Presentation Skill Development 2

This is the second in a three-part series on developing your presentation skills.

(7) Nerves.?I had an instructor tell me that when I quit being nervous before a presentation, it was time to quit.?With nerves you will tend to speak too fast and even run out of breath.?Slow down.?Take some pauses.?Always try to set and keep a pace.?It is okay to take some deep breaths!

(8) Limit Your Material.? Yes you want to have useful and actionable information as part of your presentation.?I have seen presenters try to condense a vast topic, which probably needed 30 minutes, into a ten minute presentation.?Not good.?Plan your presentation and edit it and then edit it again.?If you can leave something out, leave it out!

(9) Let the Audience In.?People have opinions and ideas and they like to talk.?When ever possible, plan and allow for questions from the audience.?Get them engaged!?In your planning, anticipate questions you think would be asked so that you are better prepared to answer questions.?When appropriate you can begin a presentation by asking people what they want to get from the presentation and then write those on a chart or white board.?At the end make sure you have covered all of them.

(10) Entertain.?In other words, give an entertaining presentation.?Warning.?Do not use humor unless you are humorous and know how to time the humor.?No, I am not suggesting you make this a standup routine like a comedian.?However, use your hands.?Move around.?Make eye contact.

(11) Be Humble.?I have heard and seen too many presenters fake an answer to a question from the audience.?Why??They just are not able to admit it when they do not know an answer.?No one can know everything.?So, if you do not know, admit it.?You might even ask the person for their email so you can send them the answer.

(12) Power Ranger. ?Before the presentation, practice in front of a mirror, or a friend, and work on your body language.?You need to project a confident and strong image.?You don’t have to take a “power ranger” stance, but you can use good posture and except in very unusual situations, do not sit!

(13) Fear.?Accept your fear.?Do not fight it.?If you get yourself all worked up your anxiety and nervousness will be on full display to your audience.?As mentioned earlier, if yo lose your nervousness it is time to quit.?Harness your nervous energy and turn it into some positive enthusiasm!

In conclusion, I had an instructor give me this advice for a presentation.?Tell them what you are going to tell them; then tell them; and then tell the what you told them.?Good advice.