Front & Center
Presenting Ideas Clearly, Concisely and with Confidence
By Kenneth J. Lodi
Smashwords Edition © 2010 Kenneth J. Lodi
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system -- except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review in a magazine, newspaper, or on the web -- without permission in writing from Kenneth J. Lodi
ISBN 0-9646523-4-X
Cover Image Copyright ©Hespenheide Design
What people are saying about Front & Center
In Front & Center Ken Lodi has outlined a practical, easy-to-read, step-by-step guide that provides the basics of good presentation skills, while also serving as a great resource for those that need to polish or fine-tune their current style.
—Gerri Brehm, Training Manager
Management and Organizational Development Universal Studios
Front & Center is an honest, no-nonsense guide to successful presentations. I not only enjoyed its approach, I found it to be an indispensable guide to keeping your edge.
—Otis Shephard, Jr., Manager, Corporate Training
Warner Bros.
Ken Lodi is an excellent speaker and an excellent writer. For anyone interested in presentation skills, those are two very good reasons to read Front & Center.
—Phillip Bozek, Ph.D. President, Communication Designs, Inc.
Front & Center helps all levels of professionals prepare and deliver presentations with strength, power and effective communication. This book covers every facet from the basics to advanced skills in presentations. It is a must for any leader at any size organization.
—Corwin N. Harper, MHA, CHE, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
Ken Lodi’s advice is concise, practical, and “real world.” These guidelines will guarantee a better presentation. Read Front & Center and your next presentation will improve!
—Dennis Houlihan, President, Roland Corporation U.S.
Front & Center is the perfect prescription, infused with practical advice and innovative ideas for mastering the presentation process. Everyone, from the most accomplished speaker to the most reluctant, will be informed and empowered with this comprehensive guide to creating a successful presentation.
—Hilarie Murad, Murad Skin Care
Ken Lodi’s energetic writing style and extensive experience as a speaker give Front & Center the perfect balance of detailed instruction, illustrative anecdotes, and gentle encouragement. His book has something for every speaker, from the novice to the professional.
—M. Katherine Mullally, Training Instructor
The Gillette Company
Front & Center is an honest, no-nonsense guide to successful presentations. I found it to be an indispensable guide to keeping your edge.
—Otis Shephard, Jr., Manager, Corporate Training
Warner Bros.
Table of Contents
Chapter 3–Research Before Writing
Chapter 4–Attack the Body First
Chapter 5–Creating Visuals with Impact
Chapter 10–Introductions and Openings
Chapter 13–Delivering a Winner
Chapter 16–Continuous Improvement
“The number one fear adults have is speaking in public.”
—Anon
This book is a user-friendly, instructional guide to help you communicate clearly. I have stood before more than 2,500 audiences, held many meetings, and made countless sales presentations. Through observation, practice, and good ol’ trial and error, I know what makes the difference between a talk and a presentation; what distinguishes a speaker from a true communicator; and what separates a lecture from a memorable experience. I have arranged my ideas and techniques as succinctly as possible so you can easily improve your skills as an effective communicator.
Your creative ideas, your award-winning concepts, your grand-slam ideas will only be appreciated and resonate in the minds of others if they are presented with clarity, enthusiasm, and impact. You have the ideas. This book contains the process and medium through which you will communicate those ideas. In this book you will learn to
• Develop ideas into complete messages
• Turn messages into a logical, understandable presentation
• Package the above-mentioned into a performance with impact
This book and my first book, Tapping Potential, share the same philosophy: you have the natural talents and abilities needed to do what you want—in this case, communicate effectively. The ideas presented here are designed to release those talents and tap your potential as an effective communicator.