Presentation Skills

Most of you reading this blog do so because of the great fear of having to ‘present’ something. I get it! …but at the same time, why? Let’s dissect the word down a little first. It has multiple definitions depending on whether you are using it as a noun (as in the present time or a gift), adjective (as in being present) or verb (to offer or give). Of course, it’s the verb that creates fear!

Think about why you’ve been asked to ‘present’ on something. It generally comes about because you have the subject matter expertise (SME), and you’ve been asked to share that knowledge to inform others. Pretty cool! If you are the SME, then those others listening to you don’t know what you are supposed to say and whether you have got your sentences in the wrong order or you’ve skipped over a part, or you’ve added too much in. They are there to learn from you and are keen on the information, or they wouldn’t bother! The only person who knows you’ve made a mistake is….YOU!

So, here’s the best tip of all…don’t let them know you’ve made a mistake! Please share what you have to say naturally that suits you; they will come along for the ride. If you are nervous, that’s okay! Tell them you are anxious, they will understand…. don’t keep telling them!

The second tip- it’s about the information, but it’s also about you. Make sure you build rapport with your audience; this does not mean bad jokes! But let them know a little bit of your story that may connect with them and let them know you have travelled a similar path. Keep it short and simple; no ‘war and peace’ is required.

Article by Tangerine Peacock

Tip number three- PowerPoint is a reference tool, not a reading tool. Whatever device you choose, make sure you do not cram every word onto thousands of slides so that you can read the information…yes, it may make you feel comfortable to know the information is there. Still, it is extraordinarily dull for the participant, and they switch off quickly, thinking this could have just been sent out as reading. Please don’t waste my time! Keep slides to a minimum and make them as visual as possible. You speak the information from minimal reference points on the slide; images may be the prompter. Using more than just words keeps the information exciting and appeals to different learners.

This brings me to tip number four- Keep It Simple and Stylish. Understand the style needs of your audience (read business) and keep everything simple. My process is:

  1. Create the first draft, brain dump all ideas

  2. Walk away for at least 24 hours- do not even think about it

  3. Come back with fresh eyes and take at least one thing off each page

  4. Repeat step 2

  5. Fresh eyes and look at it from the audience’s perspective- remember they don’t know what they don’t know- how do you guide them through this experience for optimal engagement and transfer of knowledge…. another blog another day!

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# presentation, skills, rapport, learner, storytelling, SME

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