Presentation Skills

Hi everyone. I'm so sorry that I have missed writing over the last two weeks. Thank you for reaching out and checking in with me. I have not been too well. All better now though.

Any way, I do hope this weeks newsletter will find you and yours doing well.

As I return to work and start on another week, I wanted to share some insights and reflections from my journey in the Learning & Development (L&D), Human Resource Management (HRM) and Communications.

For those who are new here, I do wear a few hats. I’m a People Development Partner at Ulster University, a part-time lecturer and a neurodiverse professional with ADHD and other learning preferences. I’m also fluent in British Sign Language (BSL) and a published author. Why am I telling you all this? Well, it becomes 'part and parcel' in my job roles to present to individuals and groups regularly.

Presentation Skills

Indeed, this week’s article is all about ‘Presentation Skills,’ a vital component of effective communication that can significantly impact your professional success. I see it in the classroom, i see it in church. It's everywhere.

Whether you are a line manager, a neurodiverse individual, or someone with a keen interest in this topic, spending time and honing your presentation skills can make a world of difference.

Did you know that 75% of people experience some degree of anxiety when it comes to public speaking? (NIMH)

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, this fear, known as glossophobia, affects millions of professionals, potentially holding back their potential due to anxiety over presenting. For those of us who are neurodivergent, particularly with ADHD, the challenge can feel even more daunting. However, with the right strategies and support, anyone can become a confident and effective presenter.

"It's not the best content that wins, it's the best-presented content." - Gary Vaynerchuk

Tailoring Your Approach: Guidance for Neurodiverse Individuals

For my neurodiverse readers and our friends, here are some tailored tips to help you excel in your presentations.

1. Structured Preparation: Break your presentation into manageable chunks. Create a clear outline and use bullet points to organise your thoughts. This can help keep your presentation focused and prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your presentation multiple times. Practising in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or presenting to a trusted friend or partner can help you become more comfortable with your material and delivery.

3. Use Visual Aids: Incorporate slides, charts, and images to help convey your message. Visual aids can not only make your presentation more engaging but also serve as prompts to keep you on track.

4. Interactive Elements: Engage your audience with questions, polls, or brief activities. Interactive elements can help maintain your audience’s attention and make your presentation more dynamic.

5. Mindfulness Techniques: Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage anxiety. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, or even a quick walk before your presentation can help calm your nerves.

Supporting Your Neurodiverse Team Members

For those with line management responsibilities, your support can make a significant difference in helping your neurodiverse team members shine in their presentations.

1. Provide Clear Instructions: Ensure that your expectations are clear and provide a detailed brief for the presentation. This can help reduce anxiety and confusion.

2. Offer Flexible Deadlines: Where possible, provide flexibility with deadlines to accommodate different working styles and paces.

3. Encourage Practice: Create opportunities for your team members to practice their presentations in a safe and supportive environment. Offer constructive feedback to help them improve.

4. Recognise Strengths: Focus on the unique strengths that neurodiverse individuals bring to their presentations, such as creativity, attention to detail, and innovative thinking.

5. Provide Resources: Offer resources such as training workshops, presentation software, or even a quiet space to practice. Supportive tools can empower your team members to deliver their best work.

Amazing Stats from the UK

Here are some interesting statistics that highlight the importance of developing strong presentation skills.

- According to a survey by YouGov, 67% of UK employees believe that improving presentation skills would enhance their job performance.

- The same survey revealed that 42% of UK workers have missed out on career advancement opportunities due to a lack of confidence in their presentation abilities.

- A study by the University of Wolverhampton found that neurodiverse individuals who received tailored presentation training reported a 30% increase in their confidence levels.

Insights from Nancy Duarte

Nancy Duarte's book "Resonate" provides invaluable insights into crafting compelling presentations that truly connect with audiences. She emphasises the power of storytelling and how to structure presentations to make them more engaging and impactful. This is particularly useful for neurodiverse individuals looking to enhance their communication skills.

Resolve to Improve

Developing strong presentation skills is not just about conveying information, it's also about communicating your ideas confidently and persuasively. Whether you are presenting to a small team or a large audience, mastering these skills can open doors to new opportunities and career advancements.

A Memorable Presentation Experience

Let me share a personal story that highlights the power of effective communication. A few years ago, I was tasked with presenting a new initiative to a group of stakeholders at the university. Yes! I was nervous. Knowing that I had to captivate my audience, I focused on creating a narrative that resonated with them. I used visuals to highlight key points and engaged the audience with questions throughout. The result was a highly interactive session where everyone felt involved and invested in the initiative. That experience reinforced my belief in the power of well crafted presentations.

Call to Action

This week, I challenge you to prepare and deliver a short presentation on a topic of interest. Focus on engaging storytelling and clear delivery. Remember, it's not just about the content, it's about how you present it. Practice, seek feedback, and refine your skills. You'll be surprised at the impact you can make.

Support for ADHD in a University Setting

In a university workplace, imagine a line manager working with a talented academic named Stephen who has ADHD. (Just let me have this moment!)

The manager knows that presentations are a part of the role but can be particularly challenging for Stephen. Here's how the manager can support him effectively.

1. Clear Instructions and Expectations: Provide detailed briefs for presentations, including the key points to cover and the desired outcomes. This reduces ambiguity and helps Stephen focus on what’s important.

2. Structured Environment: Help create a structured environment where Stephen can prepare without distractions. Offer a quiet room or designated time slots for practice.

3. Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular check-ins to provide feedback and support. This can help Stephen stay on track and feel supported throughout the preparation process.

4. Encouragement and Positive Reinforcement: Recognise and celebrate Stephen's strengths and progress. Positive reinforcement can boost confidence and motivation.

Example Script for a Manager (Chat GPT generated this for me)

Here’s a suggested conversation script for a line manager supporting an employee with ADHD. It's not interactive, but it is paced.

Manager: "Hi Stephen, I wanted to talk to you about the upcoming presentation. I know you have some fantastic ideas, and I want to ensure you have all the support you need to deliver them effectively.

PAUSE

Firstly, I’ve put together a detailed brief outlining the key points and goals for the presentation. Let’s go through it together to ensure it’s clear.

PAUSE

I also wanted to offer you the option of using the conference room to practice your presentation. It’s quieter and free from distractions.

PAUSE

Additionally, I think it would be helpful for us to have regular check-ins as you prepare. This way, I can provide feedback and support as needed.

PAUSE

Remember, your creativity and attention to detail are your strengths, and I’m here to help you leverage them. Let’s work together to make this presentation a success."

References

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). "Glossophobia: Fear of Public Speaking."

YouGov. (2024). "Survey on Presentation Skills in the UK."

Duarte, N. (2010). Resonate: Present Visual Stories that Transform Audiences. Wiley.

University of Wolverhampton. "Study on Neurodiverse Individuals and Presentation Training." Retrieved from https://wlv.ac.uk.