What makes a Good Presentation?

What makes a Good Presentation?

Despite differences in individual perceptions, there are a number of elements which all good presentations have in common. There are always two points of view – the audience’s point of view, and the point of view of the presenter themselves.

What does an audience want to see?

They want to see a confident, credible presenter, who knows their material, can relate to the audience and can engage with them in the exchange of information.

This requires some fundamental consistencies, including:

?      Knowing your audience

?      Knowing your material

?      Knowing yourself

Knowing Your Audience:

Who is your audience? Are they professional colleagues who can be expected to know what you are talking about, or are they complete newcomers to your topic? The answers to those questions will inform and influence the substance, tone and style of your presentation.

Knowing Your Material:

The most fundamental thing the audience relates to in a presenter is the knowledge (or perception) that this presenter knows their material. Get familiar with it. Get confident with it.

Knowing Yourself:

Are you consciously aware of how you are coming across? Knowing that you are coming across to your audience how you think you are (not how you hope you are), and that you are therefore coming across precisely how you want to come across.

TIPS & TAKEOUTS:

1.    Know your audience – research them and their expectations.

2.    Know your material – preparation and rehearsal are crucial.

3.    Know yourself – self-awareness; self-analysis; self-confidence.

Copyright 2018-2019 Dr Christiaan Willems