Presenting Tips

Structure of a Presentation

   While text is important to the structure of any presentation, the style you format it into can make a significant impact on your audience.

	Inform your audience.  Begin by telling your audience what you're going to talk about, then tell them, then recap by finishing with what you just told them.  Repetition is a good tool when used properly.
	Last to first approach.  Create your presentation from back to front.  If you are using slides, begin with the final slide and build towards that.

 

Basic Rules of Good Presentations

    Now that you have a grasp of how the text of a presentation should look, here are a few steps to take to really impress your audience:

	KISS!  Keep it Simple, Stupid!  New technology is great, but remember, the more complicated things get, the harder your task.  Get the new equipment, if any, early.  Set the equipment up, and use it before actually going into the presentation, so you are familiar with how it works.
	Rehearse, but don't memorize!  Don't 'wing it'.  KNOW your presentation.
	Use notes, but don't read them aloud.  If read aloud, it will make you look unprofessional, and more importantly, unprepared.
	Dress appropriately.  What do you mean, 'you don't know what's appropriate?'  ASK!
	Pace yourself.  Each slide, if being used, should be allotted about 10 seconds.  As the presenter, it s your job to determine how much is really needed for each.  Use your judgment.  We trust you.
	Presentation tools.  Slides, projectors, videos, overheads, microphones, pictures, etc.!

 

Create Support Materials

    Any fool can stand up in front of people, run their mouth off, and be done; completely satisfied with themselves.  But what about the audience?  What have they truly gained?  In case your presentation is lacking, here are some items you might want to consider in addition:

Offer handouts.  These should provide examples and situations to back up your claim.  They may leave with the knowledge you want them to, but they will need concrete evidence of how effective you were.  DON'T OVERLOOK THIS!

 

Fear?  Public Speaking feared more than Death!

    According to the source of this information, people tend to fear public speaking more than death!  People!  It's not the end of the world to give a presentation.  Death, on the other hand...  Here's a tip to help you get over this immense fear:

Oh my God!  They are Naked!  Picture the people in the front row as if they were naked, maybe just in their underwear, depending upon your morals.

 

Your Place as a Presenter

    You are no longer the one listening to the speech, you are giving it.  Ever wonder how the pro's did it?  Here are a few pointers:

	Control the audience, not the computer.  Face your audience, watch your time, make eye contact, and ditch the computer.  Don't hide behind it, in other words.
	Defer questions, and then follow up.  Questions may come up.  If the answers to these come later in the presentation, defer it.  If not, get that person's information, and FOLLOW UP.  Nothing hurts credibility more than not keeping promises, even implied ones.
	Measure your audience.  Observe what they are doing.  Are they really paying attention?  Their body language: are they taking notes or taking naps?  Checking their watches or your slides?

Presentations and Confusion

    Often times, people procrastinate a presentation, because they don't think it's going to be that hard.  Boy, are they wrong!  Follow these simple steps to ensure yourself a positive result:

	Procrastination = BAD.  Don't wait until the last minute to work on the presentation.
	Inform, don't Impress.  The information is the important part, not the fancy graphics.  Get your point across.

 

    Alright!  You're all set! Aren't you?  Wait, you only told me a few things!  You never said anything about HOW to convey the text.  Slides, projectors, they don't tell me how to effectively get my point across!  Ok, calm down, here you go:

	The Power of Language.  Word selection is key.  Not only to your ideas, but to your presentability.  Use the word processors thesaurus to get new variations of words.  Use "power" and "command" words to direct your audience.  Address the audience in the second person, not the third.
	HUMOR!  Use it!  Don't tell jokes directly, but add humorous comments about issues relevant to the content.  It goes a long way to keep the audience interested.
	Quotes.  Find quotes that fit.  They aren't always possible to find, nor will they necessarily be exact to your topic.  If they fit, use them!  Bottom line, make your quotes relevant -- and interesting!

 

The Rule of Fives

    ...Well, as it applies to presenting anyhow.  Three key areas to keep in mind during the whole presentation, and steps to take to make them really count:

	Rehearse Get opinions from a friend.  Present to them.  Get their feedback. Test equipment Use all of it in your rehearsal.  The closer to the real thing, the more problems you can catch and correct. Have a backup plan.  If technology fails, what is plan B?  (And did you practice it?) Elements:  Introduction, Objective, Overview, Presentation, Summary.
	Audience Keep them awake. Get them the information they are looking for. Get them the message. Be certain they leave with the supporting material.  This helps them disseminate the information you provided. ACT on your information.
	When you're done... Link to other sites.  Provide information on where they can get MORE information. Start on your next presentation. Review your last presentation. Log on to an online book store and get a book on better presentations. Log off, visit a friend, spouse, take a break or take a vacation!!

More information can be found at: www.presentingsolutions.com/effectivepresentations.html

 

Practice, Body, Language, and Voice

1. Practice is key and will help you get the information in your head and reduce nerves.
   

2. To evaluate your voice and body language, videotape yourself and then evaluate yourself from the audience’s perspective.
   

3. You may also want to practice your speech in front of a mirror to see your facial expressions and body language.
   

4. Facial expressions, voice, and eye contact are crucial to your presentation.
   

5. Watch volume, pace, and inflection of your voice.

More information about this section at: www.hio.ft.hanze.nl/thar/presenta.htm