Extra Points: Being Influential

Hola. Me llamo Dan Weedin. Y eso es Puntos Extra…

Okay, I admit that this open may be more impactful in person or on video, but perhaps you noticed it here, too. If it made you wonder what the heck I’m up to, it did it’s job!

Last week, you read or watched me talk about heading to a “rebound” weekend with returning Rotary Exchange students. During the weekend, we gave them pointers on how to begin the presentations they will give to their sponsoring clubs back in the United States and Canada. One of my recommendations is to begin the speech with a greeting in the language of the country they just returned from. The reason? It creates curiosity with the audience, and results in more attentiveness. That’s the goal of every presentation.

In business, you give presentations every day. They can range from one person to 1,000. Every time to speak to employees, co-workers, investors, clients, potential clients, and the community and media, you are tasked with delivering an influential “presentation.” Public speaking isn’t about being up on a platform; it’s the ability to transfer your ideas and motivations to others. And it’s crucial for business success.

Successful CEOs and Presidents of companies of all sizes regularly work on developing their influencing skills. This is NOT in a manner to be manipulative; but rather to exert influence for improving the condition of people and the company. One can be the smartest person in the room, but if they can’t transfer that influence, they will not be as successful as they could be.

Here’s your assignment: Find one way to improve ho you start presentations. Invest 30 minutes into integrating it into your conversations and presentations where you want to influence someone (or a group of people) to think, feel, or do something that will make the company or them better.

My Extra Points Extra: I love starting presentations with a story. You’ve even seen that in many of my missives. Find personal stories – NOT retread jokes – that increase curiosity, add humor, and engages your audience. When you do that, you’re off to a great start to be truly influential.

~ Ayn Rand

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