Preperation is a key factor. Pay attention to the expectations of the audience and hit the key notes. Time management is crucial in order to keep the audience attentive and visuals defintely help to elaborate the information. Also Q&A after presentation can give you credability when you can give appropriate and concrete answers.
I completely agree with what you are saying Craig. When you see yourself on tape, it can be quite shocking to say the least. You really don't realize what you are doing (or not doing) while trying to present until you watch yourself. I found it to be a humbling yet valuable experience. It had a lot of comedic value though. Having your peers evaluate you as well is a great help. While I was attending college as a student a few years ago, we had to evaluate each others performance while giving presentations on various subjects. I found this to be quite useful in developing presentation skills. I also find that you become more comfortable as you spend more time presenting and you need to present to various audiences, because you may be comfortable in front of students and nervous in front of a different audience.
Great ideas. Remember that a presentation should be much like a well written paper beginning with a thesis statement/sentence that briefly & concisely describes the goal of the presentation.
Ryan
These are all great ideas. I especially like to emphasize the aspect of mobility & moving around. Don't let yourself get trapped behind the podium or lectern!
Ryan
I really like the idea of having the materials available on a website for later access. Even if you provide hard copies during the presentation this helps those who might misplace those materials to be able to access at a later time.
Ryan
1.) It seems to me that the most important issue to know is what is the context of your speech. Who will you be speaking to, and who else will be speaking. You need to be aware of the reason you have been asked to give your presentation.
2.) After defining the audience and the context of the presentation decide on the message that you wish to convey. What is the main purpose of your presentation. What do you want the audience to come away from your talk knowing or learning about your subject.
3.) Your need to gauge your audience at all times during your presentation. I believe it is very important to understand when you want to involve them, either with an agreeable reaction, or any sort of participation, even the nodding of the head, will convey to you that they are following you and adjustments can be made at this point.
4.) Finally I think it is imperative for an effective presentation to have some form of visual aids. Even if it is only a handout. Most people learn best visually.
Know your topic,the audience you are presenting to and what you want the audience take away from the presentation.
Very good point Sandra. The added advantage you have with students in a classroom is the very interactive environment you can create & use that to gather good feedback from them.
Ryan
For classroom presentations, I define the key message and try to avoid excessive detail which can be difficult when discussing such topics as building codes which covers a lot of details and facts. I have the students participate by doing some of the research on line and sharing the information with the class.
Being prepared with a well organized presentation and allowing the time to review, edit, and practice is most helpful.
Using a "hook" during the opening gets their attention. Power Point presentations with images is a good tool to keep their interest and help the students remember the content.
Making the presentation conversational, walking around the classroom is very effective.
1. Know the content well enough to deliver the information where it is clear and effective. Practice, practice and more practice.
2. Provide visual aids in order to ensure that those who need to 'see' what you're saying is as involved as those who are not as visual.
3. Have handouts available or a source name available for audience members to have access to the materials that was used during the presentation...ie..website where they can go and download the materials at a later date.
4. While delivering the presentation, you must gage the mood of your audience in order to determine 'how' to present the material that was prepared.
Rick,
Thanks for adding an idea that had not been shared before: Prepared for the worst case scenario. This is very important, but if we are prepared & ready to adapt & be flexible, really nothing can throw us off our game. Murphy is always present!
Ryan
Thank you Kathleen. I would add to your point about relaxing during the speech: actually try to enjoy your presentation. Not in an arrogant way, but while you are giving your speech you should be the room's foremost expert on that topic. Let this flow through you & really enjoy the opportunity.
Ryan
Great personal awareness on your strengths & where you need to pay attention. And you are very right with preparation, nothing can replace this as a tool for feeling confident & giving a good presentation.
Ryan
All good techniques to help keep your presentation interesting & effective.
Ryan
Hi Teri,
I agree that being prepared is essential. I often have to present to students who are new to the college experience and the content of my course. I have to make it very clear what they will be learning and why. I have to 'hook' them and convince them of the need of course content.
Being prepared helps me be very clear.
If I am not prepared and 'sold' on my presentation, I will lose the students from Day 1. They will not have confidence in me or my abilities to impart necessary information to them.
Dr. Ryan,
1 - Focus on the topic at hand
2 - Know who the audience is going to be
3 - What time are you going to deliver the presentation
4 - Be prepared for the worst case senerio
The first thing is always preparation. I find that I am a much better presenter when I am adequately prepared.
Second, is to know my audience. As a health care professional, if I am speaking to an audience that is business based, it may not be useful to use many health care analogies.
Third, is to be aware of time. I tend to end shorter than usual, maybe because I rush through so that I can get to the end. I need to slow down and take my time.
Dr. Ryan and readers,
In preparing for a speech I feel that the best preparation is knowing your audience, the company or institution, practicing your material, and finally relaxing during the presentation. I like the words of Dale Carnegie,
There are always 3 speeches for every one you actually gave. The one you practice, the one you deliver, and the one you wish you gave. I am sure we can all atest to this statement.
Thank you, Kathleen J.Murray
Do not be monotone
Keep distracting behavior to a minimum
Use humor when appropriate
Be enthusiastic
Ronnie,
You made several great points in your post, but I particularly appreciate your point about confidence. This is something that I really emphasize to my students & clients as I work with them on presentation skills. Even when we don't feel confident if we can portray confidence we are viewed as better presenters.
Ryan
