Perfect Phrases for Executive Presentations: Hundreds of Ready-To-Use Phrases to Use to Communicate Your Strategy and Vision When the Stakes Are High: Hundreds of Ready-To-Use Phrases to Use to Communicate Your Strategy and Vision When the Stakes Are High

Contents
Preface
Part One. What Makes a Great Speech?
	1. Quickly Establish a Link, a Relationship with Your Audience
	2. Speak to and with the Audience: Make Your Speech Interactive
	3. Begin Right Away and Make Your Purpose Clear at the Outset
	4. Give Your Speech a Simple and Easily Perceivable Organization
		Announce the Structure of Your Speech at the Outset
		Mark Your Transitions
		Changing from One Perspective to Another
	5. Practice Authenticity
	6. Be Clear About the "Audience Value" You're Presenting
	7. Create a Strong and Memorable Ending
	8. If There Will Be a Q&A Session After Your Speech
Part Two. Speeches at Internal Meetings and Conferences
	9. General Employee or Management Briefings
		Begin with a Note of Enthusiasm and Organizational Unity
		Review the Strategies and Connect Employees' Jobs with the Corporate Plan
		If Your Organization Is Playing Catch-up
		If Appropriate, Congratulate Them for Their Cost-Containment Efforts
		Note That Continuous Competitive Pressure Is a Given, as Is Continuous Improvement
		If the Entire Industry Is Struggling, You Can Note That Fact and Make a Motivational Point
		Note That Productivity Savings Alone Are Not Sufficient to Grow the Bottom Line
		Show That You Appreciate the Difficulty of Their Jobs and Their Challenges as Managers
		Articulate the Fundamental Balancing Act of Management
		Emphasize the Need for Constant Re-examination and Renewal
		Summarize the Basic Structure of Your Presentation
		End on an Optimistic and Inspirational Note
	10. Gatherings of a Particular Management Level or Functional Specialty
		In Speeches to a Particular Staff Group, Reassure the Audience of Their Value and Bright Future
		If Appropriate, Point Out What an Efficient Organization They Are
		Make a Suggestion for Ongoing Professional and Personal Growth
		Distinguish Problems from Opportunities
		Affirm the Importance of the Function/Profession to the Organization's Success
		Urge the Audience to Pursue Continuous Self-Development
		If You're Speaking at a Conference, Urge the Audience to Network, Build Relationships, and Have Fun
		Urge the Audience to Develop a Tolerance for Ambiguity and for Multiple Points of View
		If They're Struggling with a Serious Issue, Assure Them of Senior Management's Support
		If the Audience Will Be a Significant Help in Implementing the Plans You've Laid Out
		End by Complimenting the Audience
	11. Announcing New Strategy, Vision, or Direction (Including Reorganizations and Mergers/Acquisitions)
		Emphasize the Need to Initiate Change
		If Appropriate, Talk in Terms of a Course Correction and Leadership
		If Appropriate, Give the Audience Some Sense of the Scope and Importance of the Changes
		If the Strategy Is Designed to Retain Customers, Emphasize the Importance of This Goal
		Urge the Audience to Become Excited About the Coming Changes
		Emphasize the Importance of All the Preparation That's Been Done
		Emphasize Personal Responsibility for the Future
		Acknowledge the Challenges
		Emphasize the Timeliness or Boldness of the New Strategy
		Make a Personal Commitment; Ask the Audience to Join You in It
		Urge the Audience to Break with the Past; Charge Them with Successful Execution
		Put the Merger/Acquisition in the Context of the Organization's Strategy
	12. Urging Support of a Political Action Committee
		Explain That Much of What the Company Does Is Controlled by Government Policy
		Note That the Health of the Business Requires a Certain Political/Regulatory Environment
		Note the Growing Strength of Special-Interest Groups
		Use a Cost-Savings Analogy to Take a Businesslike Approach to the PAC
		Explain That a PAC Is a Way to Help Elect Politicians Who Support the Organization's Views: It's a Requirement for Business Success
		Speak in Terms of Strength in Numbers
		Make a Statement About Government Intrusion
		At a Solicitation Meeting, Close the Deal
	13. Visit to a Manufacturing Plant
		If You Have Operating Experience, Show Your Firsthand Understanding of the Complexity of Manufacturing a Quality Product
		Express Management Commitment
Part Three. Speeches to External Organizations
	14. Some Possibilities for the Opening
		If Your Assigned Topic Is Broad or Bland, Try to Take a Fresh Perspective on It
		If You're Speaking to a Group Whose Profession or Expertise Is Somewhat Different From Your Own
		If the Locale Has Been "Home" to You in Some Way
		At the End, Thank Them Again for Coming
		If the Organization Is Embarking on a New Program or Project
	15. Service or Civic Organization
		Praise the Audience
		If You're Speaking at an Anniversary Event or the Organization Is in an Anniversary Year, Congratulate the Audience and Offer Best Wishes
		Identify the Challenges That All Companies Face, Regardless of Size
		Identify with the Organization's Values
		If You're Speaking to a Business or Service Group That Has Helped Revitalize the Local Economy
		Discuss the Wider Social Impact of Business
		Refer to the Social Obligations of Business
	16. Business Forum/Local Economic Club
	17. Professional/Intellectual Forums
	18. Commencement Speeches
		Types of Commencement Speeches
		Address and Greet Everyone Graciously
		Compliment the Audience
		Comment on the Skills That the Graduates Have Acquired
		Urge Students to Be Creative in Seeking Opportunities for Service
		Emphasize the Importance of Cultivating a Good Reputation Through Doing Good
		To Lead into an "Advice to Graduates" Speech
		Talk About How Students Must Build on Their Education
		Close on an Inspiring, Congratulatory Note
	19. College or University as an Alumnus or Alumna
		Praise the Institution
		Comment on Changes Since You Attended and Enduring Qualities
		If the Institution Emphasizes Science, Note the Value of Humanistic Studies
		If the Institution Does Very Well at Preparing Students for Life
		If You're Receiving an Honorary Degree
	20. Other Speeches at Academic Institutions
		Comment on the Benefits of Contact Between Businesses and Academic Institutions
		Comment on the Need for Collaboration Between Businesses and Academic Institutions
		Draw Parallels Between Business and Academia
		If Your Organization Has a Productive Relationship with the Academic Institution, You May Want to Comment on It
		At Liberal-Arts Institutions, Consider Discussing the Impact of Liberal-Arts Values on Management
		Urge the Audience to Cultivate Breadth and Versatility
		Prepare the Audience for Differences Between Academic and Business Environments
		Comment on the Importance of Lifelong Learning
	21. International Technical/Technological Symposia
	22. Conference of Fellow Professionals/Executives
		Emphasize the Challenges That All Companies Face
		End on an Encouraging Note About the Conference
		If You're Closing out the Event
	23. Business School Lecture
		If Your Speech Is Part of a Lecture Series
		If You've Been Invited More Than Once
		If Appropriate, Congratulate the School on Its High Standards or Rating
		If You've Had a Chance to Talk with Students Beforehand
		If You Talk About Your Company, Frame It as a Case Study
		To Lead into a Speech on Change
		Emphasize the Skills That Your Organization Needs Business Schools to Provide
		Emphasize the Importance of Understanding Customers and Markets
		Emphasize the Importance of an Executive's Understanding Staff Functions
		Profess Your Love for Your Industry
	24. Speeches to Charitable/Arts Foundations
		Express Your Support for the Organization's Vision, Values, or Mission
		Praise the Organization for Its Effectiveness
		Congratulate the Organization on Any Recent Significant Accomplishments, Anniversaries, or Milestones
		Commend the Organization for Translating Ideals into Action
		If Appropriate, Praise the Audience's Organizational Skills
		Praise the Organization's Other Positive Qualities
		If Appropriate, Praise the Organization's Adaptability
		If the Organization Supports the Performing Arts
		If the Organization Supports Children
		Point to the Impact of the Organization's Work
		If the Organization Supports the Less Fortunate, Express a Personal Perspective
		If You've Been Asked to Solicit Contributions
		Close on a Hopeful Note, Possibly Connected to the Organization's Mission or Values
	25. Trade, Professional, or Industry Association
		Open by Praising the Organization
		Open by Mentioning Your Personal Ties to the Organization
		Mention the Organization You Represent
		Make a Positive Statement About the Communications Opportunity
		Open with a Reference to Your Assigned Topic
		If the Organization Has Come a Long Way in a Short Time
		Emphasize What the Audience Members Have in Common
		Consider Making a Relevant Reference to the Wording of the Invitation
		Urge Active Participation in the Conference
		To Emphasize the Importance of Time and to Create a Sense of Urgency
		To Lead into Your Agenda of Action Items for the Profession or Industry
		Call for Industry-Wide Entrepreneurship
		Urge the Industry to Speak with a Single Voice
		Emphasize the Importance of Professional Training
		If Your Speech Has Been Largely About Your Company's Challenges
		Conclude by Calling for a Commitment to Industry Growth
		Conclude by Calling for Cooperation Among the Professions and Disciplines in the Organization
	26. Financial Presentations to Board of Directors or Outside Analysts
		Begin with a Clear Overview
		Inject the Human Element
		If Progress Has Been Slow, Ask for Patience
	27. Suppliers, Retailers, Clients, Brokers, or Other Business Partners
		Show Enthusiasm with a Strong Opening
		Establish a Bond with the Audience by Explaining the Benefits for All
		Show Appreciation for Customers/Clients/End Users
		For a Conference That Involves Sports, Consider a Relevant Sports Metaphor
		Create a Link Between Change and Opportunity
		Ask for Suggestions and Ideas; Make a Connection Between Input and Success
		Ask Your Business Partners to Help You Innovate
		Praise Them for Having Helped You Innovate
		Emphasize the Value of Trust Across the Supply Chain
		Urge the Audience to Think Differently About Alliances and Partnerships
		If You've Asked the Audience to Do Things
		In a Speech to Customers/Clients/Retailers/Dealers, Close with a Commitment
		Close by Praising the Audience
		Close with a Call for Unity
		Close with Good Wishes
		Close with Optimism
		If You're Speaking Near the Beginning of a Year
Part Four. Specific Speech Situations
	28. Keynote Speeches (Internal or External)
		Express Appreciation
		Tell How the Keynote Word or Phrase—the Conference Theme—Excited You
		Create Excitement and Anticipation for Speakers Who Will Follow You
		In Your Conclusion, Look Forward to the End of the Event
		If You're Closing the Conference, Give the Audience a Positive Sendoff
	29. Panel Remarks
		Praise the Moderator and/or Your Fellow Panelists as Equals
		Consider Ending by Stating What You Hope the Panel Discussion Will Achieve
	30. IPO Announcements
		Begin with a Formal Announcement (if No One Else Has Done So)
		Briefly Review the Company History, Positioning the IPO as the Next Logical Development
		Thank the People Responsible for Your Success Thus Far
		Talk About the Positive Reaction from the Financial/Investment Community
		Talk Optimistically About the Future
	31. Emceeing a Conference ("Continuity")
		Welcome Everyone and Create a Sense of Excitement and Anticipation
		Praise the Locale
		Bring on a Speaker or Entertainer
		If You'll Be Returning, Announce That Fact
		Thank a Speaker or Entertainer
		Bring on the Next Presenter
		Announce a Break
		Break for a Meal
		Thank the Person/People Who Made the Conference Possible
		Close Out the Event, with Comments if Appropriate
	32. The Annual Meeting/Shareholder Speech
		Welcome Everyone
		If Appropriate, Thank the Shareholders for Their Support
		Open with an Overview of Your Talk
		Share Credit for the Company's Performance (if Good)
		Consider Closing on a Personal Note
		If Possible, Close on an Optimistic Note
		Consider Closing with a Strong Statement of Your Company's Mission
		Reminder: Wherever Possible, Avoid Jargon and Speak Naturally
	33. Speaking to Managers or Other Executives (Internal or External) About Quality or Productivity
		Note the Quality Expectations of Your Customers or End Users
		Mention the Connection Between Productivity Savings and Growth
		Explain How the Organization Can Be Proactive on Quality
		Talk About the "Holistic" Nature of Quality
	34. Introducing a New Product or Technology
	35. Speaking About Innovation
		Distinguish Between "Invention" and "Innovation"
		Explain How Technology Creates Wealth
		Discuss the Broader Social Implications of Innovation
		Emphasize That True Innovation Can Occur Anywhere
		Show That You Appreciate That Risk-Taking Is Essential to Innovation
		If the Innovation Is a Necessary Response to a Problem, Accentuate the Positive
		Talk About the Anticipatory Nature of Innovation
		Discuss the Importance of an Emphasis on Innovation and New Ideas
		Note That You Don't Have to Be an Industry Leader to Innovate
		Point out That Innovation Can Take Many Forms
		Talk About the Fun/Play Component of Innovation
		Urge the Audience Members to Promote Innovation
		Close by Charging the Audience with Being Innovative
Part Five. Ceremonial Speeches (Internal and External)
	36. Introducing Others
		If You're Presiding at a Local Business Organization or Economic Forum
		Enumerate the Person's Strengths and Illustrate Each with an Example
		If the Person Is Multitalented or Multifaceted
		Praise the Person's Persistence and Success Orientation
		Talk About the Person as an Individual
		Discuss the Person's Values and Pragmatism
		Praise the Person's Leadership/Management Skills
		If the Person Is Genuinely Nice
		If the Person Has Considerable Practical Experience
		Close by Summarizing the Person's Strengths
		For a Governmental Official
		For Someone Whose Work Has Had Broad Impact
		End the Introduction on a High Note
		If You're Introducing an Out-of-Town Visitor to a Local Group, You Can End With
	37. Welcoming Remarks
		Open with Enthusiasm
		If the Audience Members Are There Because They've Been Selected
		If the Event Is Periodic
		Welcome the Audience
		To Welcome Representatives or Dignitaries from a Foreign Country
		If You're Welcoming Them to Any Kind of Reunion
		End by Welcoming Them Again
	38. Tributes and Memorials
		For a Retirement Tribute
		Praise the Individual's Energy and Capacity for Hard Work
		Praise the Individual's Courage
		If the Person Is Passionate and Outspoken
		If the Person Is a Proven Motivator
		If the Person Is Known for Clear Values and Solid Principles
		If Appropriate, Praise the Person's Thirst for Risk and Innovation
		If the Person Has a Record of Opposing Government Interference
		If the Person Has a Record of Working with Government to Benefit the Organization
		If Appropriate, Praise the Person's Devotion to His or Her Family
		If Appropriate, Praise the Person's Leadership and/or Management Skills
		Finish by Summarizing the Person's Strengths
	39. Awards Presentations
		Welcome the Audience and Tell Them Why They're There
		If You Can't Be There in Person (and Are Being Videotaped), Apologize
		Consider Starting with a Summary of the Qualities of the Winner(s)
		If an Award Is for Professional Excellence or Achievement
		Convey Your Excitement
		If the Winner Has Been Underappreciated or Unappreciated
		In the Case of Multiple Awards, Express Enthusiasm for Being Among Winners
		If an Award Is for a Competition or Contest
		If an Award Is Named for Someone
		If Presenting an Award to a Group
		If the Award Recipients Are Artists
		If an Award Is Coming from Peers
		If an Award Is for a Difficult Achievement
		If an Award Is for Community Service or Some Other Commitment
		If the Winner(s) Is/Are Eligible for Next Year's Award
		If Appropriate, Discuss the Implications of the Winner's/Winners' Accomplishment(s)
		Finish by Congratulating the Winner(s) Once Again
		Before Presenting the Award, Consider Briefly Recapping the Winner's Accomplishment(s)
		If Your Speech Is to Be Followed by Activities
	40. Remarks for Accepting an Award
		Show Appreciation and Humility
		If You're Receiving an Honorary Doctorate
		If You're Receiving an Award for Your Organization, Share the Credit
		If You're Receiving an Award for Contributing to a Cause, Share the Credit
		Another Possibility: Refocus Attention from Yourself to the Organization
		If Appropriate, Share Credit with Your Spouse and/or Other Family Member(s)
		If You're Receiving an Award for Career Accomplishments
		If the Award Is Coming from a Group of Your Peers
		If the Award Is for Community Service
		Accept and End by Thanking the Awarding Organization Again
	41. Milestones and Other Dedications
		Emphasize Immediately That You Recognize the Significance of the Event
		Credit and Congratulate the People Who Made the Event Possible
		Dedicate
		Finish with Appreciation and Congratulations
	42. Christmas/Holiday Gatherings
		Draw Parallels Between Workplace Family and Individual Families
		Talk About the Sensory Experience of Christmas
		Talk About the General Goodness of the Season
		Talk About the Holiday Season as a Time of Hope
Part Six. Phrases and Language Strategies for Specific Audiences
	43. Audiences Who Do Not Speak English as a First Language
		Use Familiar Words
		Avoid Ambiguity
		Use Abstract Words for Abstract Things
		Avoid Idioms
		Increase Clarity by Inserting Implied Words
		Reduce the Complexity Caused by Nominalization
		Avoid Front-Loaded Sentences
		Avoid Inverted Sentences and Word Sequences
	44. Employees
		Cultivate Sensitivity to Pronouns
		If You're New to Your Management/Leadership Position
		If There Has Been Serious or Disruptive Change
		Make a Statement About the Unavoidability of Change
		If Appropriate, Provide Assurance That the Worst Is Over
		Note the Connection Between Change and Opportunity
		Note the Connection Between Change and Renewal
		After Talking About the Organization's Success, Give the Employees Credit
		Ask for Their Ideas
		Note That Teamwork and Individuality Are Compatible
	45. Male Addressing Primarily Female Audience: Gender Sensitivity
		Gender Sensitivity: Overcompensating
Part Seven. Becoming a More Effective Executive Speaker
	46. How to Make Your Speech Sound Conversational and Personal
		Replace Abstraction with Action
		Replace Passive with Active Expressions
		Break up Long Compound Structures
		Expand Nominalized Sentences into Full Sentences
		Use Contractions
		Personal or Impersonal? How to Choose Your Style
	47. The Most Persuasive Words in the Language
		The Power of Push
	48. How (Not) to Use PowerPoint
	49. Improving Your Delivery
		Tips on Oral Delivery
		Assess Yourself