Your transitions, well planned and strong, will add a smoothness and professionalism to your presentations that will wow any audience.

What is a transition? A transition is used when we change from one state to another, from one thought/idea to another, from one topic to another, and from one method to another - in other words, a transition serves as a bridge for change. It can be smooth and effective. Or, it can be jarring and ineffective. Transitions need to be well planned and rehearsed, so that they help our listeners receive the full benefit of our presentations.

Why should we use transitions? Our listeners aren't as familiar with our material as we are. Transitions serve as guides and bridges between the directions we are going. Participants are often busy and distracted. By using smooth and effective transitions, we can grab their attention, lead them into each new area with ease and help them to latch onto our whole message. When we move to a new thought or topic, a listener may still be thinking about our last statement. A well-placed transition will give him or her time to catch up.

When, where and how do we use transitions? The first and most important transition is our opening. We must transition our listeners from their daily lives, their conversations with others and their present concerns into paying attention to us and what we have to share. If we don't make a striking first impression, we often lose them for the rest of the presentation. Don't say anything for several seconds. Give them some time to settle down. Then, start with a compelling story, a meaningful quotation, an interesting question to start participants thinking, or a startling statement. If you have a sufficient amount of time you may start with an ice breaker. Just keep in mind that some participants may not be ready this early on to take part in an ice breaker, while others will be delighted, so choose carefully. The next transitions should occur between importa

nt points, thoughts and/or topics. These transitions can be as simple and straight-forward as, "And that brings me to the next point.” Or, they can be much more creative which takes prior planning. I love to use stories that relate to the next topic and I usually say, "Before I get into the next point, let me tell you a story.” Depending upon the time allotted and type of presentation, you may designate a question and answer period. Even in workshops, I feel that all of our transitions and strengths can be ruined if we let participants continually interrupt us. I have learned to tell my listeners/participants that, "There will be time for questions, so write them down as I go along.” Make sure that you know how long you have for questions and answers and plan a clever way to transition everyone back to your presentation when the time is up. The final, and important, transition is the close of your presentation. Consider the most important thought, idea and/or action you want your listeners to leave with. The closing should never give the impression that you have just run out of time and need to rush. So, have a rehearsed, memorized and strong, strong closing prepared.

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