Giving Powerful Presentations----
Introduction..
Sweaty palms? Palpitations? Sleepless nights? You must be due to give a talk of some kind.
Whether it's a wedding speech, an in-house presentation, or an informative talk for your own purposes, having this unassuming little ebook to hand will keep you on the right track.
Containing 101 (& a bonus) "at-a-glance" gems, it's ideal for the busy person who needs this information… AND NEEDS IT NOW!!
Structure.
1. Tell them what you're going to tell them – Tell them – Tell them what you told them.
2. Don't make your speech one long ramble. It's more interesting and easier for you to remember if you string together a series of points and tell a story to illustrate each.
3. "When speakers use a lot of numbers, the audience almost always slumbers". It's okay to use a few as an illustration, and you should always have the back-up information to hand, but a long regurgitation of figures won't be remembered or appreciated.
The Opening.
4. Your opening is crucial. You have 30-120 seconds to capture the audience's attention. They will make up their minds about you in that short time and spend the rest of the time seeking facts to justify their opinions.
5. Involve the audience at the outset. Pulling out one audience member involves everyone else as they will identify with the "volunteer".
6. Opening questions – even rhetorical ones – draw everyone in and get them relating what you're saying back to them.
7. Never start with an apology of any kind. If something's gone wrong, the audience may not have noticed until you brought it up!
The Closing.
8. A speech is like a love affair, any fool can start one but to end it requires considerable skill.
9. This is the 2nd most important part of your speech, so spend time getting it right. What's the ONE thing you want your audience to take away with them? "If you only take one thing away with you today…".
Creating Your Presentation.
10. Start with the end in mind. What's the purpose of your speech? The objective will drive everything else.
11. Find out as much as you can about the audience. You don't want to "teach Granny to suck eggs", OR use industry jargon with outsiders.
12. Likewise, tell stories with which the audience will identify. There's little point peppering your talk with rugby tales when you're addressing a group of young mothers.
13. Write your introduction and provide it to your host before the event. This gives you control over what you want your audience to know.
14. Write for the ear, not for the eye. There's nothing worse than a speech that sounds like somebody's reading it from paper.
15. Mark Twain said "It takes three weeks to prepare a good, impromptu speech". If you know you have to give a talk, start preparing early.
16. Be ruthless. If something doesn't add to your objective, take it out. Make everything count; you're privileged to be there!
17. The use of absolutes adds weight to your argument. Words like "absolutely", "never", and "definitely" are powerful.
18. Once you've decided on the points you want to make, write each on a separate piece of paper and spread them on the floor or table. Move them around to find natural links to make your talk flow.
19. Make sure the key points you want your audience to know are repeated two or more times and group similar ideas to establish themes.
20. Don't feel you have to tell all you know. Your task is to generate interest and get the audience to take further action.
21. Remember the audience is always thinking WIIFM (what's in it for me?). It's human nature. They will pay more attention when there's a payback for them, even if it's as simple as you complimenting them.
22. Don't trample on the audience response. If you get a laugh or applause or another reaction, allow time to let it happen. Don't interrupt your audience!
23. Use the word "you" frequently. Ask questions such as "What would you do if…", or "Ask yourself whether…", etc.
24. Use examples from your own experiences. People will relate to you if they can identify with your stories.
25. Ensure your presentation sounds current, even if you're using the same speech many times over a long period. Add in observations about current events.
26. Write in a modular format. You can then miss out chunks and move to your closing if you overrun or get allocated less time than you expected.
Finding & Using Humour.
27. Humour can be one of the most effective ways of driving home your message. People feel good when they laugh, and it builds rapport with the audience.
28. Make sure any humour is appropriate for your audience and current events. You wouldn't want to include a story involving an airplane right after an airline disaster.
29. Keep a notebook with you for jotting down any humorous incidents or stories you hear. Everyday life can be very funny, and if you don't record it, you're bound to forget.
30. Don't be funny, be humorous. You're not there to be a comic and tell jokes, so make sure the humour you use ties in with your message or the point you're making.
31. Use what you find funny. If it tickles you, the likelihood is that it will do the same for others.
32. Avoid using humorous stories that are currently doing the rounds. If you heard them recently, chances are others have too. Instead, squirrel them away and let them mature.
Visuals.
33. Be careful of creating very text-heavy slides. Your audience will read them instead of listening to you.
34. Colours reproduce differently on screen vs. paper. Check out your chosen scheme using both mediums.
35. Stick to a maximum of 3 colours per slide. Too many can appear garish.
36. The same background colour throughout adds continuity to your presentation.
37. Consider using charts to compare figures. A graphical representation can be far more revealing than words.
38. Use pictures instead of words wherever possible. They make good memory joggers for you and bring in the audience's imagination.
39. Text: don't mix fonts – two at most on one slide. Use upper and lower case – all capitals are like SHOUTING AT YOUR AUDIENCE.
40. Spelling & grammar. Get it right! An audience can laser in on an error that both distracts attention and makes you appear less professional. Have someone else proofread for you.
41. Number your slides – it's very easy to get confused when all eyes are upon you.
42. When using an overhead projector, don't leave the light shining on a blank screen. It's blinding and unprofessional.
43. When your slide appears, pause for a moment so the audience can take in the information.
Practical Preparation.
44. Record your speech on a dictaphone and play it as often as you can. Eventually, you'll find yourself speaking along with the tape.
45. Video yourself, if you can. This is an excellent way of becoming aware of your use of body language – is it congruent? If not, your audience may have a hard time believing what you're telling them.
46. An alternative to video is to perform many times in front of a mirror.
47. Always rehearse using your visual aids and any other props.
48. Time yourself several times. Remember to allow for pauses and audience reactions.
Notes & Memory Tips.
49. Mentally place each separate point in a room of your house and make your speech a walk through the house, bringing in each item as you progress.
50. Use big type and big gaps in your notes. You need to be able to glance at them and see where you are instantly, not spend time finding your place.
51. Consider using pictures on your cards instead. The picture will trigger your key point. You will speak more naturally and won't be tempted to read off the page.
52. Write your keywords or little reminder graphics on small cards. These are far less conspicuous than a sheet of paper.
53. Number the cards containing your keywords and string them together using a treasury tag or elastic band. There's nothing worse than dropping your cards and scrambling about to get them back in order.
54. Write notes on the frames of your overhead slides.
Mental Preparation.
55. Write down all the times in your life when you succeeded at something and remember how you felt then. Always think of the successful times before you speak.
56. Sit quietly and visualize the outcome. See and hear the audience laughing, gasping, and sincerely applauding and know that you created that result.
57. Put all other thoughts out of your head. Remembering to pick up cat food on the way home can wait till later. Your successful outcome is your single focus right now.
Nerves.
58. It may surprise you to know that even the most experienced speakers suffer from nerves. Welcome them as a sign that you care and use them to your advantage.
59. Deep breaths calm, as can Bach Rescue Remedy® or sniffing Lavender aromatherapy oil.
60. Don't draw attention to your nerves. You may think it's obvious that you're nervous, but most of the time it's not noticeable… unless you point it out!
61. Be reassured that the audience is willing you to succeed. They'd rather hear an entertaining speech than a poor one.
62. Yawning before you start speaking will help your jaw to loosen and aid your diction.
Practical Tips.
63. Make sure you're familiar with the room and how to work any equipment,
Introduction..
Sweaty palms? Palpitations? Sleepless nights? You must be due to give a talk of some kind.
Whether it's a wedding speech, an in-house presentation, or an informative talk for your own purposes, having this unassuming little ebook to hand will keep you on the right track.
Containing 101 (& a bonus) "at-a-glance" gems, it's ideal for the busy person who needs this information… AND NEEDS IT NOW!!
Structure.
1. Tell them what you're going to tell them – Tell them – Tell them what you told them.
2. Don't make your speech one long ramble. It's more interesting and easier for you to remember if you string together a series of points and tell a story to illustrate each.
3. "When speakers use a lot of numbers, the audience almost always slumbers". It's okay to use a few as an illustration, and you should always have the back-up information to hand, but a long regurgitation of figures won't be remembered or appreciated.
The Opening.
4. Your opening is crucial. You have 30-120 seconds to capture the audience's attention. They will make up their minds about you in that short time and spend the rest of the time seeking facts to justify their opinions.
5. Involve the audience at the outset. Pulling out one audience member involves everyone else as they will identify with the "volunteer".
6. Opening questions – even rhetorical ones – draw everyone in and get them relating what you're saying back to them.
7. Never start with an apology of any kind. If something's gone wrong, the audience may not have noticed until you brought it up!
The Closing.
8. A speech is like a love affair, any fool can start one but to end it requires considerable skill.
9. This is the 2nd most important part of your speech, so spend time getting it right. What's the ONE thing you want your audience to take away with them? "If you only take one thing away with you today…".
Creating Your Presentation.
10. Start with the end in mind. What's the purpose of your speech? The objective will drive everything else.
11. Find out as much as you can about the audience. You don't want to "teach Granny to suck eggs", OR use industry jargon with outsiders.
12. Likewise, tell stories with which the audience will identify. There's little point peppering your talk with rugby tales when you're addressing a group of young mothers.
13. Write your introduction and provide it to your host before the event. This gives you control over what you want your audience to know.
14. Write for the ear, not for the eye. There's nothing worse than a speech that sounds like somebody's reading it from paper.
15. Mark Twain said "It takes three weeks to prepare a good, impromptu speech". If you know you have to give a talk, start preparing early.
16. Be ruthless. If something doesn't add to your objective, take it out. Make everything count; you're privileged to be there!
17. The use of absolutes adds weight to your argument. Words like "absolutely", "never", and "definitely" are powerful.
18. Once you've decided on the points you want to make, write each on a separate piece of paper and spread them on the floor or table. Move them around to find natural links to make your talk flow.
19. Make sure the key points you want your audience to know are repeated two or more times and group similar ideas to establish themes.
20. Don't feel you have to tell all you know. Your task is to generate interest and get the audience to take further action.
21. Remember the audience is always thinking WIIFM (what's in it for me?). It's human nature. They will pay more attention when there's a payback for them, even if it's as simple as you complimenting them.
22. Don't trample on the audience response. If you get a laugh or applause or another reaction, allow time to let it happen. Don't interrupt your audience!
23. Use the word "you" frequently. Ask questions such as "What would you do if…", or "Ask yourself whether…", etc.
24. Use examples from your own experiences. People will relate to you if they can identify with your stories.
25. Ensure your presentation sounds current, even if you're using the same speech many times over a long period. Add in observations about current events.
26. Write in a modular format. You can then miss out chunks and move to your closing if you overrun or get allocated less time than you expected.
Finding & Using Humour.
27. Humour can be one of the most effective ways of driving home your message. People feel good when they laugh, and it builds rapport with the audience.
28. Make sure any humour is appropriate for your audience and current events. You wouldn't want to include a story involving an airplane right after an airline disaster.
29. Keep a notebook with you for jotting down any humorous incidents or stories you hear. Everyday life can be very funny, and if you don't record it, you're bound to forget.
30. Don't be funny, be humorous. You're not there to be a comic and tell jokes, so make sure the humour you use ties in with your message or the point you're making.
31. Use what you find funny. If it tickles you, the likelihood is that it will do the same for others.
32. Avoid using humorous stories that are currently doing the rounds. If you heard them recently, chances are others have too. Instead, squirrel them away and let them mature.
Visuals.
33. Be careful of creating very text-heavy slides. Your audience will read them instead of listening to you.
34. Colours reproduce differently on screen vs. paper. Check out your chosen scheme using both mediums.
35. Stick to a maximum of 3 colours per slide. Too many can appear garish.
36. The same background colour throughout adds continuity to your presentation.
37. Consider using charts to compare figures. A graphical representation can be far more revealing than words.
38. Use pictures instead of words wherever possible. They make good memory joggers for you and bring in the audience's imagination.
39. Text: don't mix fonts – two at most on one slide. Use upper and lower case – all capitals are like SHOUTING AT YOUR AUDIENCE.
40. Spelling & grammar. Get it right! An audience can laser in on an error that both distracts attention and makes you appear less professional. Have someone else proofread for you.
41. Number your slides – it's very easy to get confused when all eyes are upon you.
42. When using an overhead projector, don't leave the light shining on a blank screen. It's blinding and unprofessional.
43. When your slide appears, pause for a moment so the audience can take in the information.
Practical Preparation.
44. Record your speech on a dictaphone and play it as often as you can. Eventually, you'll find yourself speaking along with the tape.
45. Video yourself, if you can. This is an excellent way of becoming aware of your use of body language – is it congruent? If not, your audience may have a hard time believing what you're telling them.
46. An alternative to video is to perform many times in front of a mirror.
47. Always rehearse using your visual aids and any other props.
48. Time yourself several times. Remember to allow for pauses and audience reactions.
Notes & Memory Tips.
49. Mentally place each separate point in a room of your house and make your speech a walk through the house, bringing in each item as you progress.
50. Use big type and big gaps in your notes. You need to be able to glance at them and see where you are instantly, not spend time finding your place.
51. Consider using pictures on your cards instead. The picture will trigger your key point. You will speak more naturally and won't be tempted to read off the page.
52. Write your keywords or little reminder graphics on small cards. These are far less conspicuous than a sheet of paper.
53. Number the cards containing your keywords and string them together using a treasury tag or elastic band. There's nothing worse than dropping your cards and scrambling about to get them back in order.
54. Write notes on the frames of your overhead slides.
Mental Preparation.
55. Write down all the times in your life when you succeeded at something and remember how you felt then. Always think of the successful times before you speak.
56. Sit quietly and visualize the outcome. See and hear the audience laughing, gasping, and sincerely applauding and know that you created that result.
57. Put all other thoughts out of your head. Remembering to pick up cat food on the way home can wait till later. Your successful outcome is your single focus right now.
Nerves.
58. It may surprise you to know that even the most experienced speakers suffer from nerves. Welcome them as a sign that you care and use them to your advantage.
59. Deep breaths calm, as can Bach Rescue Remedy® or sniffing Lavender aromatherapy oil.
60. Don't draw attention to your nerves. You may think it's obvious that you're nervous, but most of the time it's not noticeable… unless you point it out!
61. Be reassured that the audience is willing you to succeed. They'd rather hear an entertaining speech than a poor one.
62. Yawning before you start speaking will help your jaw to loosen and aid your diction.
Practical Tips.
63. Make sure you're familiar with the room and how to work any equipment,
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