Back to: Effective Presentation Skills
There are numerous occasions when we need to be calm, confident and clear in our presentations to audiences, whether regional support offices, staff or external audiences, clients, business owners.
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Tell the story
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In the professional world most audiences are much too sharp for superficialities of presentation to make much difference. Effective presentation content depends on identifying a handful of clear and memorable messages around which to build everything else. While it is important not to squander a good presentation with a limp delivery, the key to a great presentation is the preparation, structure and planning.
A key theme is the need to operate as a communicator rather than a presenter. That means being planning and responding to the needs of those on the receiving end, and performing collaboratively by paying attention to feedback. The heart or thrust of your presentation should be about your audience, not about you.
On the day, the goal should be to put across an impression of your true, positive and professional personality, without any tricks. Good presenting is individual: build on what is already there without introducing any artificial elements. Then inject some energy: be expressive and enthusiastic to excite and inspire your audience.
Aim for “enhanced conversation” as a tone or flavour. “Conversational” deliveries seem relaxed, spontaneous, comfortable, confident, responsive to the situation and naturally expressive. Have a conversation with your audience. They may not actually say anything, but make them feel consulted, questioned, challenged, argued with; then they will stay awake and attentive. Your job as a presenter is to communicate with your audience and stimulate them into wanting to get the information you have, not just to present that information at them.