PRESENTATION SKILLS SKILLS. Three Rules Keep it short and simple Don’t worry about repeating...

PRESENTATIONPRESENTATION

SKILLSSKILLS

Three RulesThree Rules

• Keep it short and simple

• Don’t worry about repeating yourself

• Practice makes perfect

The 4 P approachThe 4 P approach

• PPlan• PPrepare

PPractice

• PPresent

PlanPlan

• Purpose of presentation?

• Audience?

• Audio-visual aids?

PurposePurpose

• Define your aim• Set your objectives• Think of your

audience

It’s not about me, it’s about them

What is the aim?What is the aim?

To convince the audience

• to buy my product

• to adopt my recommendations

• to join the club

• to give me a job

AudienceAudience

• Who are they?

• Prior knowledge

• How will you get their attention?

Attention levelAttention level

Who am I speaking to?Who am I speaking to?

• What are the benefits to the audience of my product/report/speech?

• Are these people the decision makers?• What do they know of the subject?• How does this change my approach?• What sort of questions will they ask me?

What are the answers?• What aspects will they be interested in?

Improving attentionImproving attention

• Variations in stimulation

• Change of activity• Include breaks• Audience participation• Enthusiasm

You can’t not communicate!

Audio-visual aidsAudio-visual aids

• Flipchart• OHP transparencies• 35 mm slides• PowerPoint• Video• Audio• Props

Summary - PlanSummary - Plan

Clearly define:• Why you are doing it• Know your audience• What you want to achieve

PreparePrepare

• Content

• Structure

• Slide design

ContentContent

• Objective• Key points• Supporting

material• Transitions• Summary and

close• Opening

Structure of talkStructure of talk

• Beginning• Middle• End

KeepKeep ItIt Short andShort and SimpleSimple

Benefits of good structureBenefits of good structure• Keep attention• Help understanding• Make a memorable message

First slide?First slide?

• Title of presentation• Who you are• Attention grabber

BeginningBeginning

• Purpose of your talk• Identify key issues• Provide a map of your talk

Tell them what you are going to say

MiddleMiddle

• Why the work was done?• How was it done?• What was found?• What it means?

Tell them

Don’t worryDon’t worry aboutabout repeatingrepeating yourselfyourself

EndEnd

• Clear summary of main points• Take home message• Finish decisively

Tell them what you said

Slide designSlide design

• Keep each slide simple and brief• About 6 words per line• About 6 lines per slide• Be consistent• How many slides?

ColourColour

• Easy on the eye, easy to read• A little is good, too much is distracting

TextText

• Informal and friendly style• Size - use the slide space• Title - size 60• Main text - size 36

FiguresFigures

TablesTables

Visuals - imagesVisuals - images

• Never use Clipart• Quality reproduction• Context

A picture paints a thousand words

Summary - PrepareSummary - Prepare

• Keep it short and simple

• Clear logical structure

• Use visual aids only to add value

PracticePractice makesmakes perfectperfect

CommunicationCommunication

• Verbal

• Vocal

• Visual

PracticePractice

• Vocal clarity• Timing

• Transitions• Body posture and image• Using audio-visual aids

• Beginning and end

Practice notesPractice notes

• No notes at all• Use your visual aids

• Written script• Prompt cards

How to rehearseHow to rehearse

• Be serious• Talk to yourself• Audio recording• Video recording

• In front of colleagues

Summary - PracticeSummary - Practice

• Practice, practice, practice• Get constructive feedback

“It usually takes me more than three weeksto prepare a good impromptu speech”

Mark Twain

“Chance favours only the prepared mind”Louis Pasteur

PresentPresent

• Before Preparation

• During 7 steps to success

• After Dealing with questions

Before your talkBefore your talk

• Arrive early• Meet the chairman• Check equipment

• Final preparation on stage

7 steps to success7 steps to success

• Good start• Mood• Voice• Body• Aids

• Timing• Good ending

A good startA good start

• Be confident

• Be enthusiastic

• Grab their attention

VoiceVoice

• Be audible• Variety• Pace• Pitch

• Volume• Do not rush – slow down

BodyBody

• Positioning• Hands

• Mannerisms• Eye contact

• Speak to your audience• Touch, turn, talk

A good endingA good ending

• Clear and concise ending• Take home message

Not with a whimper but a bang

Why are questions asked?

• To humiliate• Seek the limelight• Obtain additional information• Clarify doubts• Support the speaker• Express interest• Express another point of view

Three don’tsThree don’ts

• Don’t defend

• Don’t debate

• Don’t disparage

Dealing with questionsDealing with questions

• Prepare and rehearse your reply• Listen - take notes• Concise and clear response• Keep calm• Be honest

Summary - PresentSummary - Present

• Keep calm

• Speak to your audience not at them

• Signpost throughout

ReflectReflect

• Return to the experience• Attend to feelings

• Re-evaluate the experience•What are you doing right?

•What areas need attention?•How can you improve?