Tom Fuszard

B2B copywriter/content marketing writer dedicated to helping you and your business succeed. Click on the "Writing Samples" tab for a selection of my samples. Need help with your content marketing? Feel free to call or email me.

3 more tips to improve your oral presentation skills

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If you follow my blog, you notice that I write frequently on the topic of presentation skills. Many columns are generated after sitting through a presentation or seminar. Such is the case today. I spotted a few “areas of improvement” (a term used in Toastmasters) during a presentation this morning. Reviewing these and those I … Read more

More tips to improve your presentation skills

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Improve your oral presentation skills with these tips

In previous columns, including this one, I have offered a number of tips for improving your presentation skills. Having attended another presentation, I find the need to offer some additional reminders here. After reviewing my columns, you’ll note a pattern to these presentation gaffes.

1. Not using the microphone. The room was not particularly large and the ceiling was not high. Even so, presenters should have used the microphone. A cordless model came with the lectern. The first presenter tested the mic and, upon finding that it wasn’t turned on, ignored it. So did the rest of the presenters.

Remember that it is your responsibility as presenter to test all equipment. Ask for assistance if something is not working properly (or not on). Always use a mic if one is available.

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Produce your content in batches, dribble out as needed

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Do you sometimes find it difficult to produce content on a consistent basis? Perhaps you run out of ideas or time one day; possibly both. Here’s one solution: Set aside an hour or two one day, and create a batch of content. Could be blog columns, videos, anything. Then post that material according  to your normal … Read more

Be a teacher and a student

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Study the material with an eye toward offering it to others If you’re serious about being successful in business–and I’m sure you are–you understand the value of continuing education. I’m not referring to professional continuing ed. That’s important, too. Instead, I’m talking about the programs you buy or otherwise acquire to help you build and … Read more

Commit to maintaining good listening skills

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Good listening skills start with listening well

When you’re listening to someone speak, especially someone up close, do you really listen? That is, are you paying attention? Do you let the person speak, or do you interrupt repeatedly?

listening well, the art of listening well

This notion of listening well came to me during a social event I attended recently. Throughout the event, I met and spoke with several people. Some I hadn’t seen in decades; others were new to me. In each case I was interested in learning about them: where they are from, what they’re up to, and such. Often I would find myself eager to break into the conversation to add a thought. I had to stop myself, though, to prevent from interrupting.

The art  of listening well starts with actually listening. As the old adage goes, “The good Lord gave you two ears and one mouth. Use them in that proportion.”

People have a tendency to jump into a conversation and offer their opinions. Other times they’ll cut in an attempt to finish the other person’s thought. While that behavior is annoying enough in general conversation, it can have really adverse effects in business settings.

Here are some suggestions for listening well:

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