Develop presentations that are well researched, structured, and customized.
Preparing content for a presentation and adapting it for specific audiences is a crucial part of public speaking competence. Studies indicate that the effectiveness and success of a presentation is directly proportional to the amount of time spent conducting research, structuring and creating the content, and preparing visuals. When you make presentations to senior leaders, take the time to prepare so that you deliver a tailored and powerful message that incentivizes your audience to establish a partnership.
An effective presentation includes a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, and most importantly, includes a bottom line or call to action – what you want the audience to do as a result of your presentation and why they should care. The call to action should be communicated clearly up front and reinforced throughout the presentation with solid research and data.
Click the resources link for a template you can use to prepare content for formal presentations to senior leaders.
Incorporate visuals to bring content to life.
Presentation visuals bring content to life and are helpful in clarifying a difficult concept, presenting a complex idea, or demonstrating a process. If poorly used, visuals can detract from the presentation, but if used effectively, can significantly enhance it. Avoid “death by PowerPoint” by following some basic principles:
- Keep it visual – use images, charts, timelines, etc.
- Use keywords – avoid lengthy sentences and paragraphs of text
- Use sans serif fonts that are 24 pt. or larger (i.e. Calibri, Arial)
- Face the audience when speaking, not the slides
Engage your audience with a dynamic delivery.
Being a memorable and engaging presenter requires dedication and practice. You must take time to improve your skills in the core areas of presentation delivery, including movement, gestures, vocal variety, eye contact, and managing nervousness. It helps to focus on one or two skills at a time so you can master your presentation delivery without becoming overwhelmed or over thinking it. The following are some strategies you can use to improve your skills in the core areas:
Movement
- Become aware of unconscious movements – videotaping yourself will help with this
- Utilize the space provided – practice a step and plant technique: walk to a certain point and plant your feet for 2-3 minutes to avoid pacing
- Step forward when making an important point
Gestures
- Use gestures that complement or reinforce your message
- When you aren’t gesturing, let both arms relax and drop to your sides
- Smile often – it will make you look and feel better because it releases endorphins in your body
Vocal Variety
- Vary your volume and project your voice out to the audience member farthest away from you
- Mix up the pace by slowing down for technical information and speeding up for straightforward and exciting information
- Increase pitch variety as it will make you sound more interesting
Note: If you are presenting online, enhancing your vocal variety is essential because it will be your only asset. You will want to project your voice and vary your rate and pitch in a slightly more exaggerated way than if you were face-to-face.
Eye Contact
- Divide the room like the face of a clock and sustain eye contact for two to three seconds with each section of the room throughout the presentation
- Maintain eye contact with more than just one or two people
Managing Nervousness
- Nervousness is simply adrenaline – energy. Use the energy to convey passion and enthusiasm and release the energy by moving during the presentation
- Nervousness peaks during the first 1-2 minutes of the presentation for most people. Carefully craft and nail the opening, almost to the point of memorization
- Take deep belly breaths to relax. Your body cannot be nervous and relaxed at the same time. This will help with nervousness and with projection
