How to make successful presentations


The objectives of a presentation

  • To EXCITE
  • To capture & hold attention 100% of the time
  • To inform
  • To motivate others to action

Planning a presentation

  • What is my objective?
  • Who is my audience?
  • What do they really want to know? (Be ruthless!)
  • How do I want them to feel?
  • What do I want them to do at the end?
  • Why is this important to me?

Common sense

  • Begin on time
  • Check room layout, visual aids, lighting etc
  • Keep control
  • Use cue cards not A4 notes

Overcoming ‘Fear’

Ask yourself "Why am I afraid to make a presentation? Is it because I'm afraid of being rejected? Then why do I think I'll be rejected? Do I believe what I'm about to say? Is my presentation worth giving? Am I proud of the comments I'm about to make?".

As you ask yourself these questions, the fear will begin to subside. It subsides because you have explored your subconscious mind with your questions and flushed out some of your fears.  As far as I know only three people have died while making a speech. Since 12 billion people have lived and only three of them died making a speech, I'd say it's a fairly safe thing to do.  One of the best ways to overcome fear is to….


Remember eye contact i.e. don’t talk to the white board but your audience!


AND FINALLY…

Enjoy it!

BE PREPARED & PRACTISED!


The more practiced you are the more confident you will feel.


Suggested introduction

  • Introduce you
  • Introduce your company
  • Introduce the topic
  • Inform all the duration of the ‘talk’
  • Tell them when questions can be asked


Making the right visual impact

  • Smile – especially at the start and end
  • Control your hands – don’t wave them about ineffectually!
  • Stand firmly – try not to move about too much
  • Eye contact – make sure you involve everyone


Presentation Content

  • Grab their attention at the beginning
  • Hold their attention by
  • Varying your pace of speech
  • Varying your tone of voice
  • Close strongly with a powerful statement
  • Pause at the end, look at everyone and then ask for questions

Using visual aids

Keep them simple!  Have copies of your visual aids for you too.