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Ivy Phanith

Make Your Presentation More Effective with the Bar Test

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Picture this: You’re in a crowded bar. The TVs are all tuned to the local news, but there’s no sound. The bartender is talking to customers, the clinking of glasses fills the room, and you can barely hear your own thoughts. Despite all this, you still glance at the TV and instantly understand what’s being shown on screen.

That’s exactly how your audience should feel when they look at your presentation slides.

I call it the “Bar Test,” a concept I picked up from my 25 years in TV. In local television, we had one big rule: our graphics had to be instantly understood, even if someone was watching from across the room, without sound, in a noisy environment like a bar. And you guessed it: that same rule applies to your presentation.

Step Into Your Audience’s Shoes

When you’re creating a presentation, it’s easy to focus on the message you want to deliver, but it’s more important to think about how your audience will receive it. Are your slides easy to digest? Will your message land with everyone in the room—even the person sitting farthest from the screen?

That’s why the Bar Test is so critical. Imagine your audience in different settings: the back row of a large conference hall, a distracted colleague who’s checking emails while you’re presenting, or even someone with less-than-perfect vision. Can they still easily grasp your message from your slides?

Here’s how to ensure your slide deck passes the Bar Test:

1. One Slide, One Message

Every slide in your presentation should tell a single, clear story. If you’re trying to cram multiple points into one slide, you’ll lose your audience. Keep it simple. One slide, one message. This way, even if someone glances at it for just a few seconds, they’ll get it.

Think of each slide as a quick snapshot of what you’re saying. You don’t need to tell every detail on a single slide—that’s what your voice is for! Let your slides support you, not overload your audience.

2. Create Visual Contrast

Good design is key. Strong visuals will help your audience understand your message at a glance, but poor design will distract and confuse them. High contrast between your text and background is a must. Dark text on a light background or vice versa—keep it bold and clear.

Imagine your audience looking at your slides from the back of a room or a boardroom where the lighting isn’t great. Will they be able to read it? If they can’t, your message is lost.

3. Go BIG with Your Fonts

Tiny fonts are the silent killer of effective presentations. They might look fine on your computer screen, but in a large room, small fonts become unreadable. Be generous with your font size—your audience will thank you.

Ask yourself, “Can someone sitting 20 feet away still read this?” If the answer is no, it’s time to increase your font size. Big fonts equal a big impact.

4. Clear, Instant Message

Have you ever seen a slide with so much information on it that you didn’t know where to start? That’s what you want to avoid. Every slide should communicate a single idea or concept—and that idea should be crystal clear.

Your audience should know what you’re trying to say the moment they lay eyes on the slide. Don’t make them search for the point. If it takes more than a glance to understand, it’s time to simplify.

How to Make Your Slides Pass the Bar Test

Before your next presentation, I challenge you to go through every slide and ask yourself: Can this pass the Bar Test? Can my audience quickly understand the message on this slide, even if they’re distracted or sitting far away? If not, refine it.

Here’s how to do it:

  • Look at each slide as if you’re a member of the audience.
  • Consider how your message looks from every angle: Are the colors working? Are the fonts readable? Is it cluttered, or is it clear?
  • Don’t overwhelm with too much information. Keep it focused, and remember that your slide is a just visual aid—not the entire presentation.

The Power of Simplicity

You might feel tempted to pack your slides with details, but trust me—the simpler, the better. Your audience will appreciate clean, easy-to-follow visuals that help them stay engaged with your words. Simplicity breeds clarity, and clarity leads to impact.

I’ve used the Bar Test for years, both in TV and now at Janicek Performance Group, where I coach professionals on presentation skills. I’ve seen firsthand how a clear, well-designed presentation can capture an audience’s attention and help you make your point with confidence.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about the information you’re sharing; it’s about how well your audience can receive it. Put yourself in their shoes. Make sure they can grasp your message without having to work for it.

Whether you’re presenting to a crowded room of executives or your team at a meeting, applying the Bar Test will help you deliver with impact.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in helping you fine-tune your presentations, keynotes, media interviews, and make your message crystal clear. Let us help you make sure your slides pass the test, so you can focus on what matters—delivering your message with confidence.

Mindset: The Stories You Tell Yourself & How They’re Stopping Success

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If you’ve applied for a job, looked for investors, or tried to land a new client – this one’s for you.

Have you ever nurtured a prospect for months (maybe even years), but despite your best efforts, the deal still didn’t close?

Self-doubt starts to creep in and you start telling yourself stories like, “They’ve found someone better” or “My price is too high.”

But here’s the reality: You made up those stories. And those stories are holding you back.

I recently closed a deal with a major corporation after two years of consistent nurturing, follow-ups and building the relationship. Yes, you read that right—TWO YEARS. And the key to making it happen? I didn’t let the stories I could’ve told myself stop me from moving forward.

Persistence Is Key for All of Us

In the sales world, persistence is critical. If you’ve been in the game long enough, you know that deals can take time—sometimes a lot of time. But we can ALL learn from this. The best do not let the stories they tell themselves stand in their way.

For two years, I communicated with impact, built trust and a strong relationship with my contact. I made sure they knew that Janicek Performance Group was the right partner. I stayed visible and provided value through LinkedIn and Instagram, where they saw our regular educational content. I didn’t give up—and that made all the difference.

The Stories That Kill Sales

So, what stories are holding you back? Here are a few common ones:

  • “They found someone better.”
    This is one of the most damaging thoughts. You assume there’s always a competitor who’s more experienced or qualified. But remember, they reached out to you for a reason. Your value is undeniable—don’t discount it.
  • “My price is too high.”
    Sales executives often worry about pricing. But remember, price is only one part of the equation. If you’ve done your job well, the client sees the value you bring, which is worth far more than just numbers.
  • “They’re not interested anymore.”
    Silence doesn’t mean they’ve lost interest. Often, it’s just a matter of timing. Busy decision-makers take time to finalize deals, and it’s your job to stay in front of them—without telling yourself stories that create unnecessary roadblocks.

How to Get Out of Your Own Way and Close More Deals

The next time you find yourself doubting whether you’ll close a deal, stop making assumptions. Instead, focus on these actionable strategies:

  1. Follow Up Consistently with Impactful Communications: Keep in regular contact. Gaps in communication only fuel self-doubt. Stay persistent.
  2. Stay Visible: Ensure that your prospects see you. Whether through LinkedIn, email, or educational content, keep reminding them of the value you bring.
  3. Provide Value: Consistently offer insights and demonstrate your expertise. This helps you stay top of mind, even when the client isn’t ready to move forward immediately.
  4. Get a Decision: Whether it’s a yes or no, push for clarity. Ambiguity kills deals, and lingering in uncertainty is a major story you don’t need to tell yourself. Drive the conversation toward resolution.

From Two Years to One Closed Deal

It took me two years of communication to close a deal with that client. I won the business not because I was the only option, but because I built the relationship, I built the trust, I stayed consistent, I stayed visible, and I didn’t let self-doubt derail my efforts.

Get out of our own way. Don’t tell yourself stories that prevent you from closing deals. The next time you feel that doubt creeping in, remember: your success is just one follow-up, one email, or one conversation away.

Final Thoughts 

The stories you tell yourself are often the biggest obstacles standing between you and success. In sales, mindset is everything. The next time you’re pursuing a big opportunity, get out of your own way—because your persistence will pay off.

At Janicek Performance Group, we help sales executives sharpen their communication skills, ensuring that your message lands with clarity and confidence every time. Whether you’re closing a deal, preparing for a media interview, or leading a team, our executive media training will equip you to show up as your best self.

Your success is right there—don’t let stories stop you from grabbing it.

Elevate Your LinkedIn Presence: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

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As a healthcare professional, your online presence is more important than ever. Patients are increasingly turning to the internet to research doctors and other medical specialists before booking appointments. Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression potential patients will have of you, so it’s crucial to make it count. You can also attract paid speaking, teaching opportunities, and leadership positions in medical associations by building your brand online. Here’s how to enhance your LinkedIn presence and build trust with your patients, event organizers, other medical professionals, and organizations.

Why Your Online Presence Matters

Here’s one mistake we often find when we go online and look at people in medicine or healthcare in general.⁠ We train presidents of medical associations and doctors all over the world.⁠ We build their online brands so they can educate and help more people inside their hospital systems and private practices.⁠ Our work helps them get more speaking engagements and media interviews, and they gain more attention.⁠ We also help them advocate for healthcare in Washington, D.C. Our work helps them change laws.

The first thing we do is help them craft their online brand.⁠ Most barely exist online before we get to work.⁠ That’s a big mistake.⁠

⁠Recently, my doctor recommended a colonoscopy. At 48, I knew it was time for this cancer screening. However, when it came to choosing a doctor for the colonoscopy, I wanted to be sure I was in expert hands. I began researching doctors in my area, looking for someone with a strong online presence that would reassure me of their expertise. To my surprise, I found that many doctors had incomplete or outdated profiles, making it difficult to trust their qualifications.

This experience highlighted a critical gap in how healthcare professionals present themselves online. As patients, we seek confidence and assurance in our healthcare providers. A well-crafted LinkedIn profile can provide that sense of trust and reliability. Here’s how you can make sure your LinkedIn profile stands out:

1. Complete Your Profile

An incomplete profile can be a red flag for potential patients. Make sure every section of your LinkedIn profile is filled out, including:

  • Professional Headline: Clearly state your role and specialization. What are you an expert in? Do you speak on it? Are you media trained? Mention that.
  • Summary: Write a compelling summary that highlights your expertise, experience, and passion for your field.
  • Experience: Detail your work history, emphasizing relevant positions and responsibilities.
  • Education: List all your degrees, certifications, and any additional training you have completed.
  • Skills and Endorsements: Add skills that are pertinent to your field and ask colleagues to endorse them.
  • Recommendations: Request recommendations from peers, mentors, and patients who can vouch for your skills and professionalism.

2. Showcase Your Expertise

Patients want to see that you are a leader in your field. Use your LinkedIn profile to highlight your expertise:

  • Publications: Include links to articles, research papers, and other publications you have authored or contributed to.
  • Presentations: Share details of conferences where you have spoken or presented.
  • Media Appearances: Add links to interviews or media features that showcase your knowledge and expertise.
  • Certifications: Highlight any special certifications or additional training that sets you apart.

3. Use a Professional Photo

A professional photo is essential for making a good first impression. Choose a high-quality headshot where you are dressed appropriately for your profession. Patients want to see the person who will be handling their care, so ensure your photo conveys trustworthiness and approachability. Look straight at the camera. Do not cross your arms. Look friendly and professional. You can be both!

4. Highlight Patient Testimonials

Positive testimonials from patients can significantly enhance your credibility. Ask satisfied patients to write recommendations for you on LinkedIn. These testimonials provide social proof of your skills and patient care.

5. Engage with Relevant Content

Stay active on LinkedIn by sharing and engaging with content relevant to your field. Post articles, comment on industry news, and join professional groups. This not only keeps your profile active but also positions you as an engaged and informed professional.

6. Use Keywords Wisely

Incorporate relevant keywords throughout your profile to improve your visibility in search results. Think about the terms patients might use when looking for a specialist in your field and include those keywords naturally in your headline, summary, and experience sections.

7. Keep Your Profile Updated

Regularly update your profile with new accomplishments, certifications, and experiences. An up-to-date profile reflects your ongoing commitment to professional growth and keeps your information current for patients.

Conclusion

In today’s digital age, your LinkedIn profile is more than just an online resume. It’s a powerful tool to build trust, showcase your expertise, and attract new patients. By investing time in creating a comprehensive and engaging LinkedIn profile, you can ensure that you make a positive impression on potential patients and stand out as a leader in your field.

At Janicek Performance Group, we specialize in coaching healthcare professionals to optimize their online presence. We work with medical associations, biotech firms, hospitals, and doctors from prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic, helping them enhance their profiles and build trust with patients. Trust us to help you elevate your LinkedIn presence and attract more patients to your practice.

5 Ways Corporate Speaking Coaching Transforms Executives

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We’ve been told our work is transformative. We pour through videos of executives in meetings, on panels, giving keynotes, and in the media. We also dissect their LinkedIn and other social media posts. After looking at how the executives communicate – we diagnose and go to work.

Most people think they’re doing a great job and don’t need the help.

Your people will always tell you you’re doing a great job.

The real truth is: you’re never done learning how to be better. How to engage audiences. How to keep the best employees. How to attract more customers.

More is on the line than ever before. Leaders need to know how to adapt their communication skills in order to reach their audience. They need confidence and charisma. And they’re not sharing their lack of confidence with their team. In private rooms – they share with us.

Our people and corporate speaking coaching have been the catalyst for remarkable transformations, turning executives into leaders so they can increase share, land more investing, get their ROI from every media interview, and build more trust in earnings calls, panels, keynotes, and every high-stakes meeting.

1. Finding Confidence On Stage

The path to public speaking prowess often begins with a personal battle against fear. For many executives, this journey starts with them just not “being themselves” on stage. And you have to be able to bring the YOU show to the stage. You need to be confident in your content, posture, and vocal delivery so you can sell yourself and your brand/company on every stage and in front of every person. Enter a corporate speaking coach – a guiding light transforming fear into unwavering confidence. We find many CEOs use language that downplays their company in extremely damaging ways. We fix that. We’ve coached executives who feel like they black out or may vomit on stage. We fix that. Through tailored sessions, meticulous feedback, and practical exercises, we not only teach executives to manage their stage fright but also to channel their adrenaline into a powerful, assertive stage presence. The change is palpable, turning the once daunting stage into a platform of empowerment.

"I’ve worked with many (many!) media and public speaking trainers over the last 28 years, and I can tell you without hesitation Kathryn is one of the best. Of course, she’s great at helping with body language, visuals, eye contact, bridging, flagging, landing messages, etc. But where she really shines is in helping folks think about the impression they make and ensuring they’re seen, not just heard."

VP, Media and Crisis Communications, Fortune 50 Company

2. The Journey from Fear to Eloquence

I was coaching 25 sales leaders from across the U.S. last week and one guy came up to me after and said:

“I know you were here to help us communicate better, but I’m leaving with 100% more confidence in everything I do.”

Imagine standing before an audience, the lights dimming, heart racing, yet finding an inner calm that allows words to flow with clarity and purpose. This metamorphosis isn’t derived from mere practice; it’s the result of specialized coaching that excavates an individual’s innate ability to communicate. Through rigorous sessions emphasizing the structure of speech, the power of pauses, and the importance of intonation, executives learn how to transform fear into eloquence, making public speaking a dynamic tool in their leadership arsenal.

3. Mastering the Art of Storytelling

The magic of storytelling lies not just in the narrative but in the emotion and connection it evokes. Executives who’ve worked with our corporate speaking coaches often highlight the breakthrough moment when they learned to weave intricate stories into their presentations. By focusing on storytelling techniques that resonate on a human level, these leaders were able to captivate their audiences, making each presentation not just informative but memorably impactful. This skill, as they recount, has fundamentally shifted the way they approach both communication and leadership.

4. From Technical Jargon to Engaging Narratives

In deep technical fields, the challenge often lies in translating complex concepts into engaging narratives accessible to wider audiences. In our coaching sessions, executives learn to distill dense jargon into compelling stories. These stories, enriched with clear visuals and relatable analogies, not only demystify the subject matter but also deeply engage listeners, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the technical marvels at work. This skill of making the complex accessible has opened new avenues for innovation, collaboration, and leadership.

5. Building a Connection with Every Audience

The cornerstone of effective public speaking lies in the speaker’s ability to connect with their audience on a personal level. This connection, cultivated through empathy, authenticity, and vulnerability, can turn a standard presentation into a powerful interpersonal experience. Executives who have mastered this art can often pinpoint the electrifying moment when they felt an indescribable bond with their audience, a moment that transcended mere communication. Understanding and reaching out to the audience’s needs, fears, and aspirations is essential to making every speech memorable and transformative.

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Conclusion

The influence of a corporate speaking coach extends beyond the boardroom or the annual conference. The skills the executives acquired during coaching sessions permeate every aspect of their professional and personal interactions. From pitching an idea to engaging in difficult conversations, the clarity, confidence, and charisma molded by their coaches remain pivotal. Moreover, the journey with a speaking coach often inspires a culture of continuous learning and improvement, laying the groundwork for a legacy of compelling leadership.

Janicek Performance Group is here to walk hand in hand with you and help you transform your executive presence.

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