However, there are a number of techniques that can be used to make sure that a presentation goes as well as possible, regardless of the audience or required outcome. Follow these simple steps to ensure any delivered presentation is an immediate hit with the audience.
Prior Preparation
Confidence will increase in direct proportion to the amount of preparation which is put in beforehand. Undertake the following to ensure that last-minute nerves are significantly reduced.
Thoroughly research the subject – make sure that the presentation is written well, and a lot of rehearsal has taken place before the real event. Use the help of a friend to run through the presentation as many times as it takes to feel entirely comfortable with it. A good rule of thumb is knowing that if the notes were lost, it could still be delivered as well as with notes.
Check the room – Make sure there is enough time before the event to check the environment. Order chairs to make speaking as easy as possible, and make sure all technology is set up properly to avoid last-minute hitches.
Creating the Presentation
- Structure the document or PowerPoint item well. Outline intentions at the beginning of the presentation, create regular ‘check-in’ sections to ensure that the audience is following along.
- Keep the required outcome of the presentation in mind throughout the creation of the speech or document. What is meant to happen? What is the significant of each slide?
- Use images – Humans are naturally more drawn to images than text. A substantial number of images which illustrate the content of the presentation will keep audiences engaged and make the presentation more interesting.
- Keep it as short as possible – everyone naturally has a short attention span – the less slides used, the better! No-one has ever complained that a speech or presentation was too short!
Proffer an Air of Confidence
Confidence can be feigned in a number of ways. Undertake the following to increase yours as much as possible:
- Keep posture erect, holding the body as straight as possible. People lacking confidence tend to slouch, so by mimicking a confident person, it is possible to trick the audience
- Speak slowly. One of the worst crimes of presenting is to garble through the speech, leaving an audience bewildered and frustrated. Measured and clear tones help to get the point across, and give an impression of confidence.
Engage the Audience
Use the following techniques to increase audience participation and enhance the presentation experience:
- Use humour – this is the best way of keeping an audience lively, interested, and receptive.
- Ask for input – request a poll, a show of hands, or undertake an icebreaker such as getting an audience member on stage to share in the experience with you. This wakes people up and encourages empathy.
- Use props – do something unexpected, if it is appropriate. Seed the audience with people who will feed correct answers or achieve something to provide surprise. Use as many props as are needed to create a lively environment
- Ask open questions – try to bring an audience along, rather than dictating to them. Ask open questions and genuinely be receptive to the answers. Allow the audience input to sway the direction of the presentation if this is possible.
- Be honest – everyone responds well to someone who admits they are nervous or concerned. Show vulnerability at the beginning for a tremendous show of audience support and empathy.
Finally…
Have fun! People know when someone is scared or uncertain, as this promotes stiffness and a stilted delivery. Relax, picture a positive outcome (how will things look / be when this is all over?) and remember that the worst that can happen is you fluff your lines, in which case you can simply laugh about it and resume. Presentations are there for a reason, and that reason is not to make someone’s life miserable!
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