PRESENTATION SKILLS

Preparation• Need to know• Who is the audience?• what is the topic?• What is the purpose of the presentation?• Where and when will it be happening?• What equipment will I have ?• How long should it be?• Any special requirements?

Planning• Using the information you have . . • Decide on overall purpose and approach.

• (inform / create excitement / share bad news / etc)• Think how to make your presentation fit thast purpose.

• (important facts / unimportant bits ( leave out) / sequence)• Think about language used.

• (technical /general / need definitions? / will they get it?)• Think about visual and other aids

• (props/ demonstration /interaction /slides)

Practise (use audio recorder, people, timer, etc)

• Clarity =• Careful organisation of information.• Allow pauses between sections of talk.

• Speed of speaking = s-l-o-w & c-l-e-a-r• Practise tricky words (especially peoples’ names).• Include gestures in practise.

• Volume = LOUD LOUD LOUD LOUD

Polishing• After each practise• Make changes to simplify message.• Remove anything unimportant• Simplify visual aids• Check against time.

• You must know your presentation 150%

Confidence• Whatever happens –act professional

• Well planned and practised is over halfway there• Keep smiling and never signal concerns /nervousness /mistakes• Accept interruptions gracefully.• Be in control.• Dress up for it / Look your best.

• It is all about you so make it yours and shine.

• (They will remember you – not your presentation)

Team Presentations• Speaker 1• Create impact, intro topic, intro team, do their bit, intro next speaker

• Speaker 2,3,4 . . . • Thanks (1), link content to previous speaker, present own section, intro next

speaker.

• Final speaker• thanks (prev), link content top previous, present own section, summary,

closes, thanks audience, Q&A?

Connection• Know your audience• Plan to use words they will understand• Dress to impress your audience• Consider who they are /how to relate.

• Get there early and take ownership of the space/ check the technology.• Have backup plans (usb)• If giving out notes

• Tell them at start but do it after you speak.

Communication• Think about MAIN message (K.I.S.S)• Structure talk and movement around that.• Introduce it (1) / state it (2) / summarise it (3).

• Stay away from detail, unless it is really important• Dress, eye contact and body language will have

more impact than your words (!)