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Management Training Tips – Presentation Skills

Ever wondered why your presentations occasionally don’t have the impact you wanted?
Or
Does the mere thought of giving a presentation make you come out in a cold sweat?
If you answered any yes to any of these questions then perhaps we can help you to deliver a more effective presentation, win over the audience or beat those butterflies with a few simple tips.
1) Remember a presentation is about winning hearts and minds. The first step therefore is to be clear about what you want to accomplish from the presentation. Is it about sharing information, gaining approval for a decision, making a sale or something else?
2) Prepare your presentation thoroughly. How will you get your message across? What is the most appropriate media to use? Use a ‘story board’ to set out and structure your presentation. Think about the questions that might be asked and your response to them. Finally, when preparing your script, dictate it and don’t write it as the spoken and written word is different!
3) Use the 5 P’s principle - preparation and planning prevents poor performance! Don’t just wing it – no matter how good you think you are your audience will see through you. Practice it before hand, in front of the mirror, friends or family. Get them to give you feedback. Time it so you know at each stage whether you are ahead or behind schedule.
4) Get there early and set up the room to how you want it. Make sure that all the equipment works and you know how to use it.
5) To control your nerves go somewhere quiet before hand. Breathe deeply and slowly to help you relax and then visualize your presentation, how it will start, how you will perform and handle questions. When on stage find an ‘anchor’ that you can hold on to – this will help prevent your hands form shaking.
6) Set the ground rules when you start. Let your audience know what you will be covering, and if and when you want them to ask questions. Also, make sure all mobiles are switched off!
7) Grab their attention. You need to get their attention quickly by doing something effective. Ask a question, include a relevant topic from the days news, play an inspiring piece of music or show an amazing visual – do anything creative as long as it is relevant.
8) Keep the audience’s attention. Keep their attention by varying the pace and tone of the presentation. Use props or visuals, move about the room, try to exaggerate body movement and verbal emphasis. However, don’t read anything except quotations, keep your eyes on your audience, and use a little humour (but don’t tell jokes).
9) Go with the flow. Remember that you are the only one that knows what you are going to say, so if you miss it don’t worry. If it’s important come back to it later, if not forget it.
10) Finally, be yourself, perform but don’t act, and if you are not nervous then there is something wrong!