Giving a presentation, for a couple of colleagues, or in front of hundreds of people, can be difficult. You want everyone to be engaged in what you’re saying – not bored, or lost during the message’s delivery.
Your desire to speak professionally can be achieved with some planning and a few tips that will help you deliver your presentation on a level that everyone will stay focused on.
1~ Prepare. Not only should you have everything written down and practiced beforehand, but your preparation process should also include knowing who your audience will be. Analyze who all will be listening to your speech and adjust your content accordingly.
2~ Start Out Big. Don’t begin the presentation by telling your name and business title. This will possibly make you lose the attention of everyone before you even start. People want to be entertained. Start off with a bag, like a great quote or stunning statistic to get people’s attention and then introduce yourself.
3~ Space Plays a Part. It’s hard for people to concentrate on what you’re saying if they can’t see you or are uncomfortable. Part of a good delivery is making sure that there is adequate space for everyone and that you are in a good spot that’s easily visible to all. Arrive early to the site to move chairs or relocate the podium beforehand so that everything is in it’s proper place for the presentation.
4~ Try Conversing. While designing your presentation, try having a few points where you interact with the audience. Ask questions, making things more interesting and interactive. This keeps people’s interest peaked during your time in front.
5~ Use Stories. Many great presenters use personal stories to captivate their audience. Stories illustrate key points that you are reaching and make the presentation more personal and memorable.
6~ Feedback. Each time you have the opportunity to present, ask a trusted friend or colleague to attend to offer you feedback. Use this information to help you improve yourself for the next time you speak in front of others.
Using these tips and ideas will help you be a better presenter and ensure that your audience not only understands the point, but was captivated during the delivery.
