Presentation Skill Tips

Presentations don't have to be daunting.

Presentations can be daunting. A master public speaker can sell products, achieve notoriety in their field and attract advocates to their brand or cause. A poor public speaker can put an audience to sleep, making zero impact. Nerves are normal, but when harnessed can drive a speaker to inspire an audience.

Prepare

Benjamin Franklin said "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Good preparation allows a presentation to appear effortless. Spend time on the content, making sure it is clear and flows well. A prepared speaker is a confident speaker.

On the day of the presentation, prepare the space yourself. Run through the slides. Practice speaking so that the size of the space is familiar before you face a full house.

Tell a Story

While numbers are often necessary during presentations, they can leave an audience snoozing. A product that improves productivity by this percentage and saves that amount of time is suddenly much more attractive when framed as a story that highlights the human benefits. It puts the audience in the shoes of the user, making the product more tangible.

Rehearse

Practice makes perfect, and if you want to deliver with panache, practice with it. Ask friends or colleagues to sit through a dry run and get their feedback. Take note and improve. Knowing the content of the presentation inside out will reduce the opportunity for errors. It will also allow some spontaneity if the situation requires it. Keep a written copy of the presentation in your pocket, in case you get nervous.

The Delivery

Eye contact shows the audience that you are talking to them, not at them. A smile demonstrates enthusiasm, and enthusiasm is infectious. Walking around the stage can lend dynamism to the presentation, while standing still can make it feel stilted. Using pauses gives the audience time to absorb information while you catch you breath. When possible, engage the audience and allow them to ask questions.

References

• Three Keys to Giving Great Presentations - Forbes.com
• Quote DB - Benjamin Franklin
• Presentation Magazine - Presentation Tips You Can Use