Effective Presentation Tips PDF

January 26, 2007 Effective Presentations © 2007 Peter Masucci - Slide - 1  “Great speakers aren’t born, they are trained.” Presenting is a Skill…  Developed through training and experience January 26, 2007...

January 26, 2007 Effective Presentations © 2007 Peter Masucci - Slide - 1  “Great speakers aren’t born, they are trained.” Presenting is a Skill…  Developed through training and experience January 26, 2007 Effective Presentations © 2007 Peter Masucci - Slide - 2  Why Give A Presentation? Three Main Purposes 1. Inform 2. Persuade 3. Educate Effective Presentations  Definitions Presentation “Something set forth to an audience for the attention of the mind “ Effective “…producing a desired result” Effective Presentations  Problems THE FACTS: Shaky hands, blushing cheeks, memory loss, nausea, and knocking knees Effective Presentations  Causes of the Anxiety Fear of the unknown OR loss of control Fight or flight mode No backup plan No enthusiasm for subject Focus of attention Effective Presentations  Effective Presentations Control anxiety – Don’t fight it Audience centered Accomplishes objective Fun for audience Fun for you Conducted within time frame Effective Presentations  Planning Your Presentation 1. Determine purpose – What do you want to accomplish? 2. Know your audience !!! – Success depends on your ability to reach your audience – Size – Demographics – Knowledge level – Motivation – Why are they attending? – What do THEY expect? Effective Presentations  More Planning 3. Plan Space – Number of attendees and seats – Seating arrangement – Lighting, and lighting controls – Audio/Visual equipment – Distracters 4. What Day and Time? – Morning – Afternoon – Evening – Work day versus weekend – Any day! Effective Presentations  Still More Planning 5. Organization – Determine main points (1-5) – Evidence – Transitions – Prepare outline – Prepare a Storyboard 6. Rehearse…Rehearse…Rehearse!! – In the actual room if possible – Work to a script and time your presentation – Practice Q & A – Check equipment – load your slides in advance – Make contingency plans Effective Presentations  Presentation Outline Keyword reminders Conversational flow Flexibility More responsive to audience Effective Presentations  #1: Build Rapport … relation marked by harmony or affinity – Audience members need to trust you and feel that you care about them Start before you begin – learn names – Opportunity to reinforce or correct audience assessment – Good first impression People listen to people they like Effective Presentations #2: Opening Your Presentation Introduce yourself – Why should they listen Get attention, build more rapport, introduce topic – Humor – Short story – Startling statistic – Make audience think – Invite participation Get audience response Effective Presentations  #2…Completing the Opening Clearly defining topic If informative… – Clear parameters for content within time If persuasive… – What’s the problem – Who cares – What’s the solution Overview Effective Presentations  Presenting Main Points#3: Make point-transition,…make point-transition,…make point-transition, etc… Supporting evidence Examples Feedback & questions from audience Attention to, and focus on, audience… are they listening? Concluding Your Presentation#4: Goal Inform audience that you’re about to close Summarize main points – “Tell ’em What You Told ‘em.” Something to remember, or call-to-action Answer questions Effective Presentations  Designing Good Slides Content – If it doesn’t add value, don’t say/use Color – Know your room and lighting Dark room – use light font on dark background Bright room – use dark font on light background Effective Presentations  Content Density – 7-10 lines/page – 4-8 words/line – Test: Project a sample in the room, or in a room of approximately the same size as will be used in the real presentation Effective Presentations  Visual Aids To make, explain or identify a point To emphasize, clarify or reinforce a point To remind, summarize or review a point We remember – – 10% of what we read – 20% of what we hear – 30% of what we see – 50% of what we see and hear Effective Presentations  Visual Aids Enhance understanding Add variety Support claims Lasting impact Used poorly, however, they can be a distraction and lead to an ineffective presentation Effective Presentations  Visual Aids PowerPoint slides Overhead transparencies Graphs/charts Pictures Web links Films/video Flip charts Sketches Chalk or white board Effective Presentations  Visual Aids Should… Outline, explain, support main points Serve audience’s needs, not speaker’s Be simple and clear Supplement and support… NOT DOMINATE!... the presentation Effective Presentations  Be Visible Titles should be 32-44 pt. font size, BOLD Text should be as large as possible – First level 24-32 pt font size – Second level 20-28 pt font size – Etc. Use color wisely – Contrasting colors Effective Presentations  Good slides Less distracting Reduces eye movement Increases readability Be CONSISTENT throughout presentation! Effective Presentations What Makes an Effective Speaker? Control of information The voice used The right words Use of body language Scripts and notes The right location Useful and meaningful visual aids Effective Presentations  Vocal Techniques Loudness – Will you be using a microphone? Pitch – Vary to make points Rate – Watch your audience Pause for effect – Allow time for message to “sink in” Effective Presentations  The Voice C: Clear – the use of simple, easily understood words and phrases L: Loud (enough) – it is important that everyone can hear you A: Assertive – a bright and confident air born of knowledge of the subject and good preparation P: Pause – it is essential to allow the listeners time to digest what you have said Effective Presentations  Use the Rights Words What you say, and how you say it, is the key to a successful presentation: P – state your position or point R – explain your ideas E – use examples P – restate your position or point Effective Presentations  Body Language Make eye contact,…but move focus around the audience Use your hands,…but don’t go crazy If possible move around,…but slowly! Maintain good posture Make sure everyone can see you DON’T speak with your back to the audience Effective Presentations  Scripts and Notes Learn and use a script for formal presentations to large groups Small note cards, or PPT notes page, can be used, but FIRST write a script Underline key words that will best remind you what you want to say Use one card for each slide or topic If possible, have someone else advance slides for you Effective Presentations  Common Problems Verbal fillers – “Um”, “uh”, “like”, “you guys” – Any unrelated word or phrase Swaying, rocking, and pacing Hands in pockets Failure to be audience-centered Effective Presentations  Pauses Useful – Awaiting thought – Switching gaze – Reading slide – Reinforcing point Powerful Difficult Effective Presentations  Control of Information Know your subject well Know what you are talking about Practice More practice More rehearsals - in front of the mirror - in front of colleagues or friends - in front of family members Believe in yourself Know your opening by heart Effective Presentations  Closing Summary Audience is always attentive at the begining Somewhat less attentive in the middle Generally more attentive at the end Tell them what you are going to say Then say it At the end, say it again Allow time for questions Effective Presentations  5 Presentation Tips 1. Smile 2. Breathe 3. Water 4. Notes 5. Finish on, or under time Effective Presentations  Summary Guide audience gently Design slides carefully Use pauses effectively Answer questions inclusively Effective Presentations