Yes, you have been there…the presentation from hell.
You discreetly tweeted #killmenow.
You yawned and hoped no one caught you.
You took copious notes, which looked a lot like a grocery list.
You made faces, rolled your eyes and exchanged smirks with equally bored co-workers.
And the same things will happen next week when YOU are giving the presentation.
Think back to the last great presentation you attended. What captivated your attention? What was memorable about it? Why could you have sat there for another hour listening to the speaker?
It’s probably because the presenter was -- repeat after me -- ENGAGING. Audiences don’t want to be spoken to or lectured at, they want be in conversation with you. This may seem like a play on words, it isn’t.
Consider how you have a good conversation: you look the person in the eye, you tell jokes or share stories, you gesture or talk with hands, your voice fluctuates and you enjoy it. The same principles hold true for good presentations.
1. Connect with your audience. Look up from your notes and at your audience. Find a few people to connect with, eye-to-eye. They won’t bite you.
Don’t cheat and stare at the back wall. It won’t positively reinforce you.
Bonus tip: have a couple of friends in the audience to give you smiles and occasional winks of encouragement
2. Invite your audience into your world. Share a funny story. Your life consists of hundreds of funny, interesting and amazing experiences…tell them. Your audience will relate.
Don’t share anything that is overly personal; religious and political stories aren’t a good idea either.
Bonus tip: go with cute stories about your children, in-laws or pets
3. Move it, move it, move it. Let your natural rhythm flow. You naturally move when you talk, holding back makes you look stiff and nervous.
Don’t fidget. Remember your movements should flow like a river, not babble like a brook.
Bonus tip: request a lavaliere (clip-on) microphone to keep your hands free and to allow for movement around the stage
4. Modulate your voice. Speak, just open your mouth and speak as you normally do. The only way for the audience to receive the message is for you to deliver it.
Don’t use your “outside voice.” The AV techs will adjust the microphone to you.
Bonus tip: do a sound check before you get on stage
5. Have fun. Breathe…inhale…exhale. The audience is on your side; they want to hear from you.
Try not to be nervous. If you’re uncomfortable, then your audience will be uncomfortable.
Bonus tip: practice, practice, practice…it makes perfect
Speaking in front of people shouldn't be painful for you or your audience.
Additional Resources:
Toastmasters International
Speech and Public Speaking, Kennesaw State University
Public Speaking Tips (video series)
