Relevance Of Giving Presentations In Business

Prepare.

"The mind is a wonderful thing. It starts working the minute you're born and never stops working until you get up to speak in public." (Unknown source) .The quality of your presentation is most directly related to the quality of your preparation. Rarely will you have difficulties in your presentation due to being "overprepared."

 If you are responsible for promotion of your presentation, create an accurate, but inviting, description. Emphasize the relevance of the content to the audience.

 Include a statement in promotional materials on how participants with disabilities can obtain disability-related accommodations for the presentation. This statement will provide an example that may be adapted for participant use in their own publications.

 Believe in the importance of your message.

 Visualize yourself giving a great speech.

 Organize your material in a way that is most comfortable to you by using a script, outline, notes, or 3 x 5 cards. Number them.

 Proofread all printed materials.

 Practice, practice, practice-by yourself and/or with someone. During practice sessions you can work out the bugs and add polish to your presentation. (Note: a rehearsal usually will run about 20% shorter than a live presentation; adjust your content accordingly.)

 As participants enter, consider providing them with 3 x 5 cards and asking them to write at least one question they have about the topic of the presentation. Read them silently as people settle in. Address the questions throughout the presentation and/or at the closing.

 Have a backup plan for delivering the presentation if all of your audiovisual materials become "unavailable." Do not rely on technology to work.

 Test all audiovisual equipment. Practice using PowerPoint™ and other visual displays. If you are using a videotape, make sure it is set to the correct beginning point and at the appropriate volume.

 Check the lighting. If you need to adjust it during your presentation, practice the adjustments before you begin. Consider showing someone else how to make the adjustments for you.

 Have a glass of water available for yourself.

 Think about questions that might be asked and rehearse brief, clear answers to each.

 Memorize the first few minutes of your presentation.

 Review your main points.

 Dress for success.

Create a comfortable learning environment.

"The worst human fears are speaking in front of a group of people, dying, and speaking and dying in front of a group of people." (Unknown source)

 It is important to create a learning environment that is comfortable and welcoming.

 Arrive early and get a feel for the room, including its temperature, size, and overall set-up. Re-arrange furniture as needed.

 Warmly welcome participants, use eye contact and a welcoming posture and thank participants for coming.

 For smaller groups, ask them to introduce themselves and indicate what they hope to learn. For larger groups, poll the audience, asking them to respond to questions related to your topic. For example, ask the audience, "How many of you have had a student with a learning disability in your class?" and then ask one individual to elaborate.

 Create a safe and nonthreatening environment where participants are not afraid to ask questions. Encourage them to share experiences and ask questions of you or other participants.

 Emphasize that everyone can contribute to the learning process.

 Clearly identify the objectives at the beginning of the session.

 Keep to the time schedule, but show that you value participant input by not rushing.

 Frame questions so that they are easy to understand.

 Do not criticize or allow audience members to criticize other participants.

 Maintain confidentiality and ask the audience to respect the privacy of other participants.

Manage your anxiety."There are two kinds of public speakers-- those who admit to their nervousness and liars." (Mark Twain) .Nervousness before a talk or workshop is healthy. It shows that your presentation is important to you and that you care about doing well. The best performers are nervous prior to stepping on stage. Below are suggestions for assuring that anxiety does not have a negative impact on your presentation.

* Use nervousness to your advantage-channel it into dynamic energy about the topic.

 Remind yourself that you and the audience have the same goal, and, therefore, they want you to succeed as much as you do.

 Speak about what you know. Keeping your presentation within the realm of your knowledge and experience will build confidence and minimize nervousness.

 Focus on delivering your message, not on how you feel.

 Smile. Be relaxed, poised, and at ease on the outside, regardless of how you feel internally. Acting relaxed can help make you relaxed.

 Keep presenting! Your anxieties decrease the more presentations you give.

Create a strong beginning.

"The greatest talent is meaningless without one other vital component: passion." (Selwyn Lager)

Most audiences give you only 30-120 seconds to convince them they want to listen to you. Keep your opening simple and exciting.

 Consider using a short icebreaker activity.

 A tasteful, humorous commentary can be effective if related to the topic.

 Explain the purpose of your presentation in