Excellent Presentation Skills

How to Become a Master Presenter

Public speaking is one of the most feared things

“I could make such a fool of myself”

Ground RulesShow the AgendaStart and Stop on timeSet and adhere to BreaksTake care of yourselfRespect each otherSafe environmentNo side bar conversationsTurn cellular telephones to vibrateQuestions – Write them down (Ask it Basket,

etc.)

Your Audience: Learning Styles Audio learner

Verbally present the presentation Summarize the highlights of the presentation

Visual learner Overhead PowerPoint Flip charts Copies of PowerPoint or summary sheets

Tactile learner Provide exercises that reinforce the presentation Role modeling/playing the points being presented

Presentation or Death“I read a thing that speaking in front of a

crowd is actually considered the number one fear of the average person. Number two was death. Number two.

That means if you’re the average person, if you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Jerry Seinfeld, “I’m Telling You for the Last Time”

Stage FrightEveryone has it to some degreeCan be used constructivelyKey issue is not elimination of fear Instead channel the energy it generates for an

effective presentation

The Most Important ThingClear Titles?

Good Text?

NOThe three PsPractice, Practice, Practice

PracticeOut loudIn front of a mirror, husband, dogRepeatedly

Presentation Skills - DeliveryBe active - moveBe purposeful - controlled gesturesVariations – vocal (pitch, volume, rate)Be naturalBe direct – don’t just talk in front of the

audience talk to them

You & Your BodyEyesVoiceExpressionAppearanceStance

Distractions: What Not To DoThe swayerThe hand washerThe change jinglerThe walkerThe hair groomerThe defensive oneThe fiddler

“ “Jokes?The NarrativeRemember to breatheDeliberate use of silence

Your Audience’s Body LanguageCheck Body Language

When audience is engaged, they sit up They sit forward and face you Make eye contact

Sleeping?Someone sleeping – check your body

language – Can you give the audience a break?– Ask a question – give them a treat - candy– Laugh – people are interested– Make a point – raise your voice– Don’t Get Upset – maybe they have a small baby at

home– Ignore them?– Just move on?

Handling QuestionsDo not get confusedYou are not supposed to know everythingAnticipate and keep answers readySometime questions themselves give you a

lead to highlight your point of view

QuestionsAnticipate likely questions andprepare extra slides with the answers

Maybe even plant a stooge

QuestionsParaphrase questions

1. so that other people hear the question

QuestionsParaphrase questions

1. so that other people hear the question2. to check you understand the questions

QuestionsParaphrase questions

1. so that other people hear the question2. to check you understand the questions3. to stall while you think about an answer

Answers You Don’t HaveIf you are asked a question and don’t know the

answer, say so.

Provide your contact information for follow up

Write down their questionMake sure you follow up

Text & ReadingDon’t Read What They Can ReadParaphrase and State Why It’s Important

People’s MemoriesPeople remember only 10% of what they

read versus 20% of what they hear. Individuals understand 40 percent more of

a presentation when they hear and see.Visual aids enhance a presentation by giving

the audience something to view and relate to your speech.

Visual AidsWhile using a projector, face the audience

while talking (never turn your back)Watch the colors used in the slides (not too

many)Ensure clear visibilityMaximum 10 lines, 10 words per line

The RoomMurphy’s LawArrive EarlyCheck out/set up the equipmentUse Visual aids if the audience can see themMake sure you know how your equipment

worksKnow Where the restrooms are; tell the

audience