When presenting to any audience, large or small, it’s important for you to help your listener(s) break through the thoughts that already are running through their heads, so they hear what you say to them.

Suggestion: Use a metaphor, simile, alliteration, allegory, or rhyme to help them “connect” and retain what you say.

A Metaphor is a word or phrase that denotes an object or idea, but is used in place of another object or idea. Examples would be: “All the World’s a stage,” or “A boat without oars trying to get to shore.”

A Simile compares two unlike things and often is introduced by the words like or as.
An example would be: “The piles of paper looked like jagged mountains that no one could ever climb.”

Alliteration is the repetition of initial-consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables. An example would be: “Reading, Writing, ‘Rithmetic.”

An Allegory is a story, fictional or otherwise, used to portray a truth or express a point. An example would be: “The smallest duckling said he’d rather swim on his own, but the mother duck told all the ducklings that they’d save energy and go much farther if they’d swim in a row.”

A Rhyme can be very effective if it helps solidify a point, For example, “If the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

The above five suggestions will help you and your message have more impact and influence in your presentations.

If you want more suggestions, you’ll find 76 tips in my book, “Capture the Moment.”

1. Use stories and examples.

Stories are powerful. Think about the way a child listens with open eyes when you tell a story. The child becomes emotionally involved and pays close attention because he or she wants to know what’s going to happen next. You want the same thing to happen to your listeners, no matter whether they are adults or children.

Realizing this, make sure your entire presentation unfolds like a story. When you do this, you stir up interest for your audience — just like interest gets stirred up for a child. It makes your listeners want to keep listening to what you are saying.

2. Be certain the stories you use have messages or points that link to the ideas you talk about in your presentation.

Telling a story simply for the sake of telling a story detracts from your presentation. Be sure the stories you tell illustrate the points you deliver in your presentation.

For example, if you want to make the point that planning is important, you tell the story of Jack and Jill going up the hill to fetch a pail of water. Following the story, you might say, “Jack and Jill came tumbling down because they were unprepared. We want to prevent that from happening to us by preparing carefully for this project.”

Notice that I just used an example and a story in the above paragraph to encourage you to stay involved and pay attention to the point I’m making.

Many people say, “I can’t tell a story in my presentation because my listeners are business people. They want logic.” I say, “Stories create a sense of involvement for your listeners.”Stories create “movies in the mind” and connect logically and emotionally. Stories also make you — and the points you describe — unique.

Other people say, “Heck, Chuc, I can’t think of a story.” I say, “It’s a good idea to jot down stories when you see them on the job or in your personal life.”

Think with me for a moment. Maybe you see something funny happen at the airport, for example. Write it down. Now suppose something unusual or dramatic happens to you on the job or in your family, write it down.

Notice how I just used another example to keep you involved and deliver the point I’m making.

Professional speakers know that stories are difficult to remember when they are under pressure to create a new presentation, so they keep notebooks of stories. Whenever they see something funny or clever, they write the details in their notebook. Then, when they prepare a new presentation, they check their notebook for a story that helps them convey the point they want to make.

It’s a lot easier to come up with a “perfect” story for your presentation when you can choose from several in your notebook, rather than have to think of a story from scratch when you’re hurrying to create a presentation.

Now think of a presentation you have made to someone sometime in your life. Maybe it was something you told your family. What happened, good or bad? You now have another story. Write it down. Who knows? That story might help you illustrate a point in your next presentation. Then keep watching for stories you can use in your presentations.

In summary, be sure you keep your listeners involved in your presentations by using stories and examples. This will help you make the minutes count in your presentations.

If you want more suggestions, you’ll find 76 tips in my book, “Capture the Moment.”

Most people think that time management is only about ways to set up a successful day. I say that it is broader than that. I say that teamwork and customer service are time management too.

Permit me to explain in greater detail.

My wife and I went to iHop for breakfast and my wife asked an employee who walked by if he’s please bring her some maple syrup for her pancakes. The man immediately replied, “Ask your server.” See what I mean? That kind of treatment is not teamwork. Instead, it frustrates and alienates people. It also wastes time for the customer and for the other employees in the business.

Pretend that the employee had told my wife, “Certainly, I’m glad to help you.” That simple customer service statement only takes a moment to say and it also improves the chances that the customer will return. Simple, isn’t it?

Good customer service does not come from having one person work their heart out to please the customer. That helps, of course!  Top-notch customer service (where people do want to return to you or your service again) actually comes from everyone on your team working their hearts out to be certain your customers get what they want as quickly, easily, and politely as possible. This requires teamwork and that teamwork saves time for everyone.

Here’s another example.

I went to an Apple Store to purchase a new iPhone. I arrived early in the morning and there already was a line with over 100 people in it and the store had not yet opened. I decided to get in the line. A few minutes later the door to the store opened and several Apple employees came outside pushing a cart with coffee and donuts on it. The employees then announced to everyone waiting in the line that they appreciated having so many people there and that Apple wanted them to have the coffee and donuts at no charge. They also said they had enough refreshments for everyone. How do you think the people who were waiting reacted? They applauded, and some people even turned to others in line and said, “This is why I like Apple.”

Ok, now think about the time that Apple saves, not just in helping and serving customers, but in marketing and answering questions because of the remarkable customer service they provide.

These two examples are illustrations of why I say that good customer service and teamwork are time management.

I’m often asked, “How can I make time for me?”

My answer is simple.

Let’s do some math. There are 365 days in the current year.

Subtract the holidays and weekends and you end up with 250 work days.

Suppose you gain an hour of increased productivity a day perhaps by not wasting so much time on social media, as an example, and be aware that you gain 250 hours in the year (1 hour a day x 250 hours = 250).

Divide the 250 hour year total by 8, the number of hours people work in a normal work day, and you’ll see that you end up gaining 30 work days in the year (250 / 8 = 31.25).

Notice that 30 days equals a full month. Thus, by reclaiming only 1 hour a day in each business day for one year, you actually gain a month of productive time. That’s how to make time for you!

The good news is that by improving productivity by just one hour a day in every business day for the year you actually gain a month. Wow, that’s the month you’ve always been wishing you had!

Think at all the positive things you can accomplish in a month. Good for you.

The bad news is that if you don’t reclaim an hour a day of increased productivity, you lose a month. Not so good.

And most people lose a lot more than one hour a day.

Now realize this: You gain a month.They lose a month. Amazing.

Think of all the business opportunities and successes those other people miss out on because they don’t take this Self-Management information as seriously as you do.

Make a “Stop Do” list! Notice I said “Stop Do” list, not a To Do List!

Yes, If you really want to get more done in your days, create a list that includes all of the activities you need to Stop doing for better use of your time.

WARNING: You’ll quickly find that you resist making a Stop Do list. And if you find that you resist, please know that you are normal. No one else wants to face the truth about their situation either. It’s easy to keep things the same.

If you DO craft a Stop Do list, you’ll find that it doesn’t take long, And when you finish, you’ll find that the small time investment pays off because you’ll be able to see where you have specific opportunities for making improvements in the way you use time.

Here’s starter list of possible Stop Do items for you:

Phone call interruptions
Email interruptions
Drop in visitors
Ineffective delegation
Procrastination
Personal disorganization

As I said, these items are simply idea starters for you.

Once you create your Stop Do list, look it over and you’ll see that it reveals patterns of behavior that have NOT been working for you. Those patterns won’t be easy to change, so examine them carefully and begin thinking of options for better use of your time (such as prioritizing and scheduling true priorities).

Time is your most precious asset, and you’ll find you get better use of your time when you invest it in activities that lead you forward on your life’s path, rather than in the habits revealed by items on your Stop Do list — items that distract you and waste your time!

This makes sense, doesn’t it?

When you implement this, you’ll soon find out that it makes sense BIG TIME.

Please leave your comments here.

Many people think time management is a narrow subject for managing their days. I suggest that time management is broader than that. I propose that that teamwork is a crucial time management skill, and here is information that confirms this.

When having lunch with my friend, Cora, this week, Cora told me that Ewing Kaufman taught her more about teamwork in business than anyone.

In case you don’t know who Mr. Kaufman is, he led Marion Laboratories through the creation, development, and growth of such excellent healthcare products that he earned enough money to buy the Kansas City Royals Baseball team. He then was such a superb owner of the baseball team that Kansas City officials named the KC ballpark “Kaufman Stadium.” He later set up the Kaufman Foundation for Entrepreneurs in Kansas City.

Cora told me that shortly after working for Mr. Kaufman in an entry job, he stopped by her desk and asked her to please come talk with him. She said she went to his office where he politely asked her to sit down. According to Cora, he asked her to tell him what things she thought the company could do to to make it work even better. She said they had a great conversation and he told her that he hoped she’d bring ideas to him anytime she thought a new one might be useful. Furthermore, she said that whenever he saw her, he called her by name.

Cora said she later learned that Mr. Kaufman took time to have one-on-one meetings with every employee and that he welcomed and implemented their ideas.

How much time do you think Mr. Kaufman saved by listening to his teammates?

The record shows that Mr. Kaufman and his team became successful by sharing ideas that helped the entire team.

See why I say that teamwork is time management?

1) Determine a major step that leads to a great year.
2) Write down the step you’ve determined.
3) Schedule the step on your calendar (day and time).
4) Stay away from negative people (Negativity robs your time).
5) Call a friend and see how they’re doing (Friends give you energy and ideas.)

These steps will help.

Go for it!

i don’t know about you, but I’ve been running into several people lately who tell me they’ll do something and then they don’t. Some of them say, “I’ll be there on time,” and then they show up late. When they do that, they waste time for both of us, right?

Other people say “I’ll take care of that” and then they don’t.

Does this happen to you?

And have you asked someone “what happened?” and then they blame something or someone else for their tardiness.

How do you feel about people who do this?

Maybe I’m just running into the wrong people these days, yet I fervently believe that keeping your word is crucial. And, lucky me. I say this because nearly all of the people I’ve worked with in the past have been people who have kept their word and accepted responsibility for their actions. (This saves time for all of us, right?)

Ok, how about this? When people tell you one thing and then do something else, do you tend to lose your trust in them for everything? That’s certainly the way I feel.

I’m not reporting any of this as a moralist. No way! Also, I’m not looking for perfection. (One late appointment is apt to happen. Sure.)

I’m bringing this up as the Self-Management consultant I am, a man who consults and speaks for people who want to get more done and have more useful time.

One client told me he tells people, “I know you dislike tardiness as much as I do. Thus, I know you’ll be there on time.” I liked that idea.

A woman told me she always calls ahead of time to say if she’ll be late. I like that too.

How about you? Do you have strategy that will give me an idea I can use too?

I have a confession to make.

If you look through the items I’ve posted in this blog, you’ll see that on May 25 I wrote, “How to Keep From Being A Slave To Your Smartphone.” My advice there is good, yet my confession today is that I haven’t been following my own advice.

After only four months, I realize that I’ve been letting myself become a slave to my smartphone. In fact, “slave” is not the best word. The correct word ought to be “addiction.”

Here’s what drew the “addiction” to my attention.

I went to a junior college campus this week to listen to a friend who was going to speak for a group of students. When walking to the front door of the college and then when going down the hallways of the school, I noticed that none of the students looked up. They kept looking down at their phones, laptops, iPads, etc. Yipes! A woman slipped and fell on the stairway, and no one looked up to help her. No one!

This caused me to think about myself. I realized I’ve been spending my time looking DOWN at my phone and/or my laptop too, and — good gosh — I might have been missing a lot of important things, including people who need help.

Conclusion: Knowing WHAT to do is not the same as DOING the right thing.

Here, for example, is what I wrote in May:

“Let’s both realize that if we check our smartphones continually, we’re letting ourselves get DISTRACTED from key tasks and priorities and REACTING to what the phone brings us. Distractions waste time, right? And Reacting wastes time too, doesn’t it?

Let’s stop wasting time and start INVESTING time.

Please think with me. When you Pre-Act, YOU determine your priorities in advance; and when you Re-Act, you are letting any new items Prioritize you.

Ok, so how can we resolve this?

To break a habit we need to create a new habit to replace it, so I recommend that we:

1) Schedule (actually set up time blocks) times when we’ll look at our smartphones.

2) Set the phone aside, and look at it only when we’ve scheduled time to do so.
This simple strategy will encourage us Pre-act (plan), rather than Re-act (lose focus).

I fully recognize you’re apt to receive an important phone call that you must handle immediately. If that happens, fine, accept that priority call — It deserves your attention! Please also realize that any other texts, emails, and phone messages don’t necessarily deserve your immediate attention, so take care of them ONLY when you’ve scheduled time to do so,

I suggest it will not be easy to make this habit change, yet if you do, I propose that you’ll find you get more done in your day and you’ll reduce your stress — another big time-waster!.”

The last seven paragraphs are the ones I wrote in May and I rewrote them here to help you (if you need a reminder) and me (because I did indeed need this reminder.)

You see, I love my smartphone (iPhone), yet I first need to be a smart me.

What’s your opinion? Do you have a comment or suggestion?

Two months ago I wrote in this blog that setting up a DAY is a lot like sailing, and I’m smiling today because two people just asked me to tell them the easiest, best way to set up a WEEK.

Suggestion: Please pretend you’re going to go on a trip to Hawaii for a WEEK.

Now pretend you’re packing your suitcase for the trip. Are you going to take your scarf, gloves, and heavy coat to Hawaii just because you own them? I doubt if you are.

Clearly, you’ll think about the things you plan to DO in Hawaii and you’ll pack the specific items you’ll NEED: swimsuit, casual shirts, maybe some shorts.

What I’m suggesting is that, when planning next week, it’s smart to think about what you plan to DO next week and then to consider what you must HAVE with you (the papers and/or equipment) to help you DO what you want to get DONE.

Suggestion #2:

Once you know what you must HAVE to do what you want done in the week (priority items), please realize you don’t have to carry those items with you. Instead, consider putting the papers you NEED on Evernote. (I’ve mentioned Evernote in this blog previously. Evernote is a great on line service where you can store papers, thoughts, and lists, thereby enabling you to access them from anywhere when you need them. Simply go to Evernote.com to access the stored items with your smartphone, iPad, laptop, or any computer.)

Let’s recap.

1) Plan your week the same way you’d pack a suitcase.
2) Use Evernote to store the papers, ideas, lists, etc. that you know you’ll need to use for the successful week you want to have.

Comments?