Effective Presentation Skills

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– What’s 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 (what’s 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/OHT’s• 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