Are you feeling uneasy as jitters crowd your stomach due to an imminent presentation at work? Pressured and nervous? While it’s normal to feel that way, knowing how to get along well with glossophobia or speech anxiety will enable you to reach your full potential in delivering your talk; thus, a successful presentation.
Source: https://www.thechiefstoryteller.com/2018/06/20/master-presentation-fundamentals-1-2-5-10/
In this article, you will discover ten effective tips towards an accomplished and awesome presentation. These pieces of advice will surely help you no matter what type of presenter you are–newbie or veteran. Remember, your goal is always to convey the right message with clarity and conviction.
Let’s begin!
Tip #1: Be prepared with all the needed materials
The advent of technology made this generation almost paperless in the academic and professional field. Storing and transferring of files, documents and presentations are made a whole lot easier with a portable flash drive, laptop or smartphone. This diminishes the possibility of forgetting what needs to be brought with you that will be used during the presentation.
Save all your materials in one folder. Distribute them in appropriate subfolders – documents, powerpoint presentations, videos, images, etc. Do this so you won’t have a hard time navigating your computer or libraries as you find your files. Make sure that your file names can quickly be identified to avoid confusion.
During the presentation, you can use a laptop floor stand that will prevent you from experiencing discomfort due to back or neck pain. At the same time, it will keep your machine from overheating. Tablet stands are also available in the market if you’re using this gadget.
Tip #2: Start with a bang!
Astonish your bosses and colleagues by surprising them with your ‘front act.’ On top of your milestone list is to capture their attention. Show them something different–try imposing an idea or question that will pique their interest or that will make them think and wonder. Or you can try to let them watch a video clip that will give them a glimpse of your presentation.
Know that your energy at the beginning usually determines your audience’s desire to pay attention. Set an atmosphere driven by attention and interest. Let them think and feel that your presentation is worth their time.
Tip #3: Be concise and precise
What do you really wanna say? Which part of your talk do you want to put an emphasis on?
If you don’t know yet, then you must figure them out first. From your pool of concepts, encapsulate essential ideas into short phrases with brief yet accurate explanations. People can’t stand too many flowery words. They can’t even tolerate repetitive ideas. So, what do you do?
Cut to the chase. Do not take the longer, winding course. Identify which is the fastest route without compromising the quality of the content, then take that trail. Your viewers will regard that as an act of being kind and considerate towards them.
Tip #4: Use a conversational tone
Despite the fact that you are facing the holders of the top positions in the company and that you find it difficult to make good eye contact with them, you need to convince your mind that you are all friends here. Imagine that you are only taking your turn in telling a compelling story.
No pressure. Do not be overly formal with your language and tone. Use simple words as you aim to be understood. Just relax, take deep breaths, make necessary pauses, and wear your best smile.
Tip #5: Keep your audience’s needs in mind
Remember your first milestone? To capture your audience’s attention. Now, your challenge for the rest of the presentation is to hold it. But don’t worry, it’ll be fun when you know just how to do it.
Keep your audience’s needs in mind. One of the typical errors of speakers is being too self-centered when they get much carried away while explaining their subject. They forget that this isn’t about them, this is about what they can contribute to the viewers as they propose a certain notion to them.
If you are a part of the audience, the first question you would think of is: “What’s in it for me?” or: “What’s in it for the company?” or: “Will it benefit everybody in this institution?” That is why you need to be careful and thorough in addressing their concerns.
Tip #6: Play with voice intonation
The greatest speakers put everything at hand into good use. One of which is the voice. Of course, you wouldn’t want to lose the progress you have made as you go on with your presentation just because you are getting monotonous and boring.
The changes in intonation actually increase the intensity of the words you speak. It accentuates the most important parts of your speech. Also, it drives your audience to lend their ears all the more.
Tip #7: Master your content
We all know that it is very tempting to keep on branching out and touching all topics related to your subject. But it won’t help you communicate your main idea very well. It might also cause confusion in the minds of your audience.
It is important that you watch out the words coming out of your mouth while you speak. See to it that you are going towards the direction you’ve set for your presentation. Keep your focus. Instead of diverting to a different path, make your statements stronger by giving supporting ideas.
Tip #8: Move around graciously
Your body plays an integral role as well in your delivery. Feel free to move around and use proper gestures. Pace a little bit, and reposition yourself in front naturally. Avoid becoming stiff while you do your job.
Tip #9: Tell stories that will move them
Stir up some entertainment inside the meeting room. Or some compassion and genuineness. You do this by telling stories. Compelling stories add up to the interest and comprehension of your listeners. Why? Because narratives are humane. They are relatable–connecting to people powerfully. They evoke emotions and thoughts that improve engagement.
Tip #10: Give them a valuable takeaway
Ascertain that after your presentation, your audience will go out of the room informed and influenced. Give them a valuable takeaway–a lesson, a reminder, a call to action. Something that would encourage them to intentionally press on until they achieve a particular goal in career and life.
Conclusion
Nothing and no one can impede a very determined person. That’s you! So, shake off every doubt and skepticism. You are meant to triumph over your speech anxiety. Prepare enough, master your craft, be confident and keep your eyes on your goal.
We hope these tips will help you with your presentation!
