Nine Rules For A Successful Presentation
Never discount the benefits of powerful presentation skills.
Some people may only got a few minutes of fame at a major meeting infront of the senior bosses……but this is where effective presentation skills are critical.
The bosses are looking at how you can handle the presentation and also any questions that may follow..
The image of your success or failure remains in their minds for a long time. Ability without visibility accounts for little if you want to be noticed.
Here are nine ways to ensure that your presentations are powerful:
- Meet objectives
- Know your audience
- Less is more
- Tune in to WIIFM (What’s in it for me?)
- Everybody loves a story, a quote and a good laugh
- Watch your body language and throw your voice
- Rehearse
- Involve the audience
- Believe in yourself
What do you want your audience to know, feel and do? Be very clear about this in your mind and put it on paper. Refer to these points constantly when planning your presentation and just before you deliver it.
Your success will be measured against whether you met the objectives of the presentation.
It is important to find out who are your listeners and what do they really need or want.
Decide what is the best way to reach out to them with your best message. You want your message to be relevant to them.
Then simplify your visuals and messages. With less clutter, the audience will know what to focus on. Each slide in your presentation should have only one theme and not more. Avoid fussy animation and fancy fonts as they are a distraction.
Provide information in smaller, easy to digest portions. Your listeners will retain what you have said better, and chances are they will stay with you till the end of the presentation.
The audience is there for a reason, so you must make it worth while.
Do not have your presentation be “ nice to have”. It needs to be relevant and useful to those who are present.
If your topic is on customer service, slant it with a people development angle if you are talking to human resourse professionals, and discuss its business implications if you are presenting to financial staff.
Every body loves stories especially it is first person’s own experiences. Add human interest and colour to your presentation. They help you to create a rapport with your audience, especially if you use some humour at the right time.
When you win over the audience, they are motivated to listen to you.
Your body language is sending signals all the time. Stand tall and project your voice and your audience will respond to you.
The interesting part is that your emotions are taking the cues from your physical self. Adjust your posture and gestures and watch your confidence grow.
Have a physical rehearse, not just a mental one. Practise infront of a friend, family member, colleague or even your dog!
Practise telling stories, the key messages and allow for pauses after you make certain statements. Test any equipment and go through your slides.
Practise, practise….. and practise.
Ask your listeners for a show of hands or throw them a question that is rhetorical. It makes them think immediately if you allow a pause or one that warrants an answer.
They can also huddle in groups and share later. Make them active participants. Don’t forget to connect with their emotions. Your purpose is not just deliver information. Interesting presentation and good speaker will leave a fantastic impression to your audience.
You must believe that you have something of value to share with the audience. Your must believe in yourself and your message.
It’s in your hands!
If you want to be a “Power Presenter” who delivers impactful presentations each time, it takes sheer discipline and focus. Never try to do it without preparation. The key is to do your homework and rehearse thoroughly.
Your confidence will show, and the audience will respond to it and be engaged. Your success is in your hands.
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