When it comes to different kinds of debt relief options available in the market, bankruptcy and debt settlement appear as two main methods through which the people are trying to get rid of massive debts. Even though some people have a misconception that both of these methods are carrying the same results, in reality, it is completely different.

In fact, if you are trying to eliminating massive unsecured debts through one of these methods, it is essential to know what the best method in the present market is. As a matter of fact, if we take bankruptcy, it is evident that many people are trying to eliminate debts through it as they think that it is one of the easiest methods they can use to get away from debts. But, in practical situations, bankruptcy is creating a lot of problems.

Even though a person could reduce his/ her liabilities through bankruptcy, it will have bad outcomes on his/ her future. For instance, a person who files bankruptcy might get rejected from future bank loans, face difficulties in finding new jobs, apartments, etc. So, filing bankruptcy should be the last option of a person who tries to get away from credit.

But, in the present, debt settlement has become much safer than filing bankruptcy. Especially, with the introduction of new laws by the Federal Trade Commission, there is no space for fraudulent settlement companies anymore. In fact, only the most legitimate companies will be able to survive in the financial field. Moreover, as people can eliminate their debts even up to 60% through settlement, it has become very popular among citizens.

In addition, the people who use settlement as their credit elimination method will not face bad outcomes like in bankruptcy. Actually, when bankruptcy and debt settlement are considered, settlement undoubtedly becomes the best option in the present market especially due to the attractive way it guides its consumers.

I was on my way to a national conference when I met a fellow speaker in the airport. “My carry-on suitcase is filled with handouts and few clothes,” I commented. He shook his head and said he didn’t distribute handouts any more. If an attendee needed a handout, he or she could go to his website and download it.

As an experienced speaker, I can tell you I still distribute printed handouts. Why do I use them?

First of all, attendees like and benefit from written materials. However, the idea of giving attendees your Power Point presentation is fading. Attendees want and expect more. Olivia Mitchell describes the benefits in her Speaking About Presenting website article, “13 Best Practice Tips for Effective Presentation Handouts.” She says handouts allow the speaker to cut down on the material that is presented. Handouts guide the speaker and you don’t have to worry about forgetting what you planned to say because you’re referring to your handout(s).

Handouts help attendees to remember your talk and you. If you include contact information, as I do, attendees can easily contact you later. I think handouts help attendees to relax. They don’t have to follow every word or take copious notes because your handouts contain essential information.

Handouts may also include new information, things you don’t cover in your talk. For example, at the bottom of a handout you may list some additional resources. After the attendees have returned home, they can read your handouts and recall your presentation.

The handouts you create fall into three general categories, uncompleted handouts, outlines (also called skeletal handouts), and worksheets. Simple handouts work best for me and I often give attendees an outline of my talk, with space beneath the points for notes. This is an example of an uncompleted handout.

I’ve also developed a worksheet, with bulleted headings for workshop attendees to complete. For the conference bookstore, I’ve created a list of the grief resources I’ve written — a publicity handout. Over the years I’ve come up with my “how to” points for creating handouts, and these points may help you.

1. Use simple words and avoid jargon.

2. Add a visual, a photo, clip art, or symbol, to every handout.

3. Make every handout as attractive as you can; nobody wants an ugly handout.

4. Copyright the handout in your name.

5. Include your phone number, email address, and website address if you have one.

6. Color-code handouts so attendees may find them easily.

You’re probably wondering about when you should distribute your handouts. I give attendees the skeletal handout at the beginning of my talk or workshop, and pass out additional handouts during the talk as needed. This keeps attendees from shuffling papers and losing track of the points you are making at the moment.

No doubt about it, providing handouts costs money, and you are the only person who can decide whether the investment is worth it. Personally, I think handouts speak well for you and your expertise. You provide handouts because you care about the attendees and they will figure this out. Good handouts “speak” for you long after your presentation is over.

Copyright 2013 by Harriet Hodgson

My son lives five hours away from my home but travels with me for professional speaking engagements. He usually arrives a day or two before the scheduled event and we begin strategizing and preparing so that I can be my best.

Following are the steps that we take:

1. Review of the materials that I have received from the hosting organization – We want to make sure that we understand the specific needs and requests as well as the logistics for our stay. We double-check the times they have set for us to fulfill their banquet and room reservations as well as any specific details for setting up our sales booth and doing sound checks.

2. Refinement of the presentation – I have usually prepared notes for the topic to be covered and we then coordinate these with any slides, photos or videos that we want to incorporate into our power point so that it flows.

3. Prepare a customized free gift for the audience members. This is usually a mini-book that they can download through a hidden page on our website. We give them the address and they get the gift in exchange for entering their name and email address into a database form. We find this method is less expensive than having a paper handout and it also allows us to capture contact information for future marketing.

4. Draw materials – We also print slips of paper on which the audience can write their names and email addresses for a draw in which they can win two or three of my books or audio products. Most people carry pens but having a supply with you is a good idea as well as having a container for entries. Describing the prizes to them allows you a comfortable way to market,

5. Back up materials – We use luggage with wheels to transport supplies for the book table such as business cards, bookmarks, and sale items.

6. Inventory – It is better to have too much than to run out and then be faced with shipping costs. Make sure you also have a good pen for autographing the sale items, paper and pens for audience members to write out specific requests they might have and a prepared method for issuing receipts that purchasers need. You will also need to have a good supply of small bills in order to make change for the buyers.

7. Technical supplies – My son carries with him his laptop, specific cords that he might need for the sound system, audio/video devices for recording the event and his iPhone for taking photographs that we can later use in marketing materials.

8. Presentation props – I usually put my outfit for the second half of the presentation into a piece of luggage that I can actually pull on stage with me. That way I don’t have to worry about going back to the hotel room or looking for specific things in a short break.

9. Invoicing documentation – I usually ask for a down payment of half the fee at booking and the remainder on the day of the presentation. It is a good idea to take a copy of the invoice showing balance due with you for the organizers.

10. Travel preparations – We usually plan to be at the venue the day before I speak. This means that I will need to have my hair professional done, the car filled with gas or travel to the airport arranged.

It sounds like a lot of things to get ready but we are finding that the more times we do this, the easier it becomes. They key, of course, is to have a plan and allow the time in order to do all of the tasks so that you truly can say that you are ready when you need to be.