Effective Presentation Skills

Presented by Felicity Mildon

Wednesday 30 August, 2006

In effective presentations
We never plan to fail we fail to plan!

Steps to successful presentations...

1. Purpose of the Presentation:
thank inform persuade ideas and/or action

Understand Your Audience

Who? What? When? Where? How?

Some questions to consider:

Who are they? (demographics, professions etc) What content do they want to hear? How many people? What is your relationship with them? Are there any cultural differences? What do they need to know? What language will be most appropriate?

Other questions about the audience..

What is the date, day, and time? Where is the venue? Will there be other speakers? What equipment is available

3. Check the Venue

Seating Plan/Room layout Lighting Air Conditioning Lectern/Microphones Projector and screens Whiteboards Power supply Technical support

4.Research your Topic

Ideas Facts and figures Statements by authorities Stories Historical information Interesting or quirky facts

5. Prepare your structure:

How long will the presentation be? Allow 10% of the time for both your opening and conclusion Will there be time for questions? How interactive will the presentation be?

Other Issues
Title for your presentation?
Catchy Whats in it for me? Theme of presentation

Appropriate Use of Humour

6. A Strong Opening
Ask a question Tell a story Use a famous quote Identify with the audience

7. The Body of the Presentation

Break into key points:
Explain It (a few statements only) Reinforce it (stories, acts, information) Sell it (whats in it for them)

8. Sequencing
Chronological Topical Logical

9. Closing your Presentation

End with a bang, not a wimper Summarise key messages Issue a call to action Challenge the audience An inspirational quote Ask a question

10. Using Visual Aids

Powerpoint/OHTs Whiteboards Flip Charts Slides Handouts Props

11. Using Powerpoint

Only six to seven lines Simple, key words Bold headings Clear layout Diagrams, pictures, cartoons Avoid too much animation Use colour

12. Body Language

Eye contact Tone, pitch and pace of voice Movement Grooming Posture (sitting vs standing) Intangibles: honesty, credibility, sincerity

13. Mental Preparation

Arrive early Practice Visualise yourself presenting confidently with an engaged audience Use deep breathing

14. Dealing with difficult situations

Active listening Paraphrasing Questioning techniques

Time for Questions