Management Tip of the Day: Set the Right Tone for Your Talk

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 6, 2013 Set the Right Tone for Your Talk When you present, your audience usually sizes you up before you even utter a word — so it's critical to make a positive first impression. Start by communicating ahead of time. Send a thoughtfully written agenda with a concise but telling subject line — and be explicit about what the audience will get out of it. Once they're in the room, match your disposition to your presentation. For your content to ring true, do you need to come across as passionate? Humbled by the challenges ahead? If you're announcing a layoff: be somber, not happy. If your talk is upbeat, chat with individuals as the group gathers. No matter what tone you're trying to establish, be available and sincere. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations, by Nancy Duarte Ebook + Video Case Study TAKE THE PAIN OUT OF PRESENTATIONS. Terrified of speaking in front of a group? Or simply looking to polish your skills? No matter where you are on the spectrum, this guide will give you the confidence and the tools you need to get results. Written by presentation expert Nancy Duarte, the "HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations" will help you: (1) Win over tough crowds, (2) Organize a coherent narrative, (3) Create powerful messages and visuals, (4) Connect with and engage your audience, (5) Show people why your ideas matter to them, and (6) Strike the right tone, in any situation. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Know When It's Time to Quit Your Job 2 Strategic Choices You Have to Make Use Your Online Network to Test Ideas Prepare Stories for Your Job Interview Walk at Your Next Meeting 3 Elements of Great Communication Before Your Next Salary Negotiation, Do Your Homework Don't Bore Your Audience with Your Writing Give Up Email Altogether Keep Innovation Jams Small and Focused All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)