7 Tips for A Successful Presentation
You’ve understood that presenting is an essential skill at all levels of business. A well-prepared presentation is key for effective business communication, leading the firm to come closer to its objectives.
But it’s easier said than done. You’ve practiced the body language and made a good conclusion for your presentation. You’ve learned to speak naturally. But once your powerpoint slide is on the screen, you are lost for words.
I spoke to one of English Today’s leading trainers, Mr. Peter Ricardo Powell, who was teaching employees at Zalora about presentation skills. Here are his tips on how you can overcome your fear of presenting.
Enjoy the presentation: first and foremost, let’s be clear on your intention for the presentation. Do you have to do it? Or is it because you genuinely want to share some valuable insights? By Knowing your purpose and the importance of delivering your message, you’ll be more driven and passionate when speaking to your audience (and this will help you overcome your stage fright).
Know your audience: a great presenter will go all the way by getting to know his or her audience. Get familiar with them: who are they? What are their backgrounds? What do they need? Meeting the guests before your presentation is also a great idea, because you’ll have a chance to connect and become friendly with them, it is great to look out into the audience and see some familar faces.
Scope the room: preparation doesn’t primarily focus on gathering content or designing attractive slides. It is also recommended that you visit the place a few hours or a day before. Go into the room before the guests. Imagine the people who will be there so that you can prepare how you will present and how you will adjust the pace.
Engage one-on-one: are you scared that your audience will yawn in the middle of your presentation? Try to engage your audience by raising a question. If nobody answers, take their attention by going to a specific person. Present as if you are speaking to one person and maintain eye contact.
Be simple: as the old but true formula says KISS (keep it simple and short). Break down your content into an opening, introduction, body, and closing, and be as clear as possible. Your audience will lose interest if you use big words. It may sound good, but it’s not necessary. The goal of the presentation is not to show how good you are but to make them understand.
“Nobody is perfect”: generally, people are not confident when giving a presentation because they are afraid to be wrong. Keep in mind that we are all normal human beings who make simple errors. Not being afraid to make a mistake is a good way to accept your fullest capabilities as they are. Your audience will respect that and always remember that they want you to succeed.
