Polished Presentation Skills

View Stage fright at positive energy

When you make presentation, you would probably flop without at least one or two butterflies fluttering around in your stomach.You need adrenaline and energy to perform well.This is true because stage fright is really just a form of energy and if you didn't have this energy flowing through your body your presentation would be flat and lifeless.So the first trick in overcoming stage fright is to stop thinking of it as a negative thing. Understand that without it ,athletes wouldn't win,campers wouldn't out run bears and your presentation wouldn't terrific

Prepare

Preparation is the key to feeling confident.If you Know your subject and know what you are going to be talking about,you will be less fearful. make sure you organize your speech and prepare your notes ahead of time.

Practice.Practice.Practice

You need to practice your presentation several times. You will be giving your presentation by speaking it so you need to practice by speaking it too.And practice it out loud.The more you hear yourself saying the words the more confident you will become in your delivery.

Have a dress rehearsal

Do a complete run through of your whole presentation,preferably in the actual place you will be giving it.Ask a few friends or co-workers to attend .For many,the first time is the worst time so get it over with.This will also help you discover if you have any glitches or problems that need to be corrected.Ask your audience members for feedback and be open to their comments.

Dress appropriately

You want to be viewed as a credible source and your clothing can help. Generally, the business suit for both men and women is the most appropriate outfit for a professional office presentation.Darker colors convey more authority.Both men and women need to keep double breasted jackets but toned.Men keep your single breasted jackets buttoned.Women: Don't wear hanging earrings that sway and bracelets that jangle when you move.

Arrive early

Give yourself plenty of time to set up equipment,arrange visual aids,correct problems and greet participants.you won't just look"in control," you will be "in control."

Fake it until you feel it

If you Know your material and understand how to use your verbal and non verbal skills effectively , you won't look nervous even if there's an earthquake going on inside you. You will seem poised and confident to your audience.Most people find that sooner or later the feeling will catch up to the appearance.

Organize your presentation correctlt

Every presentation should have three separate and distinguishable parts; the introduction ,the main body and the conclusion.

Use an attention-getting introduction

Make an unexpected statement , quote a prominent figure, cite relevant statistic, tell an interesting story, ask questions, etc. for example,"Five people in this room will be diagnosed with a serious medical condition by the time they retire" or " if they say you can't get rich quick then how did Simon do it in less than one year?"

Have a definite purpose

In your introduction let the audience know what you will be talking about.

If no one introduces you,Introduce yourself

Briefly explain to your audience why you are qualified to speak on the topic.

Be catious with humor

Humor can make you a hero with your audience or it can make them wish they had some tomatoes on hand .If you're going to use humor,it should never be at anyone's expense.Never tell a joke that has to do with sex, religion or politics

Make sure the body of the Presentation has from three to five main points

any more than that may be too much for your audience to absorb.Each point should be accompanied by supporting materials such as stories,illustrations,facts,statistics,or details.

Use an open posture

Stand with your legs approximately 4-6 inches apart.Your weight should be distributed evenly on both legs.Keep your shoulders back but remember,you're not in a military inception.Your chin should be up but not dramatically so. And unless you're gesturing,your hands should remain at your sides.Do not sway.

Use destures.

Gestures bring your words to life so use them but don't over-sure them.Be aware not to use nervous gestures,Like playing with a paperclip or twisting your hair.

be aware of your voice

If you talk in one tone of voice your audience will fall asleep. Vary your pitch, volume and rate.Speak loudly enough to be heard in the back of the room.

Make eye contact

If you want to establish rapport with your audience, you need to look at them.Don't stare anyone down.

Use assertive wording

As I mention in detail number 203,Self discounting,Non authoritative language undermines your professional image.It also affects formal presentations.Don't use phases such as 'I kinda,sorta maybe think that perhaps what I'm telling you will be helpful." "I think I probably want to say is...." Use assertive language that conveys your authority:"This information will save you money."

If you use visual aids,keep them simple

They need to be visually appealing but not overdone.Use a title and bullet key items.And make sure you speak to the audience and not the visual aid. Know how to use the equipment . Practice giving the presentation using the equipment.And be prepared if the equipment doesn't work!

Have an effective conclusion

Remind your audience of what you have just told them.And your audience of what you have just told them.And you need to end with a provocative or memorable remark.Again ,be cautious with your use of humor

Take questions

Let the audience know when you will be taking questions.Repeat the question before you answer it .Anticipate the tough questions and know how you will answer them.

Have yourself videotaped

If you give frequent presentations or speeches,Have yourself videotaped.I tell the people I coach,"Don't tell me you don't have any distracting behaviors until you get feedback that you don't." People are often shocked and embarrassed when they see themselves in action.I hear,"I had no idea I did that"or"why didn't anyone tell me I did that?"