Presentation Skills Master Confident Presentations by Chris Croft

Presentation Skills Mastery - Study Notes

• Core Message: Every presentation needs a single, clear, central message. Everything in the presentation should support this core message.

• Planning Structure: Plan the presentation's body first, then the introduction, and finally, the conclusion. Aim for 3-4 main sections in the body, avoiding overwhelming the audience.

• Timing: Crucial. Estimate 2-5 minutes per slide. Aim for 10 slides maximum. Plan top-down or bottom-up, and adjust as needed. Include a visual agenda and signpost the presentation sections.

• Use visual aids to help maintain timing, and include key details on your slides.

• Reassure the audience of their progress (e.g., "we are now moving on to section 3")

• Effective Starts: First 30 seconds are vital; they set the tone. Start with a question, a mysterious opening, or emphasize the "What's in it for me?" factor. Plan and practice this opening section thoroughly.

• Introduction Components: Introduce yourself briefly, highlighting the 'What's in it for them?', and mention the expected length of your talk. Present a visual agenda and invite questions throughout. End with a question to lead into the first section.

• Memorable Endings: Avoid simple "Any questions?". Use a recap, call to action, quiz, or a clear summary of key takeaways to end powerfully.

• Know Your Audience: Tailor your presentation style to the audience's background, size, and interests. Use appropriate visual aids (flip charts for smaller groups, PowerPoint for larger ones). Consider handouts with gap-fill activities to improve engagement.

Overcoming Nerves

• Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Say them with conviction.

• Backup Plans: Develop backup plans for equipment malfunctions (spare leads, laptop, projector) and notes.

• Audience Engagement Early: Arrive early to chat with the audience, building rapport and adapting your presentation as needed.

• Preparation is Key: Arrive very early to check the presentation room and equipment, review slides, particularly pre-loaded ones.

• Standing Up: Stand up during the presentation for more authority and better engagement. Even with visual aids.

• Incorporate Questions: Integrate questions throughout your talk to engage the audience, gauge understanding, and give yourself time to think. Prepare questions for every slide.

• Create a safe and fun atmosphere by telling stories and using humor.

• Avoid relying on prepared jokes; a little humor helps, but don't rely on them.

• Practice: Practice the presentation, especially the first minute, to build confidence. Keep practice sessions to a minimum.

Delivering the Presentation

• Appearance: Dress professionally, mirroring the audience's attire. Avoid distracting clothing choices.

• Room Layout: Prefer U-shaped or cafe-style layouts for better audience interaction. Avoid classroom layouts.

• Signposting: Use a clear visual agenda and explicitly signpost each presentation section.

• Body Language: Be natural, stand up straight and move purposefully but avoid excessive movement. Smile when relevant, and maintain good eye contact with all audience members. Avoid hiding behind a podium.

• Audience Interaction: Engage the audience by asking questions, encouraging examples, and adjusting your talk based on their responses. Encourage discussion using various interactive formats (paired activities, group discussions).

• Include questions to encourage examples and a more conversational flow.

• Use interactive activities like brainstorming, discussions, think-pair-share, or short presentations by the attendees.

• Delivering without Notes: Avoid relying heavily on scripts or memorized delivery. Use visuals as cues and keep slides concise (bullet points). Slides should include key details you might forget (numbers, dates, prices).

• Micro-Sleep Management: Be prepared for audience distraction. Repeat significant points, adjust your speech pace to ensure engagement, and supplement your content with visual aids to keep attention. Repeat key points, and summarize often to aid audience retention, and adapt your speed or content if you notice attention lessening.

• Activities for Longer Presentations: Increase engagement during longer presentations via pairing discussions, shout-out sessions, post-it walls, short presentations by attendees, or quizzes to keep audience involved.

• PowerPoint Tips: Test your presentation on the same computer the presentation will be given on; spell-check your slides; limit slide content to appropriate quantities, and maintain visual simplicity.

• Check the presentation's format, layout, font style, and visuals to ensure they align with the overall content and audience profile.

• Dealing with Problems: Anticipate potential issues (disrupters, difficult questions). Be prepared to admit ignorance when necessary. Be flexible and adapt your presentation accordingly, offering a comfortable solution such as a short break, refreshments or even a tea break if needed.

• Handouts: Handouts are a good way to engage the audience. Hand them out before, during, or after the presentation.

• Ending on Time: Have a buffer section to ensure flexibility. Plan timings for slides to stay on schedule. Explicitly signal when the presentation is nearing its end.