Presentation ?? Conversation
So, you’ve got a boat load of content to get through and you’re feeling nervous about presenting it?
Relax! It’s just a conversation. Reframing it that way takes a lot of the pressure off of you, and makes it much more satisfying for everyone else. Try these 3 easy tips to get started:
1. Let people talk
I'm serious. Giving other people space to contribute during my presentations is my #1 strategy.
Think about it. Aren't you more engaged when you actually get to say something, rather than just passively listening?
Presentation ?? Conversation
Turning your presentation into a conversation will not only help your audience retain information, it will increase their commitment to the content of your presentation. They'll feel involved.
If you're working with a manageable size, set a goal to hear from each person — in a big or small way. Let this be your new measurement of success, rather than how much material you get through.
2. Keep it simple
It can be tempting to present a lot of information. After all, you probably spend a fair amount of time preparing, and are anxious to demonstrate your thoughtfulness.
Great. That's what e-mail is for. To move information around.
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The purpose of presentations are to convey ideas. Don't lead with details. Or waste precious air time with your audience.
?? ?? 4 is the magic number ?? ??
Research shows that people remember an average of 4 items from any given presentation. That's apparently our cognitive capacity for memory recall. So choose your 4 points wisely, and tie them together with a unified message and simple visuals for maximum impact.
3. Be yourself
If you ask me, there's not much worse than listening to a corporate drone recite information like a textbook.
I'm inspired by people who say interesting things (or at least use interesting word choices), and actually care about what they're presenting.
Authenticity matters ??
Don't write a script. Speak from your heart, and let your natural speech pattern humanize the message.
It can take awhile before you feel comfortable hearing your own voice. But once you settle in and learn to trust yourself, you'll give your best presentation yet.
Good luck, you got this!!