If you work at an administrative level, then you are likely to find yourself making presentations before your peers. If public speaking isn’t your forte, then there is nothing like a looming demonstration or address to shake up those nerves. Everything about you, from your clothes to the content of your project, will be under scrutiny.
Your presentation could be the vehicle that launches you into stardom at your company. It may be the bait that hooks the big “whale” of a client for your firm. It can be just what your fledgling startup company needs to attract investors who want to play a role in the growth of your business.
If you have an upcoming presentation, then the worst thing that you can do is leave its results to chance. Proper preparation is paramount. Continue reading to get tips to make your presentation a true reflection of your talent and potential.
Prepare diligently
Have you ever had that dream where you show up to work only to realize that you forgot to get dressed before leaving the house? Hopefully, the closest thing you will feel to being nude at work in real life is showing up for a presentation without having put in enough effort. It will indeed leave you feeling naked as you try to engage peers who can see through your lack of preparation.
Practice your presentation in the mirror, and practice it just the way you intend to perform it when it’s time to do the real thing. Picture yourself being in the office as you practice so you can get a feel for the space that you will have to work with. You need to be as mindful of your body language as you are of your words.
When you feel like you have your presentation down pat, then you should give it in front of a brutally honest family member or friend. Don’t fear constructive criticism. It can bring out your absolute best!
Ancillary materials
Every part of your demonstration needs to run fluidly. If your presentation comes off as disjointed, then your audience will quickly become lost and lose interest. Your PowerPoint slides and any materials that you pass out all need to accentuate what you have to say without drowning out your voice.
In addition, you need to grab the attention of your audience right away. At times, passing out pamphlets full of numbers and jargon can send people off into daydreams.
Mines Press Online Printing can help you organize your materials, but they can also help to make them attention-grabbing. When it comes to making your visual aids engaging, a little decor can go a long way.
Keep your audience’s attention
When giving a presentation, no feeling is quite like the one you’ll get from knowing your audience is eating out of your hand. Even if you’re a person who shies away from attention, you can get the crowd engaged and completely control the atmosphere.
One way to make sure that you have all eyes on you and attention on your presentation is to make bold statements. For shock value, you want to put special emphasis on the most striking facts of your presentation. Say something unbelievable and support it with your facts.
Engage your audience by asking them questions and providing them with opportunities to offer input. Even though you have your own conclusions, asking questions will give your audience the sense that you’re reaching those conclusions together.
In addition, you want to be ready for any questions that audience members may ask of you during your presentation. Put yourself in the mind of someone who is witnessing your presentation and imagine the questions that may be raised. Think of tough questions that detractors might ask, and come up with answers for them.