If a friend says: "Yes, we must meet up again sometime, somewhere" you can be forgiven for doubting their sincerity! On the other hand, when a friend says, "Yes, we must meet up again. How about next Saturday at around 5 pm?" you know they genuinely would like to see you again, and soon!
What makes the difference? Specifics!
When a person makes a presentation and lacks specifics, it's not so much their sincerity which comes under question, it's their credibility!
When a speaker says things like:
"I read the other day that in New York, at least, I think it was New York. Or was it Washington? Anyway, I read that..."
can you really put confidence in the rest of the story?
Here then is an important ingredient towards establishing your credibility when making a presentation...
Get facts. For effective speaking - be specific!
"But They Won't Remember Anyway"
What? Did someone say, "What's the point of sweating over details when they probably won't remember them anyway?"
Whoever said that is missing the point.
Facts and specifics may or may not be remembered, but the very fact you stated them to back up your point indicates you have researched the material and know what you are talking about.
When referring to an event, how much better to state the day, month and year rather than, "some time ago".
When giving a report how much better to state the specific number, e.g. 3,192 rather than, "over three thousand."
Perception Counts
Carefully researched material containing specific details about events, places, times, numbers, add weight to the presentation and establish the speaker as an authority on the subject.
The perception of the speaker the audience is left with is POSITIVE.
They are far more likely to trust what you say through the rest of the presentation when you speak in specifics. Of course, a balance must be maintained. You can go overboard.
Introducing too many specifics and numbers will load the audience down making the presentation tiresome so be judicious in which facts and specifics you decide to relate.
Note: Mark Twain is quoted as humorously saying: "Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please." No, No!
Just remember when you use facts and specifics to make sure you get your facts right! In other words, use the facts in the way they were intended. If members of the audience know the facts, and see you are misusing them, your credibility is destroyed, once and for all!
So To Summarize...
To gain the respect and trust of your audience and establish your credibility as a speaker, use specifics in your information but be careful!
* Too many generalities and you lose credibility.
* Too many facts and specifics and the presentation becomes irritating and arduous.
Strike the balance and you have climbed another step towards effective speaking.
OK, so now you know the importance of being specific. But how do you get started? Is there a formula you can use to make a great introduction? Thankfully YES!
Click here now and download the FREE Special Report: "How To Start Your Presentation Brimming With Confidence Every Time!" http://www.vitalpresentationskills.com
Once you get your personal copy of this Special Report, be sure to look out for the GREAT START CHECKLIST on page 3.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_F._James
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