EMS Glossary

Here’s a laundry list of terms that we use in EMS training programs, along with our own interpretations of their definitions.

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Gestures (see The Fundamentals)
Use natural movements of your arms, hands and body to emphasize your main points. Avoid actions such as pointing, arms crossed or on your hips, or playing with your fingers.

I, Me and My
We hate to be the ones to tell you, but when you're presenting, no one really cares about YOU. Your job is to convince listeners that your ideas mean something to them. So avoid these words and focus more on “you,” “your”, and “we.”

Informing
This is a misunderstood objective. Many people we work with mistakenly believe they are informing their audience when they really need to persuade their audience. (see Sell It, Don’t Tell It)

Introduction
The first minute or two of your presentation, where you grab attention and “tell them what you’re going to tell them.” Start off with an effective POW! Statement, state your case, and share the benefits.

Johnny Cash Day
EMS seminar participants often dress like the famous “man in black” on the second day of training, hopeful that they’ll look slimmer when they see themselves on camera. (These are the same people who say: “I’m never wearing THAT outfit again.”)

Lighten up, Francis
We use this line from the 1980 Bill Murray movie, Stripes, to remind speakers that they don’t have to take themselves so seriously in front of a group. Feel free to smile and use facial expression, even when presenting to a board of directors or a room full of accountants. (We’re grateful to our big toe, Sgt. Hulka, for this one.)

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