Public speaking and the ability to present yourself effectively in front of a group of people is a trade. I hesitate to call it a skill because skills seem more finite, whereas a craft can always be refined.
Some might think that anyone can stand in front of a crowded room and present. I would counter that with, can someone just act, sing, or play an instrument? Like those other forms of expression, if you want to be really good, if you want to be confident instead of nervous, then you need to practice.
Many people are terrified of speaking in public. This article is not about why people are so afraid to speak up. The goal of this article is to argue that speaking in public and presenting presentations need not be scary. If you take advantage of opportunities to present, you will certainly improve. People will notice it if you present well and it’s also a great weapon to have in your professional arsenal.
Use the following steps below as a rough starting point, but never underestimate the importance of practicing as much as you can.
1. keep calm
These things happen.
Whether you’re talking to 10 people or 300 people, there will almost always be an interruption or a distraction. A group of people laughing in the back, a co-worker who can’t stop asking questions, an unpleasantly loud sneeze, a phone ringing, etc.
Stay calm and never apologize for having to stop, not even for a moment.
If you’re cool, everyone else will be fine.
You may find that the workhorse projector your company has had since you started working there decides to call it a career when you get to slide 3.
This is not a disaster.
All of this means that now your audience really needs to pay close attention to what you have to say, which is great! Also, it won’t matter if your slide deck is projected behind you because you knew …
2. Prepare
“I’ll just improvise it.”
“I’ll find out when I get there.”
While almost anyone can get up and read a projected slide, that doesn’t make it a good presentation. You can read all of the material, but the audience will know that you were not prepared. There is a notable difference between a polished and rehearsed presentation and one that is done “at random.”
Your audience is paying attention to you, whether they have to be there or want to be there. Show them respect for a prepared presentation.
Rehearse your presentation 5 to 7 times and use a timer to see how long it takes (usually longer than you think). Rehearse standing up with your laptop so you can coordinate the progress of the slides in line with your talking points.
2nd. Really know the material, don’t memorize it
You will be interrupted. If the material takes hold, you can pick up where you left off without a problem. If there are specific figures you need to report, write them on an index card. Take a break. Don’t worry about a tidbit or two.
3. Create concise visual slides
Most of the information and narration should come from you. Let the slides be a guide with key points, figures, and visuals. Also, use the animation feature to slowly build the slide. This allows you to manage how much information your audience sees at any one time and keeps them focused on you instead of a new, full slide of data. And once your presentation starts …
4. Watch the projected slides only if absolutely necessary
The audience does not need to see the back of your head. If your slides are visual and concise, just tell people where to look or point in the general direction for emphasis. While there is the laser pointer / cat toy, no one on earth has a steady hand and that red light is often more distracting than helpful.
An easy way to tell which slide you are on is to place your presentation projecting laptop in front of you so you can easily see what others are seeing (without having to turn around).
5. BREATHE and relax
Most people know that it takes guts to stand in front of a room and present. People want you to be successful, especially if you introduce yourself to your colleagues. The audience is there for you. You are already prepared. Deliver what you have practiced.
Also, keep hand / arm gestures to a minimum. It is a waste of energy and does not add much value.
6. Look at everyone and make eye contact
What I have learned after presenting many times is that people will listen to what you have to say even if they look completely miserable while you are presenting. You have to trust that if you are delivering a confident and thoughtful presentation, you will attract their attention.
As you look around the room, look for people who give you a slight nod when you are speaking. Find them and come back to them during the presentation if you feel like you need a little reassurance.
7. Smile
Unless you’re presenting disappointing news … smile. You’ll feel better and notice that at least some of the people in the audience smile back at you. It’s a bit strange, but it happens all the time. This also helps you relax (# 5).
8. Silence is your friend, verbal disorder is not.
You don’t need to fill all your time with words, phrases, “ums”, “uhs” or “you know” nonsense. If you pause to let a thought or idea sink in (or just to collect your own thoughts), your audience won’t get impatient. It may seem like a long time, but it literally takes seconds. Use it to your advantage, especially when trying to highlight important points or themes. This leads to …
9. Repeat the important points
Repeat the important points.
This is especially true for longer presentations. Audience members will log out from time to time. It is unavoidable. If there are any points you absolutely MUST make, say them twice … with a pause in between. Pausing will also pull the audience out of their potential reverie and bring them back to you. Then you can deliver the auction more effectively.
10. Strong finish
Deliver the last 2-3 sentences, which should tie the entire presentation together, slowly and clearly. You can even turn off the slides so that people look at you directly and give you their full attention. Once done, pause for a second, smile, and say thank you.
11. Indication for questions (if applicable)
12. Get feedback
Later, ask anyone in the audience for their thoughts. Like I said, presenting is a craft and can always be refined. In fact, if there’s a way to videotape your performance, it’s even better. As awkward and horrible as it is to see yourself, it will only help you get better.
13. Don’t give up
Tripped or tripped over a section? Did one or two parts take too long?
It’s okay.
There was a reason for it. Learn from it and improve for next time. Simple as that.
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These steps are based on my observations over the past few years and can serve as a general guide.
Take advantage of opportunities to present to a group, as they may not come too often. I guess you won’t have to fight too much competition either.
Remember, there’s really nothing that can happen during your presentation time that you can’t ultimately control or manage … so go ahead!
You can even start to enjoy it.
{pause and smile}
Thanks.