Presentation Skills

Kevin R. ThomasManager, Training & Developmentx3542Kevin.R.Thomas@Williams.edu

Agenda

• Theory: Basics of Presenting• Practice:– Prep time– Presentations w/ positive feedback– Presentations w/ positive and constructive

feedback

BASICS OF PRESENTINGTheory

Basics of Presenting

• What makes presenting challenging• Managing your nerves• Knowing your audience• Designing your presentation for impact• How to prepare

What Makes Presenting Challenging?

What Makes Presenting Challenging?

• Mismanaged nerves• Threat of exclusion from the group• Fear of judgment• Lack of training• Lack of practice• Lack of preparation• You can manage all of these

Managing Your Nerves

• Your nervous system will rev up

• Consider it energy that can be used

• If you think “I’m getting nervous”, follow that thought with “I’m getting excited.”

Managing Your Nerves

• Self-care prior to your presentation– Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and

carbonated drinks– Go to the bathroom – Eat just enough so you won’t

be hungry– Have a glass of water handy

• Breathing exercise• Grounding exercise• Practice “Power Posing”

Once You’re “On Stage”

• You’re there to serve a purpose:– No Apologies– No reference to your

own nerves– No questions seeking

reassurance

The Cycle of Perfectionism

Fear of failure

Procrastination,Poor Preparation, “De-skilling”

Self-criticism

Anxiety and depression

Loss of confidence

Perfectionistic Demands

Worry Worksheet

• Planning realistically for risks creates a sense of safety.

• Complete the worry worksheet.

Preparing

• Know your audience• What action/s do you want them to take as a

result of your presentation?• What are the key points they will need to be

persuaded of to take these actions?• Organize your material with a focus on driving

home those points.

Rehearsing

• Internally• In front of a mirror• To your family• To a single friendly colleague• To a group of friendly colleagues• Track time• Get feedback

PRACTICE

Prepare A Strengths Story

• Audience: Anyone you might be networking with.

• Intended impact: Audience will have a clear sense of your strengths and actively look out for opportunities in line with your career goals.

Prepare A Strengths Story

• Set the scene• Describe the challenge• Describe the action you took• Describe the result• Sum up what strengths you used• Describe what opportunities you are looking

for

More theory on lynda.com

• Lynda.com playlist

ROUND 1: APPRECIATION

Positive Feedback

• Appreciation guarantee• Focus on what worked• Be specific about what the speaker did and its

impact on you

ROUND 2: BALANCED FEEDBACK

ROUND 2: Balanced Feeback

• Include at least as many appreciative comments as constructive feedback.

• With constructive feedback, briefly state the specific behavior and its negative impact.

• Then describe future positive behavior and its likely impact.

Thank You!

• Program evaluation link will be emailed to you today.

Kevin R. ThomasManager, Training & Development

x3542kevin.r.thomas@williams.edu