... said no one ever. However, in my personal experience, preparing more content creates confidence.

If you are in a sales position where you are asked to give presentations to your prospects, your team members, or other members of your company/organization, it is likely there's always a bit of nervousness that comes along with it. I've been engaged in public speaking since the beginning of my career and there still isn't a time that I don't sweat it; at least a little.

Earlier this month, Ann and I were having a conversation about a last-minute presentation she gave at her local Junior Woman's Club and we started laughing about how even though those who were listening to her speak said she did an amazing job, Ann still felt like she just "winged it."

This is a common feeling for those of us who have become accustomed to giving presentations regularly; being able to jump into a situation, relatively unprepared, isn't as nerve-racking as it would have been in our early careers.

As we were talking about it, I asked her if she even got through all of her slides. I asked because when I look back at the "big, important" presentations I've had to give in the past, I remember spending a considerable amount of time creating more content than was necessary. In those moments, as I'm writing, I assume I will get through all of it and be able to detail each slide in-depth. I have yet to fall short of the clock.

My point here, is that when I have more content than is likely necessary in my given timeframe, the nervousness comes waaaaaayyyyyy down. Think about it? Are you really nervous about the speaking, or are you just nervous you're gonna look stupid?

I know for me, that I have an irrational fear that I am going to only speak for 5 minutes of a 20-minute timeslot and then there's going to be an akward silence. It's irrational because every time I have created enough content that I could go on for over an hour.

So - prep, prep, prep. Many times we think that means prep your presentation delivery. Yes, that's important... but in this specific case/tip, prep an abundance of content! The more content you have, the less pre-presentation anxiety you will experience.

Always prepare more than is required and/or necessary so you won't be sweating all over the podium!

Sarah Breymeier: beheard@podiatrymeetings.com

Earlier this year, I read an article in EXHIBITOR MAGAZINE titled, "Swag is Out, Experiences are In: The New Era of Corporate Event Engagement."

In short, items like pens, stress balls, fidget spinners, etc. are not creating a memorable impact with conference attendees. Instead, booth experiences are becoming more engaging. For example, we are good friends with a team of individuals who often have a putting green at their booth - and it works. Their booth is usually extremely busy with DPMs taking a shot at the hole, while the sales team lets them know about their latest and greatest products.

Ann and I have had positive experiences with this ourselves. Last summer in Nashville for the APMA National Meeting, you may remember our Dolly Parton cardboard cut-out. This is nothing extravagant, but it created a "scene" at the booth where people got to come up and take a picture with a life size replica of Dolly. It was a hit!!!

Check out the article for yourself and take some time to get creative. Think outside the box. We've seen booths with the spinning wheel of prizes, but isn't this just another trinket giveaway? I'm not making fun; Ann and I have tried it ourselves. While there is a little bit of a thrill, it doesn't create genuine excitement like other ideas we've seen and/or tried.

The additional benefit here is that you can use these booth experience "gimmicks" from show to show without having to constantly purchase new trinkets. Plus, we all know that we semi-dread the attendee that just comes up to the booth looking for "stuff." These attendees are very rarely high-quality leads, yet we continue to buy cheap stuff for low-value results.

Want to brainstorm ideas?! Contact us!!

Sarah Breymeier: beheard@podiatrymeetings.com

We are extremely excited to announce our continued partnership with Dr. Lowell Weil, Jr. (Weil Foot & Ankle) and Balance Health for the 2024 Provider Retreat!

This is your opportunity to make an impact with the nation’s premier, comprehensive lower-extremity focused physician practice… with over 100 of Balance Health physicians and team members joining us in Chicago.

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