Architect's Essentials of Presentation Skills

DAVID GREUSEL, AIA, is a principal of HOK Sport + Venue + Event, in Kansas City, Missouri. He has more than twenty years' experience in every major role in architectural practice, including management, marketing, design, and technical aspects of projects. He draws hundreds of attendees to his featured lectures at AIA National Conventions, where he is consistently rated one of their best speakers.

"He succeeds in offering techniques to build the skills needed to conquer the dragons." (AIA Architect, August 2002)

• Foreword. Acknowledgments.Introduction: Design Professionals and Presentations.Reality Check.Defining Success.Basic Training.The Ten Commandments of Presenting.PART I: PLANNING AND PREPARATION.1. Show Up.Physical Preparation.Mental Preparation.Stage Presence.Appropriate Movement.Summing It Up.2. What's My Motivation?Persuasive or Informative?Focus on the Objective.The Story Line.Presentation Formats.How to Talk.Summing It Up.3. Know Your Lines.The Key to Successful Presentations.Research.Facts and Factoids.Rehearsal.The Practice Paradox.The 1,000 Percent Rule.Helpful Rehearsal.Structure.Summing It Up.4. Find Your Light.Understanding the Location.Understanding the Mechanics.Managing the Lighting.Summing It Up.PART II: DELIVERING YOUR PRESENTATION.5. Face Out.Cheating Out.The Five E's.Empathy.Summing It Up.6. Keep Going.Overcoming Obstacles.Overcoming Hostility.Overcoming Technical Problems.Overcoming Interaction.Overcoming Stage Fright.Summing It Up.7. Project.What and How.Vocal Modulation.Breath Control. Acoustical Considerations.Sound Check.Using Microphones.Summing It Up.8. Be in the Moment.Forget the Past.Forget the Future.What "In the Moment" Really Means.Summing It Up.9. Remember Your Props.Ownership Issues.Relating to Your Visuals.Visual Aids Overview.The Best Visual Aids.Summing It Up.10. Know When to Get Off.Timing Is Everything.The Soul of Wit.Setting the Pace.Orchestrating Movement.Striking the Set.Summing It Up.Epilog: Five Minutes!Physical Preparation.Motivation Review.Mental Confidence.Know the Room.Face Out.Overcoming Obstacles.No Need to Raise Your Voice.Get Centered.Think about Visual Aids.Plan Your Exit.Last-minute Checks.Curtain Up!Appendix: Using Presentation Software.The Basics.Special Effects: Less Is Crucial.Adding Interactivity.Know When to Say No.Summing It Up.Index.