I bet you've seen a rubbish presentation in the last week.
One thing that hasn't changed is the impact of a great presentation. Whether it's the clarity of the message or the inspiration to act, an excellent presentation is memorable and action orientated.
We're presenting more often than we think. I'm not just talking about standing up in front of an audience with slides:
- A 2 minute slot on a project board - that's you presenting
- An invitation to share any 'AOB' (Any Other Business) at the end of a meeting - that's you presenting
- Raising a new point/ idea or challenge at a meeting - that's you presenting.
So my definition of presenting, is where you are verbally or in writing trying to educate, inform or inspire someone to do something as a result of your presentation.
Here's 3 useful presentation tips:
1) Ask the meeting host what specifically they want you to cover. If they're unclear, tell them what you propose to cover and check that this hits the mark.
This accomplishes a couple of things - firstly you can be confident what you say will be useful to the individual/ group and secondly, you know you have buy in from at least one person in the room already, which will support you in convincing the rest.
2) Remember to weave in classic presentation techniques like:
- telling them what you're going to tell them, tell them, remind them what you've told them
- tell them you're going to make 3 points (or any number!), and then deliver by sharing that number of points
- don't read out slides/ board papers you've already circulated - focus on main points or what's new.
This makes you look experienced. Plus knowing how long you'll be speaking and to how many points, also creates more audience attention and engagement.
3) Start and end well. Write out your first couple and last couple of sentences so that you can create your intended impact. And whatever you do, DO NOT say 'that's it' at the end and undermine the presentation. If you're unsure how to end try 'Thank you'. And stop talking!
This will give you confidence and cement the key messages and actions you want people to take.
I hope this note prompts you to use one of these techniques more consciously when you next present and also acts as a reminder that you're presenting every day. Interested to hear any of your top presentation tips!
P.S. Exciting news!!!
I'm creating online self-study resources that will support you in taking the next step in your career - great for those who aren't ready to invest in working with a Coach 1-1.
The first resource I launch will be FREE - I'll share with you how to access it via this blog in late November so keep an eye out :) I believe your next role is in your existing network - the free audio and workbook I share will help you leverage your contacts to find it.