Always practice your presentation in the shoes you plan to wear. Nothing is more distracting than finding out that the shoes you are wearing are uncomfortable, too high, or slippery.

Wear an outfit that won’t show perspiration marks. Yes; you will be nervous – that’s ok. Just don’t let everyone see!02

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If your voice tends to be on the high end of the scale, invest some time in breathing exercises and low humming. Practice speaking in a lower voice and make a conscious effort to anchor it there.

Be aware of your stance. Are you constantly shifting from foot to foot, crossing and uncrossing your feet or stepping backwards before you land your big ideas? If you’re not sure, have someone film you rehearsing and watch it back.

Don’t focus so much on what you are going to say. Rather approach your presentation by asking yourself “what does my audience need to understand?” This will connect you to your message at a deeper level.

Don’t wear clanky jewellery. This sounds simple, but it can be very distracting for an audience and can interfere with lapel microphones.

Never say “I hope”, “I’m just going to run you through” or “sorry” in the context of offering up excuses or apologies for taking up people’s time.

Smile – be warm. Practice making eye contact with people while rehearsing your presentation before the day.

Imagine your voice is like an arrow being shot from a bow – it travels in an elegant arc and lands right on target. Visualise this when you are rehearsing.

Don’t be afraid of rehearsing. Your message will not get stale. There is a reason actors rehearse for weeks prior to going on stage.

Top 10 tips for delivering

powerfulpresentations

With this in mind, we asked Nathy if she would share hers. Here’s what she said:

When it comes to presenting ideas to an audience – whether to immediate colleagues or

a room full of strangers – according to Nathy it is important for your voice and your message be heard and understood in order for your impact to be felt.

with USQ alumna Nathy Gaffney

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 12.1.D 08.2014

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