The Art of Narrative, Storytelling, and Storymaking.
10 Tips for Giving a Good Presentation
...for People Who Are Terrified of Giving Speeches
1. Know Your Purpose
Have a clear and definable (usually in one sentence) purpose for getting in front of people and taking up their time. Why are you giving this talk? What do you hope to accomplish? Are you educating or entertaining? (The secret is that you’re doing both - always.)
2. Have Something to Say
You don’t have to be the absolute know-it-all when presenting on a given topic. However, you should have something to say about that topic. Come at it from a new point-of-view. Give simple and practical advice. Pose a question even if you don’t have the answer. What is it you’re saying about your subject?
3. Know Your Opening Sentence
The moment you get in front of a group of people is often the moment your mind goes blank. Having a simple sentence in mind when you stand up is a good way to start strong. What’s the first thing you’ll say when you get up there? Is it interesting?
4. Protect the Subject
Everything you present should support your purpose. If you are selling something then show the reasons why someone should buy. If you are educating people, discuss the facts. Edit out anything that doesn’t somehow support the subject of your talk. Ask yourself, “Does this bit of information support my purpose?”
5. Prepare
There is no better way to feel confident about an upcoming talk than to prepare for it. Preparing means that you learn as much as you can about your subject. Know your purpose and keep it in mind. Outline the things you want to talk about. Don’t worry about giving a perfect presentation, worry about getting your message across. Ask yourself, “Am I prepared enough?”
6. Be Yourself
Deliver the presentation naturally. That is, just do it. If you try to emulate someone else’s presentation style you’ll most often come across as if you are faking it. Just be yourself. Acting naturally is what creates your own unique presentation style. Ask yourself, “Would I normally present something this way?”
7. Eye Contact
Look at people. Talk to them as if you were sitting across the table from them. Forget that you are at the podium, on a stage, or in front of a room. This will help enable you to connect with your audience. Why are you afraid to look at people?
8. Take Your Time, Breathe
Slow down. Everyone gets a rush when they’re being watched by a room full of people. Rather than let that energy turn into speed, turn it into passion. Remember to breathe. Breathing brings oxygen into your system and reminds you that you’re still alive and that everything is okay. What will happen if you rush?
9. Have Fun!
Nobody likes watching a presenter suffer. Even if something bad happens you can own it (by addressing it and laughing at yourself) and move on. Ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Then see #10.
10. It’s Not the End of the World
In lieu of imaging the audience in their underwear, keep this girl in mind. If she can survive that during an American Idol audition, we can all survive giving a talk. How did she get through? She owned it, laughed and let the judges laugh as well.
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