If you are reading this then you ignored the post title or maybe you didn’t.  Maybe I tapped into that part of your psyche that likes to be a little rebellious and do what you are told not to do.   Or maybe your brain didn’t actually process the negative command “don’t”.    Its amazing the effect that words can have on our ability to communicate, influence and persuade.

Whether you are first time reader of my blog or are one of the thousands of others who tune in weekly for your fix of tips on how to be a better presenter  you know the power of making small changes.  Well today  I need your help.

I provide content ideas, links and articles for free and I never normally ask for any payback but today is different.    How much do you think the tips, ideas and insights you get from this blog are worth?     How does a £1 sound?

I have chosen to support the launch of a local hospital charity appeal here in Southampton and I have set myself the modest target of raising at least £100  by asking all my blog readers to donate £1 or the equivalent in your own currency.  You can pay online in minutes via my virgingiving charity page for the red&white appeal.

All I am asking for is £1 because I think it it’s affordable, even in these challenging economic times .   I know that  a little donation from a lot of people can make a BIG DIFFERENCE to the lives of patients who suffer from blood cancer and other blood related disorders.

So please help me by making a  small donation to the red white appeal today.

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GavinMeikle

What would you like me to write about?

One of the challenges in writing a blog about presentation and influencing skills is that I don’t know what my audience don’t know in relation to sales, public speaking, influencing and presentation skills.

I tend to write about things that I see and hear that I think you would be interested in but I dont really know what you want.

Then in a blinding flash of inspiration, (Ok I exaggerated!),  it occurred to me that I should ask YOU.   So this is your chance to help me help you by completing a very short online questionnaire.  Just click here and tell me what you want to read about in future posts.

Thanks for your assistance

Gavin Meikle, The Presentation Doctor

Hi,

My site is now even more useful as I have added online forums to it so that you can now post questions and start discussions on related topics right here on the site.   Its all a bit new to me so please be gentle in the early days.   Above all I need your help. Please post a question, top tip or comment and the relevant forum and lets see how quickly we can get it going.    I want to make it a usefull resource for all of us so I really do need your help.

You can find it under forums on the main menu or at this weblink
Thanks for your help

Gavin

Hi

Although this post is not directly about presentation or influencing skills It is very relevant to anyone who reads this blog and who is not sure how to use RSS (Really Simple Syndication).   It is also a great example of a different type of audio visual presentation!

Recently I have been looking at a couple of free on-line alternatives to Powerpoint for producing attractive and effective visual aids to support a presentation.   There are now a whole host  and how many will survive  only time will tell.  Thankfully  this morning I found a great post that gives you links to 13 great looking alternatives.

So far I have only really played with Sliderocket and I have to say I really like it.   If you have tried any of the others, how about posting a comment here and sharing your experience with your fellow presenters.

I came across a post from Eric Zeman who drew my attention to a recent additional feature in Google’s Online Software offering Google Docs.   I looked at their alternative to PowerPoint when it was first Launched last September and was not impressed.  Now however it looks like it has moved on considerably and now includes online collaboration where two or more people can work on the same presentation online without having to email copies back and forward.   I’ll certainly be checking it out further and so should you.

http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/04/google_docs_add.html

We have delivered a number of training courses to the Marketing Staff of the Open University over the years and we are delighted that once again, that have chosen Gavin to deliver three workshops in January and Feb 2008.  

The two tailored programmes – Building Successful Business Relationships and Achieving Goals and Managing Time will help OU staff increase their productivity, reduce their stress and improve their influencing skills with clients and colleagues.

Hi After an inspiring presentation at a local business networking group I’ve migrated by hosted blog with blogger to an installed wordpress blog and it was relatively painless.   A big thank you to David Bell of Sugarweb who gave a clear and concise introduction to how to create a wordpress blog. Not only does he know his stuff, but he’s areally nice guy too!

Thanks also must go to those amazing people who developed wordpress, the blogger import function worked a treat and was  sooooo simple.  Wish I’d done it months ago!

Look out for more posts soon.

Gavin

Hello again.
As part of the launch of my new brand ‘Reluctant Presenter.com’ I have updated this blog with a fresh look and feel and added a special offer of a free booklet. I hope you like it. As ever your comments are always welcome.

I have also got a special offer for all you ‘Reluctant Presenters’ out there – A free booklet with the essential tips for improving your presentations.

All you have to do is visit http://www.reluctantpresenter.com/ and enter your first name and email address. We’ll then send you a link to download the book. We’ll also add you to our newsletter list and send you an occasional email newsletter full of useful information, special offers (only available to our subscribers) and the latest news on our programmes.

I hope you’ll sign up now. Please also help us by by forwarding the link to anyone you think might possibly be interested. I am passionate about helping as many people as possible overcome their fear of public speaking and presenting and you can help me achieve my mission by spreading the word.

Thanks for your help.

Gavin Meikle

Dear Blog Reader
Sometimes writing a blog is like peeing yourself in a dark suit. You get a nice warm feeling but nobody else notices!

I really would like to know the answers to three simple questions and I’m prepared to give you something in return.

1. What do you think of this blog as it stands currently? What do you like? What don’t you like?
2. What sort of issues would you like to read a blog relating to presentation, public speaking or selling skills

You can let me know directly by email or just post a comment on the blog – it really is that simple.

In return I’ll send you a free copy of one of my e-booklets either The Reluctant Sales Person’s Manual or the Reluctant Presenter’s Manual.

Hows That for an offer?