In Indian Engineering curriculum, by the end of the sixth semester, every engineering student should present a seminar on a topic related to his or her field. Unless you have done presentations earlier you will find it difficult to do one. Your presentation will be followed by questions from your professors and colleagues and your performance will be counted in your internal marks.

The first step in preparing your seminar is to decide on the topic you are going to present. With so many daily advances on technology it is often difficult to fix a seminar topic that is fully satisfying. Since new technologies are rarely mentioned in regular reference books students often find it difficult to get more information on them.

This is where online references come into play. Internet is a vast ocean of information. Information on every technological advancement is more or less wholly available on internet, even FREE. This vast, free source of information can be used for your presentations.

Today there are lots of informational websites targeting students of all aspects whether engineering, medical, economics or anything. Now many websites are providing valuable references for your seminar topics. Some of these websites even have downloadable full seminars which were presented in different institutions. They prove to be very valuable references for your seminar presentations.

While choosing between different seminar topics be sure to pick up one that adds value to you. There are many technological advances people usually talk about and know about. There are many other technologies people have not even heard of yet. Finding such a topic for seminar presentation will help you get better scores both because your audience will be curious to hear about them and also because since the technology is not well known, many of your professors may not know about it in detail and usually in the question session your opinion on the subject will be taken as final.

Another thing to take note of is preparation of your slides. Make sure your slides are clear and visually appealing. Stick to simple slide themes. Make sure that the audience can follow your slides while listening to you. Usually the font-size of titles and matter is detailed to you by the faculty before you submit your seminar topics. Try to follow their instructions and make sure your slides project all the important points.

Be prepared for questions. If you are brilliant enough you can make the listeners ask questions which you want them to ask. Also do not include references unless you actually referred them. It is important that you try some mock presentations on the subject before you appear for your actual one. This will help you get more confidence and avoid stage fear.

The tips mentioned in this article are simple but very useful in making your presentation a success. Follow them and you will do a wonderful presentation.

In 2005, Sunnafrank and Artemio Ramirez Jr. at Ohio State University conducted a research study on relationships and first impressions. As many as 164 students were assessed as Ramirez and Sunnafrank closely monitored their relationships over the semester; watching their interactions as they met and worked together.

The study found that with repeated and continued exposure to their colleagues over multiple meetings during the semester, their opinion of their partner remained unchanged from the first impression upon meeting them. Despite many opportunities to develop relationships their opinion about the other person remained unchanged.

The main fact to take from this study is that people make snap judgments in a very short time, and once that first impression has formed, very little can be done to change their opinion. The amount of time spent with a person after an initial meeting has no effect upon the first impression, whether it’s 3 minutes or several weeks.

Now apply this idea to a presentation. The length of a presentation can be short, from 5-10 minutes, or a lengthy 1-2 hours. Regardless, bearing the study mentioned above in mind, the first 5 minutes are the most important in deciding how your audience will feel about the presentation and their relationship with you. Two weeks from now, six months from now, or even 2 years from now, the first impression will affect your working relationship with them. Perhaps the presentation is a sales meeting. These potential new clients are deciding how much money they will invest in your company over the next few years. In conclusion of the study by Sunnafrank and Ramirez Jar highlights the important fact that there is no second chance to make a good first impression. So how can we make the most of such a small window of opportunity to open a presentation? Here are some ideas.

1. Open with a story. A personal story that will engage your audience with you. Opening with an authentic story with relationship to your subject is the strongest method to achieve great first impression.

2. Ask about a meaning of a number. What is “23″? The answer should be a surprising fact that will make a connection to your topic.

3. Using Humor. Not a joke! There are several ways to use humor without going into a knock knock joke. Cartoon, Funny quote or something authentic that happened to you will do the job.

4. Use a funny video clip. This always gets them quiet, and if the clip is good – you got their attention.

In General – make a WOW out of your first minuets. Don’t go with “Hello, my name is… and we will talk about…” Find a unique way to begin your presentation. Stand out from the start.

This month’s doorway to an open heart is being present. But what does it mean to be present?

First, it’s a clearing of the mind, so that you’re not preoccupied by the past or by things you’re anticipating for the future. You’re actually experiencing what you’re experiencing in that moment.

Second, it’s an awareness of your body, and all of the sights and sounds around you. In his book True Love: A Practice for Awakening the Heart, Zen Buddhist monk Tich Naht Hanh provides several examples of inner phrases that help you become present, including my favorite:

“I see you,” whether you’re addressing another person or something else in your presence, such as a tree or a flower, “and I’m glad that you are here.” Repeating that phrase inside your mind will help bring the present moment to you, and you to it. He explains that “above all, love is to be there.”

In fact, I got chills when I watched the movie Avatar, as the Na’vi beings spoke their greeting, “I see you” as their golden eyes connect with each other. Being present in your mind and body allows your heart to be present – and being present, it can open.

Barriers to being present

Getting things done – Sometimes we tell ourselves that we can’t stop and focus on the present moment because we have too much to do. The point is not necessarily to do less but simply to be present to what ever it is you are doing. I remember hearing Eckhart Tolle say that if you are truly present in the moment, overwhelm is impossible! We can actually achieve a lot more when we’re in the flow of the present moment; more creativity, stronger working relationships and, yes, improved output.

Hiding out – Sometimes it’s easier to keep a distance or shield between us and other people. It takes confidence and courage to truly connect with someone else (and yet, that’s where all of the rewards are).

When you walk through the world with an open heart, you put out a powerful form of energy. When you’re grounded in the present moment, other people will feel it, even if you don’t say a word. And this applies equally to the workplace and the kitchen table, to friends, family or strangers.

When you feel more peaceful and present, other people can connect with you and your open heart can have a ripple effect.

Take this doorway into your day

Let’s revise the freeze technique that I introduced in the last newsletter. This time, when you freeze, notice where you are in this moment – what has your attention?

Even that simple step will bring you into the present moment, inviting you to stop and turn inwards. Once you’ve stopped, try any of these methods to keep yourself in the present moment.

• Take your hand and place it on your heart.
• Connect to your breath – consciously notice your breath going in, nourishing you, and then coming out again.
• Put your feet on the floor and notice the feeling of the ground under your feet.
• Look at something or someone and say in your mind, “I see you and I’m glad you are here.”
• Reach out and make physical contact with something or someone.
• Use eye contact to tune in to the person you are with.

Every successful event will have all the right elements coming together. One of those elements is your presenter. Events happen at such frequencies, some taking place simultaneously, that it can be a formidable challenge for smaller affairs to gain the kind of attention organisations sorely need.

Your presenters can attract and sustain the kind of attention your events will need so their roles are crucial to the outcome. Whether you’re in need of a presenter for a product launching or a gala dinner for clients and stakeholders, you’ll want to look for key qualities to secure results from your business or social affair.

Presenting any public event, be it social or business in nature, is not simply about talking on stage, addressing crowds, and speaking about the purpose of the event. Presenters can turn any ordinary product launch or gala affair into an experience. They transform what would be considered as dull business affairs into highly anticipated events. And they dramatically improve the mood in any room, as they are on stage, with their powerful and memorable spiel.

In the same way that a remarkable copywriter can effectively communicate the client’s message, through mind-blowing taglines, the remarkable presenter will be extraordinary in conveying the purpose of the event. The audience will pay attention, and moved to act accordingly: buy, enquire, reach out to your company, or attend your next series of events.

Experience is also a key factor. It takes a lot to run an entire event and be responsible for how it turns out in the end. Your event presenter is in some way also representing your brand, your business. So you want that presenter to be a professional and be very good at his job. When hiring one, it is always best to go with experienced presenters.

Another thing to remember is the attitude of the presenter. A presenter cannot possibly get your audience’s attention, let alone sustain it, if he isn’t likeable. A charming presenter would be preferable. Naturally, you want everyone in your event to enjoy themselves. Some of the best presenters are not only likeable but they also take great care to use plain language, especially during product launches. It would be difficult to persuade an audience to consider what your event offers if it is presented as though it were written by a technical writer. The most effective presenters can deliver your message in a concrete, consistent, and pleasant manner so you can ensure the full attention of your target audience. Click here to know more.

So, tell me, what are you doing right now? Yes, right now, at this very moment?

Since I can’t hear you, I will answer for you according to my best guess:

You are reading. You are sitting. You are breathing. You are wishing you had decided to do something else, other than to study grammar.

Do you notice, that with all of those verbs I just mentioned: reading, sitting, breathing, wishing; did you notice, that all of them have the identifying -ing suffix. (A suffix is a word’s ending, added, in order to show some change of meaning).

For example: wish, wishing; read, reading; sit, sitting. In each case the -ing suffix is added, in order to show:

The Present Continuous Tense.

So why did I ask you what you are do-ING right now? Because, this is the single most important usage of the Present Continuous: the description of what is happening NOW.

The Simple Present Tense, on the other hand, describes repeated actions: He gets up every day at six o’clock. He reads the newspaper every morning. Or, a persistent circumstance. Henry loves his wife. Birds fly south for the winter.

So we can safely say, that the -s ending or no ending, is the hint that the Simple Present is being used.

And the Present Continuous’ identifying mark is -ing.

Again, the Present Continuous deals, primarily, with now. It might not be a bad idea to call it the Present NOW Tense. Except, that it’s called the Present Continuous for a very good reason: to emphasize that the action of the verb continues, thus distinguishing the Present Continuous from another important tense which describes action just completed. But I don’t want to tell you the name of that tense just yet: I want you to learn these principles one step at a time.

Here are some examples:

The old man is watching TV. He’s doing that right now.
The musician is playing the guitar so beautifully!
The old man is walking slowly down the road.

All of these examples describe what is happening at this moment. The speaker of the sentence is the one who has the perspective.

The Present Continuous differs from the Simple Present tense also in this way: while the Simple Present does all of the work on its own, the Present Continuous uses a helping verb: the verb “to be”.

Thus you can’t say, “The old man walking.” You have to say, “The old man is walking.

The Simple Present, on the other hand, does all of the work on its own, employing no helping verb:

The old man walks down that road at the same time every day. (Repeated action determines that the Simple Present is used.)

No helping verb is used in this case. (A helping verb is also called an auxiliary verb).

So, what have we learned?

1) The Present Continuous deals primarily with the NOW.
2) The Present Continuous uses the verb “to be” as a helping verb.
3) The Simple Present deals with repeated actions or persistent circumstances.
4) The Simple Present does NOT use a helping verb.

There are other uses to the Present Continuous, but the NOW usage is the most important to remember. We will examine the other uses in a future article.

It can be difficult negotiating with a spouse or other family members because you will still live in the same house after the negotiations are over. A certain amount of sensitivity and decorum are needed. Here are some rules that will help you successfully negotiate with your spouse.

1. Request Ground Rules.

If previous discussions have been ugly, you may want to suggest some simple ground rules to make the process go more smoothly. For example, such basic things as a) no yelling, b) no interruptions, c) no sarcasm, d) no profanity and e) a willingness to compromise may set the stage for real negotiations.

2. Know What You Want And Anticipate What Your Spouse Wants.

Know in advance what it is you want from the negotiations. If you are discussing vacation plans, do your research in advance. Try to anticipate what your spouse wants so you can suggest something both parties can approve. For example once the destination is confirmed, each party could plan a day of activities. You can balance your love of art museums with your husband’s love of sports.

3. Look Forward Not Back

The past is called the past for a reason. If you are negotiating something that you have already hashed and rehashed, don’t bring in what happened last year or last month. Focus on what you are going to do today to resolve the problem. If you get mired into the same discussions, try to suggest something new or suggest something on a trial basis to see if it can work.

4. Focus On The Goal; Don’t Be Distracted By Emotions.

Dealing with a problem with your spouse or ex-spouse can be very emotional. It is important to come into the negotiation with a neutral point of view. If you are angry or hurt by something your spouse has said or done, it will be almost impossible to focus on your goals for the negotiation. If you check your emotions at the door, you will be surprised what you can accomplish.

5. Watch The Other Side’s Body Language.

Since you live with this person, you should be able to recognize his/her body language. Use this to your advantage. If you see that vein in his forehead throbbing, it might not be the best time to bring up something controversial. If she is strumming her fingers on the table and is impatient, maybe it is time to try to wrap things up.

6. Don’t Gloat.

If you get something you want, don’t gloat. There is nothing worse than seeing a spouse or even worse an ex-spouse smirk or gloat. The other side will only want to retaliate. You need to go through any negotiation with a poker face and save any celebration for when you are alone.

If you follow these rules, you will be able to negotiate with your spouse like a Pro.

A team of negotiators can often bring a broader range of knowledge to the negotiating process than individuals can, and a team is often more creative.

When properly organized, negotiating teams are less likely to overlook important details, plan better, and think more broadly. Research indicates that negotiating teams set higher targets than individuals-but when faced with large risks, a team is more cautious. When selling an agreement internally to the rest of the organization, a team presentation is likely to be more persuasive than an individual’s.

Some important points about negotiating teams:

1. A negotiating team needs a skilled leader who can plan effectively, keep disagreements inside the team, and manage the flow of information to and from the team.

2. Don’t go into a negotiation with a second-rate team – too much is at stake to use mediocre assistance. A team leader must select people whom he or she respects. It is more important to have “experts” at your side than “nice guys.”

3. Never go into an important negotiation without “inoculating” your negotiating team. No plan is complete without considering how you will defend yourself against arguments. Use the devil’s-advocate approach to run through the other party’s positions beforehand. This approach is rarely used, so discipline yourself to do it. You’ll be glad you did!

4. Develop rules among your own people on how questions will be fielded. Sometimes it is best to have all questions directed only to the chief negotiator to give others time to answer.

5. Recess and caucus frequently.

6. Have a “dancer” on your team. A dancer is a person who can say much about very little.

7. Consider having one person designated as an “observer;” their role is to record what is happening both verbally and non-verbally. Use this information when you caucus.

Every day of our lives we are negotiating. From the cries of a newborn baby negotiating its first feed to the wiles of a newborn retiree bargaining the deal on that coveted motor-home, we are never too far from the challenge of reaching agreement on something. It just happens to be one of those everyday things we do. In many cases, it involves no more than our natural instincts.

In business however, it takes on a very different perspective. At every level of management, negotiating is an important part of the job. For those of us involved in dedicated buying and selling roles, it is our job! Above all else, our negotiating ability is the one skill that can set us apart; it can mean the difference between a very successful and a very ordinary career.

Popular opinion tells us that it must be more than just a special birthright too. Although a dose of charisma certainly goes a long way, truly high-performance negotiators only get to the top through learning, practice, and a lot of dedication. That’s right, professional negotiators aren’t born, nor are they delivered by the stork wrapped up in a ready-made deal sheet. They need to do the hard yards. If they are to be successful, they need to invest whatever time and energy it takes to get there.

But as always, there are two sides to the story. There are probably just as many non-believers out there. For everyone who accepts that negotiating expertise is a method that can be systematically taught, it seems there is another who remains adamant that there is no such formula. Instead, they believe that the ability to persuade others is the domain of the chosen few, those who were born with a genetic gift – some sort of persuasive magic. It poses the question… METHOD or MAGIC?

In my live training sessions, I use a simple chart to present a four-part model in search of the answer. The first two are the ‘understanding’ factors. These are the variables – the specific things we need to understand about the particular negotiation at hand… for example, what we need to know about the nature of the proposition to determine the style of our negotiation, and what we need to understand about the range of likely outcomes to determine the steps in the process. I guess this represents the ‘method’ involved.

The ‘Understanding’ Factors (preparing the proposition for the people):

Style – preparing the information, doing the homework

Process – preparing the steps, determining the strategy

The second two are the essential communications ‘skill’ sets. These are the constants – those interpersonal tools of ours that we need to keep sharp and ready to roll out in any negotiation… for example, our ability to intuitively read and deal with the people and relationship issues, and to effectively employ the appropriate interactive selling and presentation techniques. I guess this is the ‘magic’ component.

The ‘Skill’ Factors (preparing the people for the proposition):

Relationships – the people skills

Presentation – the dialogue skills

As we work our way through each of these quadrants via a case study or two, it very quickly unfolds that to be good at this business of negotiating, we need to accept that there is both method and magic involved, and that we need to get both right.

Yes, if you are to genuinely acquire this so-called knack of negotiating, there is no short cut. The right combination – this fastidious blend of homework and footwork – is your only answer… and, and if you’re to be consistent with it, you’ll need to work hard at honing your skills. You can be sure that whoever sits across the table from you is working on theirs.

Some people are born negotiators. They seem to always get what they want and usually get the best deal, (at least according to them). If this describes you: congratulations. This article is for the rest of us. Those of us who learned about negotiation the hard way: by starting off slowly, tripping over our own words and gradually learning about negotiation.

Negotiation Skills

A professional negotiator is objective. Then again, the professional has no emotional investment. This is her job. She has never lived in your house and does not think of it with the special fondness or remembrances of the times both good and not quite so good.

A professional negotiator has experience negotiating. This is obvious at first blush. It does not mean, however, that a professional negotiator can do a better job than you can. She may have experience and objectivity, but no one knows your house better than you do and no one knows what you want more than you do.

It Only Seems Scary

Nothing is more basic than shelter. Just the word, “shelter” evokes an image of a safe place, a respite from the storms of life. Also, when you sell your house, whether you do it by yourself or through an agent, you are doing it for money and lots of it. Your house is most likely your single largest asset. Combine this with the fact that change is hard and you may be getting onto an emotional roller coaster. Sure, it may feel scary, but keep in mind that many, many homeowners have successfully negotiated these waters before you and you will too.

Be Flexible

Being flexible will help you. The ability to compromise will get you to the goal of: selling your house for the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time with the least aggravation to you. There is no one-size-fits-all way to do it, no one-size-fits-all solution.

Know Your Facts

Let me repeat that: KNOW YOUR FACTS! They will help make you stronger. The more actual facts you can muster, the stronger negotiator you will be. Even natural born negotiators learn their facts and accumulate more facts than the other side. The more you know about your neighborhood, city, schools, taxes, municipal services, and such, the stronger the position you will be in to meet prospective buyers’ objections, answer their questions and instill confidence. Facts will carry the day.

Be A Good Listener

Hear what is actually being said by your prospect. Listen carefully for what is actually being asked. Oftentimes, people have trouble expressing exactly what they mean. This is where listening to the actual question will prove useful. Obviously, you can only address your prospects concerns if you know what they are.

Do Not Take It Personally

It’s sometimes hard not to take it personally, but it will pay enormous dividends, in sleep not lost and aggravation avoided. This is one of the hallmarks of a professional: The ability to listen to someone criticize some aspect of your house and realize that it is not an attack on you or your home, but simply an expression of a concern that needs to be addressed.

Established Your Credibility

Make a promise and keep it. There is no better way to establish credibility in the eyes of your prospective buyer. You may not have the answers to all of the questions at your finger tips. That is okay. Simply say, “I’ll find the answer to that and call you back.”

PROMISES KEPT MEAN TRUST CREATED

Return All Calls

Returning all of the calls is where you can establish the rhythm of the relationship and keep it your own. It is very important while in the midst of negotiating to stay in control of the process. You should return all calls and promptly, meaning by the end of the day, unless it is something that requires immediate attention.

Start With The Contract Basics

Part of achieving a successful outcome during negotiations requires an understanding of when certain issues are best addressed. Start off with the basics of price, contingencies, and closing. Concentrating on the basics will simplify the negotiations by narrowing the issues. After all, if you cannot agree on the price, it does not matter if everything else is perfect.

Take A Step Back: Focus on the Negotiations

If you can maintain your focus, it will pay dividends. Even if you are going through the worst of times, the most difficult period of your life, step back and maintain your cool. Save your complaints and consolations for your friends. Do not muddy the water of negotiation with your personal travails.

This is the first of a series on Negotiating Your Home Sale.

© 2007 Complete Books Publishing, Inc.

Someone once said, “All is fair in love, war, and negotiations.” If that’s true #misinformation and #disinformation are armigers that some negotiators use as weapons of mass destruction.

In order to best combat misinformation and disinformation in negotiations, you must know the difference between the two before you can address either. The question is, to what degree are you prepared to deal with this type of ploy?

Misinformation can be daunting when deciphering the truth. Coupled with disinformation, the truth can become darn near undetectable. Observe the following to make the distinction less elusive.

1. Misinformation Versus Disinformation

Understand that there’s a difference between misinformation and disinformation. While the distinction between the two may have similar appearances, their usage is what really sets them apart.

Misinformation is erroneous information delivered to intentionally or unintentionally alter your thought process. It can also be used as a way to insulate one’s self (e.g. I didn’t mean to misquote that information). Later in the negotiation, that tactic can turn into a trap that detracts from the user’s credibility, if used too frequently.

Disinformation is the intentional attempt to spread false information for the purpose of deceiving you. That makes its usage more dangerous in a negotiation. It also speaks to the character of its user. If you know the user’s intent to persuade you, you’ll have insight into which of these modalities he may use to accomplish his objectives.

2. Know Character of Negotiator

When you know someone’s character, you can more accurately assess and determine their intent. Thus, knowing a negotiator would not venture into the territory of disinformation could lead you to be more understanding if he misquotes information. On the other hand, if you know you’re dealing with a devious individual, one that doesn’t have a relationship with the truth, you’d be wise not to grant him forgiveness when he misquotes information. In such a case, you may have just caught him in a lie that he’s aware of. Let him stew in this dilemma and assess what he does. Doing so will also give you great insight into the possibility of the information being disinformation or misinformation. You can further address the type of information that’s being passed to you by referring to a higher authority that refutes what’s been delivered. You can do this, even if the authority and/or information you cite is not real. It’s called bluffing.

3. Identify Timing and Intent

After addressing steps 1 and 2, assess the intent of the information that you’ve been given. Do so with the thought of what impact it’s intended to have on you, what actions are you to engage in as the result of the information. Also, consider the timing of its deliverance. If you assess that it’s intended to evoke a particular action or thought, assess what the overall intent might be and where such actions might lead. If you sense that something’s not right, don’t continue. Instead, question what you should be paying more attention to.

While misinformation and disinformation may offer challenges during a negotiation, being mindful of how to combat them can lessen their potency. Once you adopt a heightened mindset when dealing with them, your negotiation efforts won’t be fraught with the degree of dismay that otherwise might exist. Thus, by adopting these strategies when dealing with information, you’ll have a better perspective about the information you deal with… and everything will be right with the world.

Remember, you’re always negotiating!

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