Presentation Laws
The Four Ps of Presentations
1. PREPARE: do your homework on both yourself and your topic
2. PLAN: start with the end in mind. Visualise yourself and your audience having a great time
3. PRODUCE: your speech in its entirety and then as “prompts”
4. PRACTISE: practise, practise and then practise some more
Are you a glossophobe? That is, are you terrified of making presentations?
A two-hour rehearsal and coaching session with redbird Hazel Walker is just £150. Call 07986-982-695 or email hazel@redbirdcoaching.co.uk
Meanwhile, try these presentation tips:
Before:
Practise. Lots
Know what you’re talking about. Obvious, but you’d be surprised!
Find out about your audience and present accordingly.
Check the resources available. Then double check.
Do whatever you need to do to address your nerves. Find the best solution for you.
Breathe deeply
Try greeting people as they arrive – it helps to be inclusive
Believe your audience wants you to do well: you do badly, they’re uncomfortable.
Be early. Not just punctual – early.
During:
Smile
Always have more material than you think you need.
You know your subject, yes, but check that you know it from the attendees’ viewpoint – how do they need to use the information you’re giving?
Think in 15-minute chunks of time: change pace, ask a question, provide an exercise, use a visual aid, do something different every 15 minutes if you want to keep the audience’s attention.
Use “props” like the whiteboard, flipchart, glass of water, to encourage you to move around.
Most mistakes won’t be noticed; don’t make a meal of them. Apologise if necessary then move on.
NEVER read out your Powerpoint slides. Unless you’re presenting to little children who can’t read.
After:
Always ask for evaluations. And act on them
Do your own review. Change anything that felt less than great.
Think about joining a Toastmasters group to put your presentation style into the superstar league.
Are you a glossophobe? That is, are you terrified of making presentations?
A two-hour rehearsal and coaching session with redbird Hazel Walker is just £150. Call 07986-982-695 or email hazel@redbirdcoaching.co.uk
