Selecting The Right Presentation Music

There is more to a presentation than words, and the nonverbal content needs as much consideration as the verbal. The right presentation music can create an atmosphere for your piece that helps convey your message. Deciding which music to use is one of the most important decisions facing a presentation producer. Some production designers choose their music in an almost offhand manner. This is usually a mistake. The same designer would never choose presentation graphics at random; the visual elements of a project as carefully selected to enhance and elaborate on the message of each slide and of the work as a whole. Slapping a random track onto the result of weeks of design is risky and unprofessional at best and self-defeating at worst. Music, like every other part of the endeavour, should be chosen as part of the overall effect.

One important thing to consider in presentation music selection is the responsiveness of the target audience. You do not want your audience to think that your project was done poorly. Work targeted at specific religious or academic venues do not mix well with anything that refers to rap or rock music. A funeral home salesman would never use upbeat music to sell his products. Just as images must be selected well so as to not offend anyone, music should be treated in the same respect. People respond to various types of music in different manners. Ensure that the music selected will have a desirable effect. If the plan is to attract people to a booth at a trade show, the style should be attractive and cheerful. It shouldn’t force viewers to want to go somewhere else or not even notice the booth. This defeats the entire purpose. There is a lot more to giving a presentation than simply words. Verbal and nonverbal content both need to have an equal balance. The proper presentation music can provide an atmosphere for your creation that helps to express your message. Choosing the right music is an important decision that every presentation producer faces.

The search for the right music should start immediately whatever loop types you may select. It takes quite a bit of time to find the correct track and to get the rights for it, will take even longer. In certain cases it will be better to utilize specially recorded music for the specific work like in a church or school setting, and proficient musicians can contribute their talents for a reasonable price. Always avoid using material which is copyrighted while recording presentation music. The copyrights extend to tunes and lyrics and not just to the record’s use. Special circumstances may demand the use of such music but all fees should be paid. Producers should find the original music and should also make sure that the copyright on the chosen tune has not expired. It is possible to sidestep issues about copyrights when you purchase original pre-recorded performances which were made specifically as presentation music.

This is by far the safest route as far as the law goes. If pre-recorded tracks are used for a presentation, the next question is where to get them. Commercial music is likely way beyond the budget, and amateur work probably will not achieve any desirable effect. Appropriate affordable music is widely available for download from specialty websites. The free stuff may be of questionable quality, but the many composers working in the field can supply anything from a single loop to an entire CD or music to dovetail precisely with your needs. Ideally every presentation should have its own soundtrack, composed to emphasize the points it makes and evoke the mood its designers envision. While commissioned music is not practical for most applications, the use of carefully selected tracks can provide a very close substitute. This sort of presentation music makes for great impact without breaking the budget. For great music loop go to: http://www.musicalvibe.net.

Presentations – Top Ten Stand Out Tips

My years of doing training and coaching in presentation skills has demonstrated to me that it’s not just about “stand up skills.” The remarkable thing about having powerful presentation skills is that they “trickle down” to all of your interpersonal communications, whether in meetings, interviews, or even phone calls. So mastering the tough skills of standing up and standing out in front of a crowd also means you’ll have the ability to stand out in all your interactions.

Over the years, I’ve been able to identify a handful of qualities that consistently do give you stand out status. Doesn’t matter how smart you are or talented or attractive — universally, these attributes can make you the kind of person that other people want to know, work with and do business with.

Here are my Top Ten Stand Out Tips:

1. LOOK ‘EM IN THE EYE.

In our culture, eye communication is correlated with trust and credibility. The ability to look someone in the eye — whether you’re talking or listening — conveys an interest in the other party, which makes that person feel appreciated and listened to. Remember, “eye communication” insures you’re not having “I communication.”

2. ASK, DON’T TELL.

Keep this amazing irony in mind. People will like you more, think you’re smarter, savvier, nicer and more interesting if you show interest in them. The ability to show interest — a sort of wide-eyed wonder in others — is the kind of skill that will make people think positively about you.

3. LISTEN ACTIVELY.

Active listening is a very intentional, strategic skill where you’re able to fulfill two very basic human needs — to be heard and to be understood. It involves three steps, which I like to capture with the acronym EAR:

Engage the speaker – look like you’re listening. 

Actually hear the message – pay attention.

Respond appropriately – let your speaker know you really heard and understood. Responding can take three forms:

   -Paraphrase: repeat the gist of the message. 

   -Probe: instead of launching into your rebuttal, probe further with questions.

   -Reflect back feelings: let the speaker know you understand his/her feelings.

4. PROJECT, UM, VOCAL POWER

Ironically, this is one of those strategies that’s not so “stand out” in and of itself as it is glaringly detracting if you don’t practice it. The most glaring vocal detractors are:

- Use of fillers – words like uh, um, like, really…

- Speaking in a monotone

- Mumbling

5. ATTITUDE = ALTITUDE

The better your attitude the higher you’ll soar. Positive people are better liked, more listened to, more appreciated, and more successful influencers and persuaders. Think positive, find the good, behave as if you love life, and people will be drawn to you like magnets.

6. WATCH YOUR POSTURE

How you sit and stand conveys volumes about you. And the rules are different for each posture. When you’re standing, balanced, symmetrical posture conveys more presence than slouched, leaning (on one leg) posture. But when you’re seated, recognize that asymmetrical posture, such as with legs crossed or hands somewhat off-balance, projects more confidence and poise.  

7. SHOW ENTHUSIASM

Ancient indigenous people believed that you exhibit presence by “choosing to be present and visible, showing up energetically.” Energy, or enthusiasm, is a powerful stand out attribute. By conveying a conviction and passion for what you do, your presence is powerful – it adds value.

8. BE PURPOSEFUL

This is a particularly powerful presentation strategy. When you’re purposeful — when you have something deliberate and intentional to do, such as using a prop or referring to a visual or walking deliberately across the stage, even having a logical organization to your thoughts — then this focus is going to help you be less attuned to yourself and your anxiety. And it gives you a put-together air of confidence and ease.

9. SMILE.

A smile is one of the simplest nonverbal expressions we can make, yet it can pay enormous dividends. A pleasant facial expression is like a magnet — it draws people to you and makes them feel positively about you. It’s such an important first impression because it sets the tone for your interactions.

10. SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.

Okay, I’m not talking about the little irritations and minor vexations of life. Rephrased, consider that “little things mean a lot.” Whether it’s writing a note or remembering someone’s birthday or doing what you say you’re going to do, these little acts of kindness and courtesy can make a big impression — and will make you stand out.

Valentine’s Day Present Options For Women

Were you aware that gentlemen spend more for Valentine’s Day items compared to women? And a lot of these are generally fast, eleventh hour presents that can be expensive, not really suitably thought out, and generally not well received. Just a little preparing will go a long ways closer to a delighted Valentines Day.

Flowers are quite the classic present because they basically work so suitably. Nearly all females love flowers, and most guys do also. You can’t buy cheap grocery store flowers at the last minute and also expect to make a good impact, unless you also get a vase, a card, maybe some balloons or possibly a stuffed animal to go along with them. It is often far better and much more convenient to acquire flowers from the flower shop. Online florists are generally expedient and also delivery can make a large impression. I remember one set of roses sent to be a surprise as I’d already given a different Valentine’s Day surprise in the morning. It definitely thrilled my girlfriend big time!

Precisely what type of flowers should you buy? Red roses really are classic and also really do the job dramatically effectively. They are usually my own primary choice. Some other colors of flowers are great as well, including pink plus green. I also really like mixed bouquets, particularly with tulips. Go for something that suits you which you think she will enjoy as well.

Food is likewise traditional, particularly chocolate or sweets. A plant or flowers presented at the office followed up by goodies brought personally are a good idea. I also really like fresh fruit, and have had massively great outcomes using a “Fruit of the Month” membership that will tell her on a monthly basis simply how much you care! Quite a few fresh fruit providers as well as orchards have fantastic programs.

Should your woman like to eat out, an excellent dinner in a great restaurant does wonders on Valentines Day, but you should definitely try to make reservations as this is a very popular night to spend out. Maybe there’s some sort of amazing location you have already been earlier or maybe a spot you’ve often wanted to visit. If it’s not near where you live, perhaps a night or two away is actually a great idea? You could probably look for a inn using Priceline.com or maybe one of several other low cost brokers.

Trips are a tremendous gift simply because you will end up spending plenty of time alongside one another. It will demand planning, and making it a big surprise could be difficult to accomplish. A self guided or escorted trip, or maybe a very few nights anywhere together to will be extremely conducive to romance.