7 Huge Reasons for Why You Need to Up Your Presentation Game
Bridgett McGowen
Award-Winning International Professional Speaker, Author, Publisher, and Podcast Host Who Appeared on Nasdaq’s Billboard in Times Square
I hear you.
Loudly and clearly.
"Bridgett, what does being able to deliver great presentations have to do with the price of a margarita on the rocks and a plate of loaded nachos in Texas?
"I'm trying to stay employed.
"I'm trying to keep my business afloat.
"I'm trying to make payroll.
"So, girlfriend, when it comes to worrying about getting on a mic ...
"Futzing over how to grab and keep my audience's attention ...
"Stressing over practicing my message all the way through a minimum of three times ...
"I'm not feeling you.
"If you have something else I should consider with this presentation skills crusade you're on, you need to bring it. And bring it now."
And my response is ... I hear you. I see you. And I've got you.
Whether you're an employee or a business owner, being a great presenter and overall effective communicator can be a game-changer, a deal-breaker, and a deal-maker. Here are seven of my biggest reasons for screaming from the mountaintops that everyone needs to up their presenter game:
1. Build a Personal Brand:
Employees: Crafting and delivering impressive presentations can support employees with building a strong personal brand within their industry. Remember, your employer does not define you; do not allow that company name to be the end-all and be-all to who and what you are. When you build your own personal brand, you are able to showcase your expertise, creativity, and unique perspective, making you more recognizable and influential.
Business Owners: For business owners, strong presentation skills can enhance your personal and business brand, positioning you as a thought leader. This can attract new clients, partners, and investors who are drawn to your authoritative presence, innovative ideas, and your company offerings.
2. Facilitate Change Management:
Employees: When you are able to effectively present ideas, you can drive change within your organizations. You can articulate the benefits of new processes or technologies, garnering support and minimizing resistance. People are more likely to get on-board with your thinking if you can carefully and thoughtfully articulate your thinking in a compelling way.
Business Owners: Business owners can use presentations to manage change more smoothly, clearly communicating new strategies or changes to operations, which can reduce uncertainty and build consensus among internal and external stakeholders. Change because easier to execute when you can deliver the ideas in a meaningful way.
3. Enhance Negotiation Skills:
Employees: Great presentation skills can enhance your ability to negotiate better terms during salary reviews, promotions, or project proposals by clearly and persuasively presenting your case. When you go in with a plan that details your why, evidence to support your why, and what's in it for the listener (this is a biggie!), then you are in a better position to get what you want.
Business Owners: For business owners, the ability to deliver compelling presentations can be a powerful tool in negotiations with suppliers, investors, and clients, positioning you to be able to secure better deals, terms, partnerships, and better paychecks. Real talk.
4. Increase Networking Opportunities:
Employees: Effective presenters are often invited to speak at industry conferences, webinars, and workshops. These opportunities can expand their professional network and open doors to new career opportunities. And even if you don't make it on a stage, the networking that happens in between conference sessions require effective communication. Being able to show up in one-to-one settings in an unforgettable way allows you to grow your community.
Business Owners: Business owners who can deliver captivating presentations are more likely to be invited to high-profile events, increasing their visibility and the reach of their business network.
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5. Improve Crisis Management:
Employees: How many times have you had a hiccup with a project? How many times have you had to put out fires? Turn things around? Figure out the fix? Employees with strong presentation skills can play a crucial role in crisis management, helping to communicate clearly and calmly during critical situations, which can help mitigate panic and confusion and positively impact customer loyalty.
Business Owners: During crises, business owners who can present effectively can reassure stakeholders, convey confidence, and outline clear action plans, which can stabilize the business, maintain trust, and keep the doors open.
6. Boost Team Morale and Collaboration:
Employees: Presentations that highlight team achievements and contributions can boost morale and foster a collaborative work environment. Even if that is not the primary focus of a presentation, incorporating a few minutes of kudos in every presentation will always resonate.
Business Owners: Business owners can use presentations to celebrate successes, acknowledge employee contributions, and communicate a shared vision, especially when on-boarding a new employee, engaging with a new independent contractor, or when starting conversations with prospects. This which can enhance team cohesion and motivation and give prospects a clear window into the what and why behind your company.
7. Enhance Learning and Development:
Employees: Employees who excel in presentations can take on roles as trainers or mentors, supporting the upskilling of their colleagues and foster a culture of continuous learning. This was my precise experience in both higher ed and in Corporate America!
Business Owners: Business owners can use their presentation skills to lead effective training sessions, ensuring that their team is well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed and grow the business. And what business owner doesn't want that?!
So, the presentation strategies that I share over and over and over again have a greater purpose. I drill down, providing specific tactics for ...
AND SO MUCH MORE ...
... because they all make a difference in you being a standout presenter that can make you a standout employee and that can make you a standout business owner.
Real talk.
Improve your presentation and communication skills by subscribing and listening to Own the Microphone podcast. You will get real strategies from Bridgett McGowen and her guests on how to own the microphone and deliver a message people love.
Visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or wherever you like to purchase your books to order a copy of?Real Talk: What Other Experts Won't Tell You About How to Make Presentations That Sizzle, 2e?for all of the presentation skills strategies that Bridgett uses.
Visit BridgettMcGowen.com for more resources and services built on Bridgett’s more than two decades of experience as a professional speaker.
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2 个月Love this! ?? It sounds to me from what you’re saying, that no matter what the medium or application, at the heart of great presentations is the intent to communicate effectively and create understanding among the people experiencing your presentation.