How to deliver effective presentations
The thought of public speaking or delivering presentations at work fills many people with dread. But it doesn't have to be that way. Believe it or not, giving presentations can be a fun and enjoyable experience. Here are 10 tips to help make your experience less daunting and more interesting.
1. Preparation
It's said that you should spend 20 minutes developing each minute of your presentation. For example, if you have a 10-minute presentation, this works out at three hours and twenty minutes of preparation. This may seem a huge amount of time, but by the time you have researched, written, rewritten, and practised a couple of times, it probably works out to be somewhere near this. Remember: a prepared presenter is more likely to be a confident and comfortable presenter.
2. The 4Mat system
To make things easier, use the structure below when you are devising your presentation. It's called the 4MAT System and is based on the way we learn. It was developed by Bernice McCarthy, president and chief executive officer of About Learning, Inc. The system involves these questions:
- What? - What do they need to know?
- How? - How would they use the information you give them?
- What if? - What would happen if they accepted what you said and applied it to their work and what would happen if they didn't. Make sure you allow some time for people to ask questions.
3. Environment
If you have the opportunity, make sure you check out the room in which you will be speaking and familiarise yourself with the layout before your presentation. This will help improve your own comfort and confidence.
4. Start in the way you mean to go on
The first two minutes of your presentation are the most important. They set the scene for the rest of the session. The more successful you are in this time, the more the listeners will want to be there and believe what you say.
5. Don't tell them what they don't need to know
In attempting to win over audiences, people often apologise for things such as equipment failure or forgetting their notes. This isn't really necessary because it's only by bringing these things to the attention of the audience that they will be noticed. Saying, for example, "Sorry I've forgotten to bring the projector" carries the risk of the audience thinking you are incompetent.
6. Speaking their language
People respond to information in different ways. In order to maximise the impact you make, use a combination of different delivery methods. For example, draw on visual awareness through use of images or charts and then try tapping into auditory awareness by using a tape recording.
7. Achieving rapport with the group
The message you get across will depend largely on your confidence and your knowledge. However, it will also help if the audience feel comfortable with you and have established a level of rapport. You can achieve this by matching or mirroring the behaviour and characteristics of the group. For example, try copying their body language or use examples and stories that the group can relate to.
8. Handling a difficult question
There is always a reason for somebody asking a difficult question. Either they want the answer or they want to test you. Before you answer, take a moment to reflect on the question. Stand as though you are thinking and say "good question". This not only lets the audience know that you respect the question, it also buys you time to think and decide on your answer. If you can't think of an answer off the top of your head, reassure them that you will come back to it later - and make sure you do.
9. Enjoy yourself
Whether it's a presentation or a meeting, you want people to be fully engaged in what you are saying. It often helps if you are enjoying the experience yourself. If it is appropriate and you feel confident to do so, try to have some fun. The audience will warm to you if you warm to them.
10. Evaluation
You can only improve if you take time to look at yourself and constructively evaluate your performance. If you know and trust someone in the audience, ask their opinion. Spend some time to think about what you'd do to improve it for next time and make notes if applicable. And don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back when you are successful.
Produced by Caterer-online in association with Learnpurple
