Lydia's Top Tips - November 2002
Making a good presentation is never easy, but a few insightful tips can make a big difference. Have you ever had any of these problems?
Stand Still!
Question: "I find it difficult to stand still when I am giving a presentation. Is this a problem?"
Answer: One of the most common problems, even with experienced presenters, is that they don't seem to be able to stand still. It is very distracting to try to listen to someone who is moving around while they speak. When you decide to move, you should move at least three steps, in a particular direction, and for a reason. Small movements backwards and forwards are very distracting.
As we move into a century that will undoubtedly include more video-conferencing, keeping still will be even more critical. When you are on TV or video, your movements are magnified. You will need to stay almost perfectly still, with the exception of your head and eye movement and facial expressions. You can practice this at home with a mirror or simple video camera zoomed in to a close up shot. Either stand or sit and don't move your shoulders and arms at all. Talk to the mirror or camera and only allow movement from the neck up.
Sellotape a script on to the bottom of the lens of the camcorder. Once you master this technique and can convey all your non-verbal information with only head and eye movement and facial expression, you can add small amounts of body, arm and shoulder movement for wider video shots.
Making a Strong Start
Question: "What's the strongest way to start my presentation?"
Answer: Whether you are speaking to inspire, educate, or motivate, you have one primary goal, to convince your listeners to agree with your point of view. The most effective way to accomplish this goal is to open your presentation with a strong compelling opening statement. However before you begin, you must establish your credibility, that is, to tell your listeners who you are and what you, an authority on the subject, plan to discuss. In other words, what gives you the right to be speaking on this particular subject in the first place?
Your introduction should be the first step in creating this needed credibility. Unfortunately many presenters have no idea how to create a compelling, emotionally charged introduction or why they should introduce themselves at all. Keep it to one or two paragraphs. For example, let’s assume you are about to address a new potential client on the virtues of your firm’s new pipe product line. Perhaps you have vast experience working with or for large companies. In your career you have seen the problems associated with making a major purchase. Be sure to make this information available to your audience before you start talking about your firm, its product merits or any potential solutions.
The members of every group you address have some issue, dilemma, or concern they must consider. Before you can attempt to help them solve their problems, they need to know that you understand their situation. Your introduction should include more than your name and who or what you represent. It should convince your listeners that you understand what they are experiencing, and that you understand their needs.
You will be amazed how much more they will understand and agree with your presentation, which should be structured to reinforce the ideas you expressed in your compelling opening statement. No amount of whizbang technology and PowerPoint slide shows can make up for what you fail to declare in your introduction. Take the time to produce an introduction that reflects your expertise and the presentation you are about to make.
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