Although I've given more my then share of Presentations to Companies, Corporations and Real Estate Agencies, I am usually perplexed when working on another with ways to improve it. Should I change the materials I hand out, make them newer or flashier? Dress differently? I know that during my last several presentations there seemed to be something I said that made those that appeared bored or uninterested stop at some point, look up and take notice; they began to listen and get involved. I have never been able to pinpoint what it is that creates that.
I thought to call Lisa, a Realtor I have known and worked with for years who is very familiar with Feng Shui. She attended my last big presentation not to hear about Feng Shui but for moral support! I know she is honest and maybe can give me some insights into what I do right and what I falter on. I know the first 5 or 10 minutes, even after all this time are my WORST. After that something else takes over, it's not me speaking and I can just let the information flow. But what is it that "hooks" them? That's what I wanted to know.
I do try to follow a "format" so I can get certain ideas and principles across in the allotted time but often people will raise their hands while being struck by something I said. I do not ask them to "hold" their questions although that is what I was told long ago. I figure if they're not sure of something, other people may be confused as well. I answer the questions as they come up and find my way back on track.When I called Lisa it had been a while since we'd spoken and we decided to meet for breakfast. The last time we did that at 8am so we could both accomplish all we needed to that day, we knew it was getting late when the hamburgers started coming out. But if I need an honest, practical evaluation I know she will give it to me---STRAIGHT.
She was surprised by the question and asked "Don't you know?" She had seen the warm reception I had gotten when she attended the last presentation and what was apparent to her was lost on me. I sometimes find it difficult to explain ENERGY to those that aren't aware of it or don't believe in it. It is intangible; it is not something I can SHOW them.
"But you DO show energy" Lisa said quite clearly. "After your first five minutes you come alive with it. Your passion for this work comes through as well as your belief in it; you relate some personal stories of things you have come across and methods of dealing with it and as you keep going, it's YOUR energy that you're able to show. That's what "hooks" these people and wakes them up." "It is YOU they are in tune with, not so much something you said but your actions and reactions as you relate your love of this work that you do. Do what you always do, Carole, go with the flow."
Her words gave me a whole different way to look at things and the "hurdle" I had always felt of not being able to have them actually "SEE" Energy was lifted. So as I'm preparing for this one, I find that I actually have very little to prepare for. I have to think when I look around Activerain and read the heartfelt posts on this incredible site, many of us are finding people drawn to us not so much for the way we are able to articulate our words (if that were the case, I would have given up long ago; I have never seen a place with more creative writing in my entire life) but for what we give up about ourselves and the passion we have for what we do and love. We show our commitments to our clients, our dedication to helping them in any way we can and our energy shows bright and clear to them. I'm sorry I missed the "point" for so many years on this one!
*Carole Provenzale is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and Founder of Feng Shui Long Island with on site Feng Shui Consultations for all of Long Island and New York City and personalized Consultations for those at a Distance.
Carole, It's amazing, isn't it? That energy that comes through when we are passionate about what we are doing or what we believe in. I sense that energy in you when it comes to feng shui and your passion for it is what has stirred all of our interest and fascination with it.
I truly believe it is what we are meant to be doing when that level of 'energy' begins to reach out to other people's own energy and connect us to them via those ethereal threads. This has happened to me in environmental meetings where I've been the chairperson and my passion works on the others around me so much that their passion is lifted and they become involved due to the energy they are picking up from me. One friend of mine, a fellow scientist, told me that one time after a meeting.
I believe this energy comes from the universe...we are only conduits doing the work of the great mystery.
wonderful and thought-provoking post....thanks for writing about this.
Jo
I think when we let our passion show through, that people respond to that. They want someone who is passionate about what they do. This makes them feel comfortable.
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Hi Carole,
I don't think you missed the point at all, I think in those first few moments of one's presentation they are nervous even though they may have done the presentation a million times it is in front of a different group each time and no one know how they will react. So that energy/passion may not show though in the first few minutes. I can say that I can feel your passion on here Carole, so I am sure in person your presentation would be great!!
So true, Carole, you have a wise friend. I believe our energy can be "read" by people intuitively. It is the same concept at work when you meet someone and immediately feel at ease and like you have known them before ( you probably have) and vice versa, when you feel uneasy and can't explain it.
Hello Carole - I Love that you let people ask questions in your presentations rather than waiting till the end- this shows you care that they understand! and you know that ol saying
People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care :)
Excellent post!
Sincerely,
Grace Safrin
Carole...sounds like a Eurika moment! That can only lead to more!
It never ceases to amaze me how a group of people join a Real Estate Blog anticipating information, networking,exposure and maybe a referral or two and end up with a network of people that help us to grow personally and professionally!
Keep on shining Carole!
I love the way you explained this, Carole! I am the same way -- it seems the first 5 minutes will never end and then - Bam, 30 minutes have gone by and I am in my element the entire time! It's got a be passion. Can you even imagine doing a presentation for 30 minutes on a subject you just didn't really believe in? Think I had to do that in High School once. Sort of like a slow death . . .
Keep the passion, keep sharing the passion!
Lisa, It did make sense! Now if I could get past the first few minutes....Thank you for your comment.
Jo, Thank you for always sharing your passion in your writings. I'm sure you get excited as well and I didn't realize I did. It was so nice to hear that.
Dan, I'm sure you're right, I just didn't realize it was showing...guess I'm a bit transparent.
Trace, I am horrible in the first few minutes. I ummmm....I haven't gotten over that part---yet :)
Bonnie, Thank you for your comment. I do often meet people for the first time and feel like I've known them---and love the feeling. And I think you're exactly right about the intuitive energy.
Donna, Thank you. Presentations were one of my biggest obstacles that I'm surprised I ever did them at all. Now I know I'll be ok. I do believe in Feng Shui and I'm sure that shows.
Teri, No, I don't and I never even thought of it. That's a wonderful idea! I could ask some questions and also see what they would like to hear more of as well....Thank you, I'm going to include it in the handouts!
Grace, I love your line "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." That's a treasure, thank you.
Joan, My friend Lisa is wonderful and honest but most of my Ureka moments are right here in the rain. What a joy everyone is!!
Carole,
I always take away something I can use from your posts. I look for them, then I study them further.
Thank you for writing such wonderful posts
Tom Braatz
I can only echo what others have said very well. The energy does come from your passion and it permeates through the room and audience. I would expect this to happen with you when speaking after all it even happens when you write about Feng Shui. As long as the passion is there, the energy will flow--whatever the subject matter.
I do a lot of teaching, speaking engagements and coaching and have always found the most effective part of any presentation is when we forget ourselves by letting ourselves out. We need to take ourselves out of the formula and speak straight from heart to the other party's agenda. This is when the passion shows. Don't worry about what to say and how to say it....just be you, speaking with them.
I'd love to see you in action some time.
Katerina, I hadn't thought of "feeling" the audience first. That's a wonderful insight, it's something I can do..Thank you for the great advice.
Tom, Thanks so much for the kind words, I enjoy your blogs very much (and was sorry to read of Lars being so sick).
Cynthia, I know when others present they can do some type of presentation....to SHOW the audience. I don't have that but I am encouraged by all of you....passion I have. Thanks for your comment.
Gail, If you do be sure to come Five minutes late :) I'm glad to hear you do so well, actually I'd like to hear YOU speak, I can pick up some pointers.
Sal, Thank you for the lovely comment. I enjoy your posts very much as well and learn from them.
Carole - whoa, the way the universe works is mysterious to me. I'll admit to you, I'm kind of glad you experience this too - I just somehow picture you always in your element ;) BUT, more importantly, I'm glad you have the answer now, so you can better connect with your audience and potential clients within those first few minutes that you were wondering about - I'm sure they'll love you even more.
Interestingly enough, I have a huge presentation coming up and one of the local pro's around here asked me what I was doing to prepare for it (knowing I'm a stressed out perfectionist) - I said 'nothing'. WHAAAAT? Nope. Nothing out of the ordinary, not this time. I want to go in expecting to have fun, sharing what I'm passionate about. I'm sure everyone else will be more relaxed and receptive because of it too.
'Lo and behold I read your blog and look what I find?! You are amazing - thanks for blogging on this, I needed to see it tonight!
Jackie
**I just had to go back and edit this, it didn't make sense!
I sooo agree with Lisa Its the excitement that gets em . I start by saying Im so happy I found my calling at 47 !!! Tell them my story and how fun it is and lucrative is home staging. Im naturally funny so, once I make them laugh in the beggining I got em ! Its all in the attitude, about changing your way of dressing, I would wear something that makes me feel comfortable, that brings you confidence to start. Show them from the beggining How excited you are to share this with them. Try a funny anecdote from a staging !!! they go very well.
Also, I tell them in the beggining , that this is not jusy another boring presentation, You guys are about to discover and learn the value of home staging.
Jackie, Don't mention this to a SOUL but Feng Shui Consultants have issues as well :( I know we're supposed to be perfectly in balance all the time but life throws these curve balls. I'm always trying to learn to curve with them :) Other then getting my handouts ready I am not doing anything special for this....I'm curious myself how it's going to go off :)
Dan, I sure hope they form their opinion of me after the first five minutes. I need that time to let go and present well! Thanks for your thoughts and comment.
Julie, You are such a life force on AR....talk about my energy shining through, YOURS sure does not only in your posts but also in your comments! You're always an inspiration to me.
Fernando, You always sound so excited about your work, I can tell how much you love it and I think you do a beautiful job! I was also glad to read your business is doing so well....go get em :)!
Candy,The show is called "Fun Shui" and is on HGTV. I do believe Feng Shui is getting mainstreamed! While it's not at all typical of a consultation, there are messages in there and some very good ideas. I don't know if they're going to renew it yet but believe there's one more show to the series.
Adam,Yes, I do believe in it, I've seen it work so many times and I guess that does come across...Believe me, you would have had an interest in it sooner or later, Feng Shui is incredibly popular in New York and has been for a few years. The first year I started checking my "stats" was 2004 when I had 50+ hits in a YEAR. Today I am over that amount per DAY. And that's just one site which I target as local to Long Island and New York City....I wish I was better at math, I could actually figure out the percentage!