Business Presentations & Public Speaking in English

A presentation is a formal talk to one or more people that "presents" ideas or information in a clear, structured way. People are sometimes afraid of speaking in public, but if you follow a few simple rules, giving a presentation is actually very easy. This tutorial guides you through each stage of giving a presentation in English, from the initial preparation to the conclusion and questions and answers. This tutorial is itself set out like a mini-presentation. You can follow it logically by starting at the Introduction and then clicking on the link at the foot of each page, or you can jump direct to the section you want from the list of contents on each page.

"Well Done!!!! All the basics, in an easy to use, easy to follow format! Finally, my students have some high quality, free material to use!" John Herzig, Teacher, USA

1-Introduction

All presentations have a common objective. People give presentations because they want to communicate in order to:

• inform
• train
• persuade
• sell

A successful presentation is one of the most effective ways of communicating your message. And because English is so widely used in international business, a working knowledge of the vocabulary and techniques used in an English language presentation is a valuable asset.

We will start by exploring

the importance of preparation.

After that, we will consider

what equipment to use.

Then we will look at

how to "deliver" a presentation.

After delivery, we will examine

the language of presentations,

before moving on to

the presentation itself.

Finally, we will conclude with

a review of what we have covered.

Afterwards, you will be invited to

take a test and ask questions.

2-Preparation

Can you name the 3 most important things when giving any presentation?

3-Equipment

Easily your most important piece of equipment is...YOU! Make sure you're in full working order, and check your personal presentation carefully - if you don't, your audience will!

4-Delivery

'Delivery' refers to the way in which you actually deliver or perform or give your presentation. Delivery is a vital aspect of all presentations. Delivery is at least as important as content, especially in a multi-cultural context.

Nerves

Most speakers are a little nervous at the beginning of a presentation. So it is normal if you are nervous. The answer is to pay special attention to the beginning of your presentation. First impressions count. This is the time when you establish a rapport with your audience. During this time, try to speak slowly and calmly. You should perhaps learn your introduction by heart. After a few moments, you will relax and gain confidence.

Audience Rapport

You need to build a warm and friendly relationship with your audience. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you are enthusiastic your audience will be enthusiastic too. And be careful to establish eye contact with each member of your audience. Each person should feel that you are speaking directly to him or her. This means that you must look at each person in turn - in as natural a way as possible. This will also give you the opportunity to detect signs of boredom, disinterest or even disagreement, allowing you to modify your presentation as appropriate.

5-Language

Say what you are going to say,

Simplicity and Clarity

If you want your audience to understand your message, your language must be simple and clear.

Use short words and short sentences.

Do not use jargon, unless you are certain that your audience understands it.

In general, talk about concrete facts rather than abstract ideas.

Use active verbs instead of passive verbs. Active verbs are much easier to understand. They are much more powerful. Consider these two sentences, which say the same thing:

1. Toyota sold two million cars last year.
2. Two million cars were sold by Toyota last year.

Which is easier to understand? Which is more immediate? Which is more powerful? #1 is active and #2 is passive.

6-The Presentation

...say it,

Most presentations are divided into 3 main parts (+ questions):

1	INTRODUCTION	(Questions)
2	BODY
3	CONCLUSION
	Questions

As a general rule in communication, repetition is valuable. In presentations, there is a golden rule about repetition:

1. Say what you are going to say,
2. say it,
3. then say what you have just said.

In other words, use the three parts of your presentation to reinforce your message. In the introduction, you tell your audience what your message is going to be. In the body, you tell your audience your real message. In the conclusion, you summarize what your message was.

We will now consider each of these parts in more detail.

Introduction

The introduction is a very important - perhaps the most important - part of your presentation. This is the first impression that your audience have of you. You should concentrate on getting your introduction right. You should use the introduction to:

1. welcome your audience
2. introduce your subject
3. outline the structure of your presentation
4. give instructions about questions

The following table shows examples of language for each of these functions. You may need to modify the language as appropriate.

Function	Possible language
1 Welcoming your audience	Good morning, ladies and gentlemen Good morning, gentlemen Good afternoon, ladies and gentleman Good afternoon, everybody
2 Introducing your subject	I am going to talk today about... The purpose of my presentation is to introduce our new range of...
3 Outlining your structure	To start with I'll describe the progress made this year. Then I'll mention some of the problems we've encountered and how we overcame them. After that I'll consider the possibilities for further growth next year. Finally, I'll summarize my presentation (before concluding with some recommendations).
4 Giving instructions about questions	Do feel free to interrupt me if you have any questions. I'll try to answer all of your questions after the presentation. I plan to keep some time for questions after the presentation.

Body

The body is the 'real' presentation. If the introduction was well prepared and delivered, you will now be 'in control'. You will be relaxed and confident.

The body should be well structured, divided up logically, with plenty of carefully spaced visuals.

Remember these key points while delivering the body of your presentation:

• do not hurry
• be enthusiastic
• give time on visuals
• maintain eye contact
• modulate your voice
• look friendly
• keep to your structure
• use your notes
• signpost throughout
• remain polite when dealing with difficult questions

Conclusion

Use the conclusion to:

1. Sum up
2. (Give recommendations if appropriate)
3. Thank your audience
4. Invite questions

The following table shows examples of language for each of these functions. You may need to modify the language as appropriate.

Function	Possible language
1 Summing up	To conclude,... In conclusion,... Now, to sum up... So let me summarise/recap what I've said. Finally, may I remind you of some of the main points we've considered.
2 Giving recommendations	In conclusion, my recommendations are... I therefore suggest/propose/recommend the following strategy.
3 Thanking your audience	Many thanks for your attention. May I thank you all for being such an attentive audience.
4 Inviting questions	Now I'll try to answer any questions you may have. Can I answer any questions? Are there any questions? Do you have any questions? Are there any final questions?

Questions

Questions are a good opportunity for you to interact with your audience. It may be helpful for you to try to predict what questions will be asked so that you can prepare your response in advance. You may wish to accept questions at any time during your presentation, or to keep a time for questions after your presentation. Normally, it's your decision, and you should make it clear during the introduction. Be polite with all questioners, even if they ask difficult questions. They are showing interest in what you have to say and they deserve attention. Sometimes you can reformulate a question. Or answer the question with another question. Or even ask for comment from the rest of the audience

7-Review

...then say what you have just said.

In this seminar, you have learned:

• to allow plenty of time for preparation
• to ask the all-important question-words, why? who? where? when? how? and what?
• to structure your presentation into introduction, body, conclusion and questions
• to write notes based on keywords
• to rehearse your presentation several times and modify it as necessary
• to select the right equipment for the job
• to use equipment effectively
• to make use of clear, powerful visual aids that do not overload your audience
• to use clear, simple language, avoiding jargon
• to use active verbs and concrete facts
• to explain the structure of your presentation at the beginning so that your listeners know what to expect
• to link each section of your presentation
• to signpost your presentation from beginning to end so that your listeners know where they are
• to say what you are going to say, say it, and say what you have just said
• to overcome your nerves
• to establish audience rapport
• to be aware of your body language
• to understand cultural differences
• to control the quality of your voice
• to maintain interest by varying the speed, volume and pitch of your voice
• to deal with listeners' questions politely
• to respond to your audience positively

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Work with oDesk and earn from your home and get the Visa MasterCard

First: I will explain the location and how to register oDesk II: How to get the card to receive a Master Min House III: How to deal with the site oDesk
First: I will explain the location and how to register oDesk

Do you have talent and want to employ them?
Do you have free time and want to increase your income?
Do you want to work from home at the time of your choice and duration determined by the? And remuneration determined?!!
Do you want to choose your job tasks among more than 350,000 jobs in all areas?
Do you want to join the more than quarter of a million professional in all areas and the formation of professional teams?
Did you learn on you, programming, web design, translation, authoring, and you want to employ your talents and increase your income?
Do you want to work from home on the Internet and are converted to confounded credit card (you get it for free when you register) or to your bank account for each task carried out?
Do you want to work the site so far to pay more than $ 87 million so far?
The site oDesk of the most famous and largest sites that offer the service to work from home, and adopt the idea that there are companies and individuals who offer their applications on the site (Web Design or Banners or programming or translation or writing articles or ....) and make members of the post and will be accepted the right person through Public Profile submitted by the job site to the oDesk payment and ends when the member of the task gets the profits and thus be guaranteed of your money to deal with companies that do not know.
In this session we will learn - God willing - how to register on the site, and how to modify the Profile As we know is the most important factor to acceptance on the job, and how to select appropriate jobs so as not to set up and finally methods and how to withdraw your money from the site.

First: you must know that jobs at the site of two types: Pay a fixed function (eg, Logo Design for $ 15) Job salary by hour (eg, web developer for $ 20 per hour)
Second: We will not explain how to complete a task or the job itself, as distinct from a task to another, for example, writing articles is different from web design, you can deal with the company before the commencement of work on how to give your job the final, you'll find at the site also helps to functions that deal the hour is a useful program very very easy to use
To register on the site click on the link following the follow steps: 

 http://www.odesk.com/

Register as normal in the rest of the forums

Second: How to get Master Card

I have received Master Card on 08/04/2010

 

When you complete the registration Log in to site odesk 

  This was followed by the following images

After the arrival of the card then you must do do continued

 

http://www.payoneer.com

 

 

 

Then press

 

activate card

 

 

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how to register with Alertpay

1. Go to this site www.alertpay.com, then press Sign up now.

2. Select you Country. Then select Personal Starter then press Next Step.

3. Fill-up you information. Then press Next Step.

4. Validate your account. Thats all!

Congratulations you’ve created your ALERTPAY account.

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How to register with PayPal

PayPal is the best option to make all your payments. The following is a step by step on how to enroll in PayPal if u dont have a credit card. All u need is a valid bank account. You can also use credit cards with PayPal for those of you who dont like to buy things over the internet. Ok so let the guide begin.

Step 1. Go to www.paypal.com , and click on the link towards the top of the page that says SIGN UP NOW.

Step 2. click on the Personal Account since it will be made for your personal use. Then you will choose your country from the drop down tab right next to the personal account. (if your country is not there then you will not be able to use PayPal)

Step 3. You will then be prompted to enter your personal information.

a) For the country of citzenship its simple put the country you are a citizen in.
b) For primary currency . This is tricky but dont worry if you do not see your currency there just go by US DOLLAR as currency

c) As you scroll down after you enter your information, enter the email address that you would like your account to be connected with.
d) then you will need to select a secret question (make sure to write down your answers to those as well as your password that you used to make the account which will be your login password.)
e) You will be asked to make this a premier account.
f) Then you have to read and Accept both of the user agreements then u will type in the letters it tells you to enter.
g) click on the sign up button at the bottom of the page

Step 4. After you click the sign up button you will be sent to a page that prompts you to enter credit card information (IF YOU DONT HAVE A CREDIT CARD CLICK CANCEL and it will move on to the next page)

Step 5. Then it will bring you to a page that confirms your email address check if it is correct then press the continue button. (good job you just created a account)

Step 6. Click on the confirm email address . check your email address to find the paypal has sent you. Then click on the link that say CLICK HERE TO ACTIVATE YOUR ACCOUNT. Once u click the link enter the conformation number it gives you.

THE most important thing is if you do not live in the US you will need to do a bank transfer at your bank in order to add funds to your paypal account . The information you will need is your paypal id and maybe password ( If your debit or bank card has a VISA or MASTERCARD logo on it it will act as a credit card then u will need to add the card via the add a credit card link) .

If you live in the US all you will need to do is add your bank account info. They will make 2 deposits into your bank account . The amount of each deposit will between $0.01 USD and $0.99 USD and will usually appear in your account in 2-3 business days. To complete the confirmation process, you must enter the two amounts on our Confirm Bank Account page. The Confirm Bank Account page will only appear in the Activate Account box after you have added a bank account.

Once you have done that you will be able to use paypal to make purchases online (be aware that it will be taken out of your bank account so make sure u have enough funds in there, also if u added a credit card make sure when you are about to pay it says either the bank account or credit card if it isnt the correct option you can change it under the more funding options link) 

and this is the vedeo

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PROTECTION AGAINST INTERNET FRAUD

Most people find it hard to believe that they could become victims of fraud, but one should never underestimate the ingenuity of swindlers who make money by misleading others. State and federal laws and agencies have limited capacity to protect consumers from fraud on the Internet. The savvy consumer must stay alert to the possibility of fraud. The National Fraud Information Center offers the following suggestions for side-stepping fraud on the Internet:

Never reveal checking account numbers, credit card numbers, or other personal financial data at any Web site or online service location -- unless you are sure you know where this information will be directed.

When you subscribe to an on-line service you may be asked for credit card information. When you enter any interactive service site however, beware of con artists who may ask you to "confirm" your enrollment in the service by disclosing passwords or the credit card account number used to subscribe.

Use the same common sense you would exercise with any direct or telephone credit card purchase. A flashy professional Internet Web site does not guarantee that the sponsor is legitimate. Know the company with which you plan to do business.

Report anything you see on the Internet that you suspect might be fraudulent. The National Fraud Information Center's toll-free number is 1-800-876-7060. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 65868, Washington, D.C. 20035. Their Web address is http://www.fraud.org

Your state Office of the Attorney General is empowered to investigate consumer complaints, including Internet complaints. They can give you information about any problems or concerns they have encountered with the business.

The Better Business Bureau can tell you if there have been any complaints or inquiries about a business and how it was resolved. Some online advertisements will have a blue-seal that you can click on to connect to the Better Business Bureau for a report on the advertiser's track record. The online Web site for the BBB is http://www.bbbonline.org

The Federal Trade Commission enforces several consumer protection laws that are relevant to computer transactions, such as false advertising and consumer credit. Suspicious actions on the Web, when reported to the National Fraud Information Center, are shared with the Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General. In this way, consumers join with state and federal agencies in actions to curtail fraud on the Internet.

Although many regulations and agencies have been established to protect consumers from fraud, the principle of let the buyer beware remains the consumer's best protection. Legal protections are limited, fraudulent activities flourish, and once money is lost in a fraudulent scheme the chances of getting it back are extremely small. Awareness of the possibility of fraud is your first line of defense.

The Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Consumer Credit has many other credit related brochures available. Call our toll-free number or write to the address on the cover for a copy of any of our listed or for further consumer credit information. 

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PROBLEMS WITH INTERNET TRANSACTIONS

Two problems with Internet sales transactions are personal data privacy and verification that both buyers and sellers are authentic. Many consumers are concerned about the confidentiality of their personal financial information on the Web, with good reason. When you make a purchase on the Internet, your credit card number could fall into the wrong hands. Personal data can be collected and organized into database files. When you become a part of an on-line service, your personal data can be available to everyone in that system. While it is unlikely that reputable merchants would deliberately sell your data to others, their database 

may be tempting targets for hackers.

Verification that consumers are who they say they are can be solved by an electronic equivalent of a signature or a driver's license. A software product currently used by merchants, banks, and brokerage houses tells who the user is and what privileges he or she has. There is a growing interest in credit card payment systems that would safeguard credit card purchases on the Net. Encryption software can scramble your personal information so that it can be read only by the sender and the receiver. The problem remains that personal data might still be available to certain employees or hackers.

Experts urge consumers to avoid dealing with Internet sites they are not familiar with. Even when dealing with a well-known business, call the business directly to verify that the site exists. It continues to be a risky business to give personal information, including address and phone number, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and bank account numbers on the Internet.

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PROTECTING YOURSELF WHEN BUYING ONLINE

With a few key strokes and the click of a mouse you can shop at home from your computer. Sounds great, right? No traffic. No parking problems. No lines or crowds. No hassles with the weather. 

Online shopping can give new meaning to convenience and choice. But before you visit your favorite boutique on the Net, take care to make your cyber-shopping experience safe.

The Basics

Think security, starting with your connection -- the way your computer connects through telephone wires to contact the Internet -- and your browser -- the software that acts like a telephone to receive information on the Internet. 

Unsecured information sent over the Internet can be intercepted. That's why you should consider a secure browser, which will encrypt or scramble purchase information. Use a secure browser that complies with industry standards, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (S-HTTP). These often are included with Internet connection services. The credit and charge card industry is working on an enhanced level of security using Secured Electronic Transactions (SET). SET protocol provides a highly encrypted communication between card issuers, merchants and card members. 

If you don't have encryption software to assure the security of your transaction, consider calling the company's 800 number, faxing your order, or paying by check or money order. 

Shop with companies you know. If you'd like to try a new merchant, ask for a paper catalog or brochure to get a better idea of their merchandise and services. Determine the company's refund and return policies before you place an order. 

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Protecting Your Cards

The best protections against card fraud are to know where your cards are at all times and to keep them secure. For ATM card protection, it's important to keep your Personal Identification Number (PIN) a secret. Don't use your address, birth date, phone or social security number. Memorize the number. Statistics show that in one-third of ATM card frauds, cardholders wrote their PINS on their ATM cards or on slips of paper kept with their cards.

The following suggestions may help you protect your credit and ATM card accounts.

For Credit Cards:

\        Be cautious about disclosing your account number over the phone unless you know you are dealing with a reputable company.

\        Never put your account number on the outside of an envelope or on a postcard.

\        Draw a line through blank spaces on charge slips above the total so the amount cannot be changed.

\        Don't sign a blank charge slip.

\        Tear up carbons and save your receipts to check against your monthly billing statements.

\        Open billing statements promptly and compare them with your receipts. Report mistakes or discrepancies as soon as possible to the special address listed on your statement for "billing inquiries." Under the FCBA, the card issuer must investigate billing errors reported to them within 60 days of the date your statement was mailed to you.

\        Keep a record — in a safe place separate from your cards — of your account numbers, expiration dates, and the telephone numbers of each card issuer so you can report a loss quickly.

\        Carry only those cards that you anticipate you'll need.

For ATM cards:

\        Don't carry your PIN in your wallet or purse or write it on your ATM card.

\        Never write your PIN on the outside of a deposit slip, an envelope, or on a postcard.

\        Take your ATM receipt after completing a transaction.

\        Reconcile all ATM receipts with bank statements as soon as possible.

 

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Electronic Banking Basics

 

To most people, electronic banking means 24-hour access to cash through an automated teller machine (ATM) or paychecks deposited directly into checking or savings accounts.

Electronic banking, also known as electronic fund transfer (EFT), uses computer and electronic technology as a substitute for checks and other paper transactions. EFTs are initiated through devices such as cards or codes that you use to gain access to your account. Many financial institutions use an automated teller machine (ATM) card and a personal identification number (PIN) for this purpose. The federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFT Act) covers some consumer transactions.

Electronic Fund Transfers

EFT offers several services that consumers may find practical:

• Automated Teller Machines or 24-hour Tellers are electronic terminals that let you bank almost any time. To withdraw cash, make deposits, or transfer funds between accounts, you generally insert an ATM card and enter your personal identification number (PIN). Some ATMs impose a surcharge, or usage fee, on consumers who are not members of their institution or on transactions at remote locations. ATMs must disclose the existence of a surcharge on the terminal screen or on a sign next to the screen. Check the rules of your institution to find out when or whether a surcharge is imposed.

• Direct Deposit lets you authorize specific deposits, such as paychecks and social security checks, to your account on a regular basis. You also may pre-authorize direct withdrawals so that recurring bills, such as insurance premiums, mortgages, and utility bills, are paid automatically.

• Pay-by-Phone Systems let you telephone your financial institution with instructions to pay certain bills or to transfer funds between accounts. You must have an agreement in advance with the institution to make such transfers.

• Personal Computer Banking allows you to conduct many banking transactions electronically via your personal computer. For instance, you may use your computer to view your account balance, request transfers between accounts, and pay bills electronically.

• Point-of-Sale Transfers allow you to pay for retail purchases with an EFT (or "debit") card. In some instances, this card also may be your ATM card. This is similar to using a credit card, but with one important exception: the money for the purchase is transferred immediately — or very shortly — from your bank account to the store’s account. An increasing number of merchants are accepting this type of payment.

Some financial institutions and merchants issue cards that contain cash value stored electronically on the card itself. These "stored-value" cards, as well as transactions using them, may not be covered by the EFT Act, which means you may not be covered for loss or misuse of the stored-value card.

Disclosures

To understand your legal rights and responsibilities regarding your EFT account, read the documents you receive from the financial institution that issued you the "access device" — that is, the card, code, other means, or combination of ways you access your account to initiate electronic fund transfers. Although this varies from institution to institution, most use a card and PIN. No one should know this unique number except you and select employees of the financial institution.

Before you contract for EFT services or make your first electronic transfer, the institution must tell you the following information in a form you can keep.

• The telephone number and address of the person to be notified if you think an unauthorized transfer has been or may be made, a statement of the institution’s "business days," generally, the days the institution is open to the public for normal business, and the number of days you have to report suspected unauthorized transfers.

• The type of transfers you can make, fees for transfers, and any limits on the frequency and dollar amount of transfers.

• A summary of your right to receive documentation of transfers, to stop payment on a pre-authorized transfer, and the procedures to follow to stop payment.

• A notice describing the procedures you must follow to report an error on a receipt for an EFT or your periodic statement, to request more information about a transfer listed on your statement, and how long you have to make your report.

• A summary of the institution’s liability to you if it fails to make or stop certain transactions.

• Circumstances under which the institution will disclose information to third parties concerning your account.

In addition to these disclosures, you will receive two other types of important information for most transactions — terminal receipts and periodic statements. Separate rules apply to passbook accounts from which pre-authorized transfers are drawn. The best source of information about those rules is your contract for that account. You are entitled to a terminal receipt each time you initiate an electronic transfer, whether you use an ATM or make a point-of-sale electronic transfer. The receipt must show the amount and date of the transfer, as well as the type of transfer, such as "from savings to checking." When you make a point-of-sale transfer, you probably will get your terminal receipt from the salesperson.

You will not receive a terminal receipt for recurring electronic payments that you have authorized in advance, such as insurance premiums, mortgages, or utility bills. Instead, these preauthorized transfers will appear on your periodic statement. If the preauthorized payments vary, however, you should receive a notice of the amount that will be debited at least 10 days before the debit takes place.

You also are entitled to a periodic statement for each statement cycle in which an electronic transfer is made. This statement must show the amount of any transfer, the date it was credited or debited to your account, the type of transfer and type of account(s) to or from which funds were transferred, and the address and telephone number to be used for inquiries. You are entitled to a quarterly statement even if no electronic transfers were made.

Keep and compare your EFT receipts with your periodic statements the same way you compare your credit card invoices with your monthly credit card statement or your checks against your monthly bank statements. This will enable you to make the best use of your rights under federal law to dispute errors and avoid liability for unauthorized transfers.

Errors

You have 60 days from the date a problem or error appears on your periodic statements or terminal receipt to notify your financial institution. The best way to protect yourself in the event of an error — or a lost or stolen ATM or EFT card — is to notify the issuer by certified letter, return receipt requested, so you can prove that the institution received your letter. Keep a copy of the letter you send for your records.

If you fail to notify the institution of the error within 60 days, you may have little recourse. Under federal law, the institution has no obligation to conduct an investigation if you have missed the 60-day deadline.

After notification about an error on your statement, the institution has 10 business days to investigate. The financial institution must tell you the results of its investigation within three business days after completing it and must correct an error within one business day after determining that the error has occurred. If the institution needs more time, it may take up to 45 days to complete the investigation — but only if the money in dispute is returned to your account and you are notified promptly of the credit. At the end of the investigation, if no error has been found, the institution may take the money back if it sends you a written explanation.

An error also may occur in connection with a point-of-sale purchase with an EFT card. An oil company, for example, might give you an EFT card that lets you pay for gasoline purchases directly from your bank account. These purchases will be shown on your periodic statement from the bank. In case of an error on your account, however, you should contact the issuer of the card (for example, the oil company) at the address or phone number the company has provided. After you’ve notified the company about a point-of-sale purchase error, the company has 20 business days to investigate and tell you the results. It has up to 90 days to complete an investigation, if it returns the money to your account and notifies you promptly of the credit. If no error is found at the end of the investigation, the institution may take back the money if it sends you a written explanation.

Lost or Stolen EFT Cards

If your credit card is lost or stolen, you can’t lose more than $50. If someone uses your ATM or EFT card without your permission, you can lose much more.

If you report an ATM or EFT card missing before it is used without your permission, the EFT Act says the card issuer cannot hold you responsible for any unauthorized withdrawals. If unauthorized use occurs before you report it, the amount you can be held responsible for depends upon how quickly you report the loss to the card issuer. If you report the loss within two business days after you realize your card is missing, you will not be responsible for more than $50 for unauthorized use.

However, if you do not report the loss within two business days after you realize the card is missing, but you do report its loss within 60 days after your statement is mailed to you, you could lose as much as $500 because of an unauthorized withdrawal. And, if you do not report an unauthorized transfer or withdrawal within 60 days after your statement is mailed to you, you risk unlimited loss. That means you could lose all the money in your account and the unused portion of your maximum line of credit established for overdrafts.

If you didn’t notify the institution within the time periods allowed because of an extenuating circumstance, such as lengthy travel or illness, the issuer must extend the time period for notification to what is reasonable. In addition, if state law or your contract imposes lower liability limits, those lower limits apply instead of the limits in the federal EFT Act.

After you report the loss or theft of your ATM card, you are not liable for additional unauthorized transfers that may be made. Because these unauthorized transfers may appear on your statements, however, you should carefully review each statement you receive after you’ve reported the loss or theft. If the statement shows transfers that you did not make or that you need more information about, contact the institution immediately, using the special procedures provided for reporting errors.

Limited Stop-Payment Privileges

When you use an electronic fund transfer, the EFT Act does not give you the right to stop payment. If your purchase is defective or your order is not delivered, it is as if you had paid cash. That is, it is up to you to resolve the problem with the seller and get your money back.

There is one situation, however, when you can stop payment. If you have arranged regular payments out of your account to third parties, such as life insurance companies, you can stop payment if you notify your institution at least three business days before the scheduled transfer. The notice may be oral or written, but the institution may require a written follow-up to be made within 14 days of the oral notice. If you fail to provide the written follow-up, the institution’s responsibility to stop payment ends.

Although federal law provides only limited rights to stop payment, individual financial institutions may offer more rights or state laws may require them. If this feature is important to you, you may want to shop around to be sure you are getting the best "stop payment" terms available.

Other Rights

The EFT Act protects your right of choice in two specific situations regarding use of electronic fund transfers: First, the Act prohibits financial institutions from requiring you to repay a loan by electronic transfer. Second, if you are required to receive your salary or government benefit check by EFT, you have the right to choose the institution to receive the funds.

Suggestions

If you decide to use EFT, keep these tips in mind:

• Take care of your EFT card. Know where it is at all times; if you lose it, report it as soon as possible.

• Choose a PIN different from your address, telephone number, social security number, or birth date. Choosing a different number will make it more difficult for a thief to use your EFT card.

• Keep and compare your EFT receipts with your periodic statements so that you can find errors or unauthorized transfers and report them.

• Make sure you know and trust the merchant before you provide any bank account information to pre-authorize debits to your account.

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