If you haven’t met Paul Scelsi, you’re in for a treat. Among many things, Paul trains others how to give great presentations. With public speaking a number one fear for most people, it is helpful to hear from an expert who will make you: STAND OUT. BE MEMORABLE. CAUSE ACTION.
His book “Grab and Hold Their Attention: Creating and Delivering Presentations that Move Your Audience to Action” is appropriately titled as you will find yourself easily pulled into Paul’s world of messaging.
After joining Air Vent Inc. (Dallas, TX) in 1996, the company began offering seminars two years later. Each seminar has allowed Paul to enhance his presentation skills of taking any topic and making it exciting. Holding 30 seminars per quarter for over 23 years, it is obvious he has the experience to guide any roofing contractor into greater success. Whether you need to call on a lead, give an estimate, or follow up after a project, your body language and words are always communicating with others. Let Paul’s knack for making nearly any topic more compelling build your confidence, communication, and impact with every current or prospective customer.
RESEARCH AND PREPARATION
Content and presentation are given equal importance in “Grab and Hold Their Attention”. Substance is critical as your message has to have some shared value and importance with your audience, but how you deliver the message determines its impact. Understanding your audience is key and Paul tries to step into his audience’s shoes and expectations to bring a clear delivery.
When presenting to a large group, small committee, or one on one, Paul says, “give them all your best, every time”. It’s easy to feel more energetic in a room with a large group, but an individual deserves the same enthusiasm. It is likely the first time that person is hearing your message.
Paul finds it helpful to assume the audience has only a baseline knowledge of the subject. He then raises the content level as questions are asked and accommodates for more audience knowledge.
USE VISUALS
Visual aids can drive home your message and help connect the dots, but they should not become a crutch, only a tool. Some people believe more fully in something they see, and visual impact will validate the message for them. Remember the old adage, a picture is worth a thousand words.
GATHER FEEDBACK
Any Q&A session helps you gather information. The questions your audience is asking will help you determine if more or less is needed in the next presentation.. Talk with individuals and ask, “was that helpful, did it connect with you?”. Conversation with them directly is good follow up and will benefit future messages as well.
STAND OUT
Be full of energy and pay attention to your audience. Even if you lack a natural gift to present, realize you still have a story to share, be yourself and tell what you know with enthusiasm.
Remember, you are branding and offering something of value to others. You want the audience to leave saying I really like that person AND they had a great message!
Andy recalls in one of Paul’s seminars being asked, “who of you are foremen, managers, owners?” Every hand raised and then they realized as representatives for their company only a few had on clothing that promoted their brand. No insignias or logos while in the city was a missed opportunity. Advertise your brand as often as possible.
BE MEMORABLE
Enthusiasm is contagious, show it and share it with your audience of one or many. Imagine one sale that offers all the amazing upgrades your customer could enjoy. If you don’t sell the upgrades, people will have a negative impression when they learn you never told them about more great options their neighbors are now enjoying. Leave them wanting more, and of course any memorable message leaves your audience with something that carries them to action.
CAUSE ACTION
Find your message, research, prepare, gather materials, and implement your idea. If the topic doesn’t excite you then find a new topic. Any valuable topic delivered in a compelling, dynamic, memorable way leads to action. Keep your points digestible and easy to understand and the audience will have the practical steps to act.
Being energetic, interesting, and positive means having a well engaged audience. Paul says, “if you’ve found a way to make attic insulation fun then the audience definitely connected with your presentation!” Paul eagerly invites you to participate in the conversation.
SPONSOR APPRECIATION
Special thanks to our sponsor Top Roof Marketing, a full-service marketing group that specializes in the commercial roofing industry.
JOIN US LIVE TWICE A MONTH
To be part of the real-time discussion with our live audience, like us on Facebook and tune in every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm ET: www.facebook.com/RocketRoofShow.