How to Speak at Business Meetings

Business meetings are notorious time wasters. Often the same information gets laundered multiple times, discussions get off course and most of what's said is quickly forgotten afterwards. But you can perk up your business meetings by speaking effectively. With preparation, organization and focus, your presentation can maintain participants' interest and encourage a productive exchange of ideas.

Instructions

1. Know your audience. You'll need to speak at a department business meeting differently from a company-wide one. The better you know the people attending, the more informal the language you can use.

2. Choose a focus for your presentation. It's tempting to address all the concerns that have arisen since the last meeting, but you'll end up sounding like a lecturer if you try to cram too much into one meeting.

3. Practice your speech in front of a mirror with a stopwatch. Then try to shorten it as much as you can. Note strategic places to present projected visuals or illustrate a point on the white board.

4. Be excessively organized. Make enough photocopies for everyone who'll be there and a few extra just in case. Arrive early so you can test any equipment you're going to use for your presentation.

5. Start your presentation with an anecdote. Be sure to frequently include examples of the points you're trying to make. Not only do these break the monotony of fact, they make your points clearer.

6. Use hand and facial gestures for emphasis and keep the presentation moving. Pace within a confined space in front of the room. Not only will this relax you but it relaxes your audience too.

7. Leave time after you speak for questions and answers. Give your audience a chance to process what you've said.

8. Give your audience something to take with them. This helps them remember what you spoke about at the business meeting.

Tips & Warnings

• Show a visual every couple of minutes when speaking at business meetings to maintain interest.