Massage Presentation  

[Danny K]

I have a massage presentation scheduled for mid january at a Mary Kay metting.  I'm very exited about it.  But...I've never given a presentation, speech, or even an oral book report on anything.  Does anyone have an outline I can follow?  I thought about an angle on digging up a bunch of celebrity quote pertaining to massage in general...then going as far as saying that you dont have to be rich and famous to benefit or afford a good massage.  Any outline ideas?  I dont know where to go from there.  I am a male MT and i'd be speaking before 40 women in a town of 2000 people.  So this could make or break me.

 

[Karen C]

Personally, I think you should come up with the material for the outline, mainly as a learning experience, a sense of accomplishment, and, well, to get your own pace going. You could throw in a few celebrity quotes, but I would keep that to a minimum, as it starts to get repetitive. You still have a month yet, so you have a good amount of time to come up with your outline. Here's just a basic sample of what you'll want to have, giving speeches is a lot like writing...1) Intro - Introduce yourself, express you are a massage therapist, etc.2) Body 1 - Make a really strong point       Description 1 - Elaborate       Description 2 - Elaborate       Description 3 - Elaborate3) Body 2 - Make a really strong point       Description 1 - Elaborate       Description 2 - Elaborate       Description 3 - Elaborate4) Body 3 - Make a really strong point       Description 1 - Elaborate       Description 2 - Elaborate       Description 3 - Elaborate5) Conclusion - Summarize everything you've said. Offer a discount to the women who book an appointment TONIGHT. Be firm that they have to book tonight, or they may try to take advaneforum.xxxe of you.By the way, I have to congradulate you on your growing business. It sounds like you are really on your feet to get your name out there!

 

[laptop_boy537]

Massage Presentation  

Congrats! It takes a certain degree of courage to give a presentation even when you know everyone in the audience. When they're total strangers, hey...it's even better.As Seforum.xxxg suggests, I'd recommend you having an outline (make it as simple or elaborate as you prefer). Since you may be presenting to people who know nothing about massage, you might want to start at the basics (history, benefits, etc. - just a thought). Be careful of talking down to an audience. You might also want to have a brief Q&A session - but be careful of this as it could take over. Consider gather the questions before you start your presentation, go through them, select a couple to answer. When you do the Q&A session, tell them the questions submitted were all great, interesting, etc., but because of time, you'll only be answering a few...then welcome others to ask their questions of you after the presentation. This way, you're able to get some 'quality time' with a few who might then seek your services.Sorry about being so winded...Don't worry - okay, actually, you can worry (worry is totally acceptable state of mind) - but you'll be fine. Just remember to breathe, relax as much as you're able, and have fun!Again, congrats! And let us know how things turned out!

 

[samld021]

Massage Presentation  

Sorry - one more thing. If you're able - have handouts. Some people love handouts. (Granted some will simply be tossed away - but the ones who retain them will appreciate it and will have all your information.)

 

[Tan Boon Hwee k]

Massage Presentation  

I would recommend PRACTICING.......in front of the mirror, as well as trusted friends or family who will give you suggestions and feedback.  If you can, tape record yourself and listen for any "Ummms", "ya knows" and things like that.  I would also recommend audience participation.  It keeps their attention if you get them involved.  Ask a question like "Why do you think people DON'T get massage more often?"  Then, be prepared to show them the other side of the coin.  For instance......if they say they don't have the time.......talk about what they are so busy doing and how it is stressing them and explain what stress does to the body over the short term and the long term.  Conclude that if people don't take the time to take care of themselves now, then they will have to pay at the other end and take the time to be not feeling well.  It's a time to point out how much more effective we are when we are feeling relaxed......so really, what is taking them so much time to get done now, might take less time and be done more effectively if they manage their stress.  Okay......you get the idea.  Think of some answers that they might come up with and what your response will be.Often times people will say $$$.......I then ask how much money they spend at Starbucks, nail appointments, cigarettes, and ask if any of those are actually ADDING to their health.......hmmmmmm.......they begin to think.I agree with the previous poster who said to offer an incentive for them if they book an appointment THAT NIGHT!  If you do not require them to book that night.....then they will say they are going to do it, but will forget.  I usually have a drawing for a free 30 minute massage too.  This gets me their name, address, phone number and e-mail to add to my mailing list.  It sometimes encourages attendance too.  When they call to redeem their massage, you can try to upgrade their service to a full hour.  Or maybe suggest they bring their spouse.Being as you are a male, it might be a good idea to think about addressing some people's concerns about that.  You may want to let them know that everything will be appropriately draped at all times.  I think the idea is that they get to feel comfortable with you and their fears about that whole thing might dissipate.  For some, of course, they will have the hangup no matter what.  Not much you can do about that.  Are you going to do chair massage at this event?  Offering complimentary chair massages gives people the opportunity to get a little more comfortable with you, as well as "try out" your hands.Good luck.

 

[Chopsmom]

Massage Presentation  

don't forget a bottle of water.i did a seminar in august for a class at a massage school and was quite dry after speaking for about an hour.what a dummy i am  :

 

[aussiegeezer]

Massage Presentation  

Wow...what can I possibly add to all those great and helpful tips? Other than....if you were going to pass out informational flyer(s), then I would suggest that you use that as your basis for what you will speak about. That way, people can follow along (seeing where you are going from one point to the next), they can also jot down any notes or answers to questions they might have on this or that from the flyer. At the bottom of the flyer, insert a small tear-off area for them to fill out their name/address/phone#/email (any two or more of that contact data), that they can drop in a fishbowl which can later be used at the end of the event to pull a name for someone to receive a free 15-minute chair massage at the end of the event. This will provide you with added prospective clients for your mailing list. I have mixed emotions about giving away too much/providing free massage to whomever wants it at these events. From past experience, people can tend to think that if they got something for free the first time, they'll start to expect more of the same or huge discounts to come see you, etc. They wouldn't expect to get a free haircut the first time they join a hair salon, eh? Respect for our business means you (should) get what you pay for...bottom line.Remember it can never hurt to have gift certificates ready to sell at events like this. Valentine's day will be just around the corner and you can get prospective customers to start thinking ahead about their loved ones. Maybe you can offer a special on gift certificate purchases (e.g., buy three, get the 4th one half off or free).Always have plenty of business cards and it couldn't hurt to staple them to a blank appointment card (ready for them to fill out that very day!)  that also has (like at the bottom) a detailed map/directions to your office. This will leave them no excuse(s) as to why they can't book something with you right then and there. Remember to add on the appointment card that they should call to reschedule their appointment at least 24 hours in advance. I wouldn't add they can call to cancel their appointment. Just put "reschedule". That way they are encouraged to find the day/time to fit the appointment in. Whew! Certainly didn't mean to ramble on, but once I'm on a roll....well.....at any rate, I hope this helped some!Be well,Jen

 

[WarpNet]

Massage Presentation  

I always try to give them an activity that involves their body. Maybe something like having them practice pinching the webbing between thumb and index finger telling them it helps with headaches. Have them work on each other. Or show them how to rub each others shoulders. Something that gives them a physical sensation to remember.

 

[tigris]

Massage Presentation  

Vchild, I've PMed you with some of my thoughts.I used to be a Mary Kay consultant... but it was over 10 years ago. Hopefully it'll give you a few ideas on how to "reach" your audience.You've gotten some good advice here.  Don't worry, I'm sure you will charm them and that you will make a big impression!  

 

[Riki]

Massage Presentation  

Often times people will say $$$.......I then ask how much money they spend at Starbucks, nail appointments, cigarettes, and ask if any of those are actually ADDING to their health.......hmmmmmm.......they begin to think.

Wow!  You even made me think with this one, and I know the benefits of massage.  I never know how to respond to the "it's too expensive" issue, so this is great.

If you're planning on doing a demo of a mini-massage, perhaps you can ask for volunteers for the various different parts of your demo.  That way you get to (literally) touch more of your audience, plus it gets them involved, PLUS it gives them a teaser of how good massage feels!

This is a great idea, vchild1973.....I think I might do a little massage intro at my work to possibly generate some clientele.  Thanks for bringing it up, and good luck to you!