However the biggest block to giving a successful presentation is attitude. If you think that you can’t, and that you never will be able to, then you won’t. Giving effective presentations is something that anyone can learn to do. You can learn by going on courses or reading books, but there is no substitute for getting out there and actually doing it. If you dislike speaking in public then try and take every opportunity to do it – by speaking up in meetings, giving presentations to colleagues etc. Be positive and accept setbacks as being part of the learning process.

Here are some guidelines to help your presentation go well: -

• Know how long you are expected to speak for. If it is a short presentation lasting only fifteen minutes then you are not going to have time to make more than two or three main points. Don’t make the mistake of anxiously preparing a lot more material. You will end up having to present it so fast that your audience won’t be able to keep up and will switch off.
  

• Make sure that your presentation has a definite structure or format.
  

• Keep it simple – begin with a brief summary of the topic and explain why it is of interest.
  

• If it is research that you have done yourself explain what you were trying to find out and why before explaining what you actually did and found.
  

• Use diagrams and examples to illustrate the main points that you are making.
  

• If using an overhead projector or flip chart just write out a set of headings and bullet points. Don’t make the mistake of trying to write out everything you are going to say. Use the bullet points as a prompt and talk your way through each of the different points.
  

• Speak clearly and try to make eye contact with one or two people in the audience.
  

• Use simple words and keep sentences brief.
  

• Avoid ums and errs and other verbal punctuation like ‘sort of,’ ‘like,’ ‘right,’ or ‘OK’ etc.
  

• If you are likely to be asked questions try to guess what you might be asked and prepare your answers in advance. If you are asked a question to which you do not know the answer then say so honestly. Offer to find out the information and ask the questioner for contact details.

Remember that all aspects of your appearance come under scrutiny during your presentation including posture, body language, and use of voice and facial expressions. Whatever you say and show it will be you, yourself who will remain as the focus of the audiences attention. Dress smartly, but in clothes that you are comfortable in.

Don’t try to pretend that you are someone you are not. If you are usually the quiet serious type don’t try to give a humorous presentation – you will probably come across as false and will not gain the trust of your audience. Try instead to project an image of calm and respect for others. However if you are naturally extrovert and outrageous you may be able to get away with using humour and shock tactics.

Prior to your presentation there is no substitute for rehearsal. You can practice in front of a mirror or perhaps a willing friend. You should run through your speech at least three times, making improvements as you go.

Try not to have sheets of paper from which you read out your whole speech – this can lead to a very uninspiring performance. If you need to support your talks with notes (you can’t manage just using the points on the transparencies as prompts) then use small cards which can be held unobtrusively.

The opening of your talk is important, not only because it is the first thing that you say, but also because it establishes your subject and your rapport with the audience. It will also help build your confidence so rehearse it a few extra times. The ending on the other hand, is the last impression that you make, so try and make it memorable. This is the time to remind them of what you meant them to hear in the middle.

Finally remember that the keywords for effective presentations are practise and preparation. To conquer the art of giving successful presentations you have to practise. Force yourself onto the platform to gain experience and confidence – but always, always make the time and effort for the preparation.

Once you have succeeded in giving effective presentations you will find that your views are more often heard and your opinion more often sought. This is simply because you are known as an effective communicator – and you never know – you may even enjoy it!

Recommended Reading:

Presentations for Dummies by Malcolm Kushner

High Impact Presentations by Lee Bowman

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