| By :
Andy Grant
A "segue" can be defined as a smooth transition from one topic of section to the next. As a public speaker (or even the occasional presenter), it's important to master the segue, to ensure a smooth and seamless presentation. Without proper segues, your presentation can appear disjointed, your audience can become confused, and valuable questions can remain unasked. Here are some tips for artfully transitioning from one part of your speech to the next. Tip #1: Use a joke. OK, admittedly, it might be the oldest trick in the book, but it still works. A carefully selected bit of humor can easily transition your audience from one topic to the next - even if those topics seem completely unrelated. Here's a couple of examples: Complete the final statement in the segment, followed by "...which reminds me of a joke. (insert joke related to next topic.) And speaking of (next topic)..." then proceed with the next segment. Alternatively, you might find an image, drawing or cartoon that could potentially link these two topic together, and you can insert it into your slide show as the segue. Remember the primary rule of visuals: only display the visual when you're using it. So wait until you're ready to make the segue before you display the cartoon, and take it down as soon as you've segued into the next segment. Tip #2: Change your tone. This segue style is effective if the tone or mood of the two topics are dramatically different. For example, if you were presenting a problem (or bad news), and now you'll present the solution (or the good news). It might sound something like this: "OK, we've covered the dismal reality of last year's final numbers but enough doom and gloom - let's now look at the bright future that we are in the process of creating." Additionally, you can change your speaking style, or the volume of your voice. These simple methods can have a dramatic impact and assist you in making a proper segue. Tip #3: Stop and start. Perhaps the simplest way to transition is to simply let the audience know that this section is complete, and ask if there are any questions before we move into the next topic. "That concludes the technical part of today's demonstration. Are there any questions before we begin talking about sales strategies?" It makes sense to vary the types of segues you use throughout your presentation.
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