessert – How can they use the information to benefit their organisation, find that sweet spot.
Reveal the secret spice – That’s you or your team. The secret ingredient that will make it all come to life. They don’t want to miss out on that.

Spice it up for a win-win

If you need help to spice up your presentations contact:

Paula Smith CSP- Your expert in Presentation Intelligence (TM) Speaker, Master Trainer and Author of Speaking in the Shower, Powerful Presentation Principles and Sell Your Story

Paula is also the CEO of the Global Institute of Training and Presenting and the developer of the Diploma of Neuropresenting (TM) The world first programme and diploma qualification in Presentation Intelligence.

Next 2 day Exceptional Presenter Programme Perth September 7th -8th $995.00
Diploma or Certification of Neuropresenting Perth October 9-13th and Sydney Oct 23rd – 27th – From $2,995.00

Or book an in-house professional development workshop or programme for your organisation.

Join us at the Great Training and Speaking Debate – August 30th

Posted on June 29, 2017August 31, 2017 by gitp

We love our chapter events and the vibrant community at GITP.

The Great Training and Speaking Debate

You are invited to our next Perth Chapter of GITP (Global Institute of Training and Presenting) and our Great Debate Night.

All welcome! You do not have to be a member to enjoy our Professional Development events. Everyone is welcome to join the conversation and our expert speakers.

Join us for canapes at 6.30pm for a 7pm start on the Penthouse Floor at the Western Australian Club. Enjoy the stunning views across the river and Kings Park as you network and enjoy a drink at the bar before being seated for our presentations.

Which is best Training or Speaking? Accredited or non-accredited programmes? Your own IP or Off the Self? Do you want to start an RTO or a training practice?

What is the best way to get your message out there and share your expertise?

Our speakers will share their wisdom and their own speaking and training journeys so we can decide which is the best model for your business and career in training, speaking and sharing you expertise.

We look forward to seeing you on August 30th with our GITP community. Come and join the conversation.

IF YOU ARE A GITP MEMBER – Remember to join us at the Speaking Practice at 5.30pm prior to the event

GITP provides support, development and community for purpose-driven presenters.

Please invite guests and share the event with your networks. The more we share our expertise, the bigger impact we can make together.

Executive Speaking – Yes, It’s Scientific

Posted on June 19, 2017June 19, 2017 by gitp

Executive Speaking – Yes, it’s scientific

Do you want to get the boardroom addicted to your story? How about your staff or your clients?

Thanks to the latest findings in Neuroscience we now know what brain chemicals make us stop and pay attention. So, can we use this information to engage our listeners and make them pay attention by sharing stories? The answer is yes.

A great story can trigger the same brain chemicals that cause us to pay attention, chemicals like cortisol (help the body respond to stress and danger), oxytocin (love and trust) and dopamine (the brain’s reward and pleasure centres).

Inspirational Leaders tell stories. They know that emotion trumps logic and a presenter needs to touch a person’s heart as well as their head.

By carefully crafting your business stories, you can connect at a much deeper level. You can get your clients and staff on board with your vision and that can be powerful.

Business is rapidly changing and to stay connected in a rapidly changing world we need to master the art and science of communication, influence, presenting and storytelling. Our clients and staff are more sophisticated than ever and see through the old ways of ‘selling and telling. We now know how and why people are inspired by our stories so we have no excuse to bore everyone with hundreds of power point slides filled with data and charts.

Educate, inspire, inform, motivate, influence and even train others by getting our audiences addicted to our cause, our why, our stories.

3 tips for a great story:

Use the rule of 3 where possible
Make people care about your facts and figures
Never be the hero in your own story

Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx is the youngest self-made female millionaire in the world, sold 10 million products without spending a cent on advertising. She leveraged the power of her story and people found it irresistible. What’s your story?

Next time you are planning a boardroom pitch or perhaps a staff induction, choose the best stories that really demonstrate the point, then add a dose of data if you must.

Paula Smith is your expert in Presentation Intelligence (TM)

(Speaker CSP, CEP, Author, Master Trainer, Business Consultant and CEO of the Global Institute of Training and Presenting)

Helping experts and organisations to grow their business and their brand by harnessing the power of speaking for the past 30 years. Developer of the first Australian Qualifications in Presenting and now the world-first programme and qualification in Neuropresenting (TM)

Next 2-day Public programme (Paula’s signature programme) July 13th and 14th Perth $995.00 per person – Register for early bird rates

www.paulasmith.com.au

The Speaking Practice – Where you get to shine

Posted on March 15, 2017May 11, 2018 by gitp

We had our very first Speaking Practice for the year last week at the Crown Hotel and everyone who participated said they would be back.

The Speaking Practice is for our GITP community and graduates of our speaking/presenting prorgammes and provides a safe place for professionals to practice their speaking, training, stories and pitching.

The Speaking Practice was started a few years ago for Paula’s (GITP Director) speaking and presenting clients to be able to practice in a safe environment and receive solid peer feedback.

Paula said that speaking professionals struggle with a place to go to hone their craft and get honest feedback from other professionals in the same or similar industries.

Each month we focus on a theme/methodology as well as what our attendees are working on. This is not just another Public Speaking group, all of our members are developing and practicing their commercial messages. Paula’s facilitates the practice and her expertise in Presentation Intelligence ™ (art, science and practice of commercial speaking) is what makes the speaking practice stand out from other public speaking groups.

If you would like to attend the Speaking Practice – Join our community and come on down

Next Speaking Practice in on the 2nd May at the Western Australian Club just prior to our event.

March Event – Another Full House

Posted on March 15, 2017May 11, 2018 by gitp

Our March professional development event was another wonderful evening filled with the energy of our vibrant community.

We were treated with a presentation from our own CEP Tanya Finnie who surprised us with some cultural awareness activities and it was quite evident we were all not as culturally aware as we thought.

Nicole Ashby – Guest Speaker then shared her media journey with us and gave us some tips on how easy it is to get some media attention for our messages.

We then finished with a panel and open discussion about on-line learning platforms and how to take our learning programmes on-line to reach a global market.

The food, company, speakers and the GITP community was in full flight making the evening one to remember, not to mention the 15 stayers who stayed to network and get to know each other over a drink in the Crown Hotel Bar.

Our next event is on Tuesday May 2nd at the Western Australia Club. It’s Neuro Night with a multi speaker event all about Neuroscience, Neurolearning, Neuropresenting and NLP

We have the whole penthouse floor and the best views of Perth.

Everyone welcome – Don’t forget to register