INTRODUCTION
The words 'presentation' or 'presentation skill' are heard most in every educational institution now a days. It seems that the present competitive world is also looking for the candidates who can present themselves in an effective way. The way you present yourself brings you either fame or shame. So it means that presentation is a way of communicating a piece of information to a group of people. So making oral or written presentations is a skill. Some people possess the skill instinctively while others develop it by practice.
It is no wonder that many people struggle to present effectively. In fact, the fear of public speaking is extremely common. However, you don't have to remain fearful and stressed by the thought of giving a presentation. With the right tool stand material, ng with good planning and preparation, you can present with energy and confidence.
Let's now look in detail at four key elements of effective presentations:
1. Understanding your audience.
2. Preparing your content.
3. Delivering confidently.
4. Controlling the environment.
1. Understanding your audience.
2. Preparing your content.
3. Delivering confidently.
4. Controlling the environment.
Understanding Your Audience
The success of most presentations is generally judged on how the audience responds. One may think that one did a great job, but unless the audience gets convinced, that may not be a good presentation.
The success of most presentations is generally judged on how the audience responds. One may think that one did a great job, but unless the audience gets convinced, that may not be a good presentation.
Before you even begin putting your PowerPoint slides together, the first thing you need to do is understand what your audience wants.
Try following these steps:
- o Determine who the members of the audience are.
- oFind out what they want and expect from your presentation. What do they need to learn?
- o Do they have entrenched attitudes or interests that you need to respect?
- o And what do they already know that you don't have to repeat?
- o Create an outline for your presentation, and ask for advance feedback on your proposed content. When your audience is satisfied, it doesn't matter if your delivery wasn't absolutely perfect. The primary goal of the people listening to your presentation is to get the information they need. When that happens, you've done a good job.
Preparing Your Content:
The only way to satisfy your audience's needs and expectations is to deliver the content they want. That means understanding what to present, and how to present it. Bear in mind that if you give the right information in the wrong sequence, this may leave the audience confused, frustrated, or bored. There are a variety of ways to structure your content, depending on the type of presentation you'll give. Here are some principles that you can apply: identify a few key points, do not include every detail, use an outline, start and end strongly and use examples.
The only way to satisfy your audience's needs and expectations is to deliver the content they want. That means understanding what to present, and how to present it. Bear in mind that if you give the right information in the wrong sequence, this may leave the audience confused, frustrated, or bored. There are a variety of ways to structure your content, depending on the type of presentation you'll give. Here are some principles that you can apply: identify a few key points, do not include every detail, use an outline, start and end strongly and use examples.
Delivering Confidently
Even the best content can be ineffective if your presentation style detracts from your message. Many people are nervous when they present so this will probably a
your delivery but it's the major distraction that you want to avoid. As you build confidence, you can gradually eliminate the small and unconstructive habits you may have. You Practise thoroughly to build confidence, be flexible, welcome statements from the audience, use slides and other visual aids, keep your visuals simple and brief and manage your stress.
Even the best content can be ineffective if your presentation style detracts from your message. Many people are nervous when they present so this will probably a
your delivery but it's the major distraction that you want to avoid. As you build confidence, you can gradually eliminate the small and unconstructive habits you may have. You Practise thoroughly to build confidence, be flexible, welcome statements from the audience, use slides and other visual aids, keep your visuals simple and brief and manage your stress.
Controlling the Environment
While much of the outside environment is beyond your control, there are still some things you can do to reduce potential risks to your presentation.
While much of the outside environment is beyond your control, there are still some things you can do to reduce potential risks to your presentation.
Practice in the Presentation Room: This forces you to become familiar with the room and the equipment. It will not only build your confidence, but also help you identify sources of risk.
Do Your own setup: Don't leave this to other people. Even though you probably want to focus on numerous other details, it's a good idea not to delegate too much of the preparation to others. You need he hands-on experience to make sure nothing disastrous happens at the real event.
Test Your Timing: When you practice, you also improve your chances of keeping to time. You get a good idea how long each part of the presentation will actually take, and this helps you plan how much time you'll have for statements and other audience interactions.
Key Points
Presenting does not have to be scary, or something you seek to avoid. Find opportunities to practice the tips and techniques discussed above, and become more confident in your ability to present your ideas to an audience. After all, we all have something important to say, and sometimes it takes more than a memo or report to communicate it. You owe it to yourself, and your organization, to develop the skills you need to present your ideas clearly, purposefully, engagingly, and confidently.
Presenting does not have to be scary, or something you seek to avoid. Find opportunities to practice the tips and techniques discussed above, and become more confident in your ability to present your ideas to an audience. After all, we all have something important to say, and sometimes it takes more than a memo or report to communicate it. You owe it to yourself, and your organization, to develop the skills you need to present your ideas clearly, purposefully, engagingly, and confidently.
For Excellent Presentation follow the 5 Ps and achieve success.
- •√ Prepare
- •√ Practice
- •√ Perfect
- •√ Perform
- •√ Prosper
STRUCTURE OF THE PRESENTATION
To make one's presentation persuasive the content of the presentation must be logically arranged, even if there is some occasional digression for adding spice to it. The whole presentation must be structured: there should be an effective opening, main body, a review at the end of each session, effective conclusion followed by questions and answers.
To make one's presentation persuasive the content of the presentation must be logically arranged, even if there is some occasional digression for adding spice to it. The whole presentation must be structured: there should be an effective opening, main body, a review at the end of each session, effective conclusion followed by questions and answers.
SIGNPOST EXPRESSIONS
During the presentation when you move from one point to the other it is very essential that you need to guide your audience by using some linking expressions which are called signpost expressions. Though it is not very difficult to learn them one needs to memorize them in order to use them properly.
During the presentation when you move from one point to the other it is very essential that you need to guide your audience by using some linking expressions which are called signpost expressions. Though it is not very difficult to learn them one needs to memorize them in order to use them properly.
- When we are going to the next point usually we say: "I'd like to move onlgo on to the next point if there are no further questions.
- Likewise here are some useful signpost expressions:'turn to, expand,' 'go back,' 'summarize,' recap" and "conclude.
SURVIVAL LANGUAGE
Sometimes you may go wrong or might have forgotten an important point during your presentation. Do not panic. Just take a pause and correct yourself: "I'm sorry. What I mean to say is this" or I'm sorry, I should/I would like to add an important point here." Concentrate on the Body language as you learnt before.
Sometimes you may go wrong or might have forgotten an important point during your presentation. Do not panic. Just take a pause and correct yourself: "I'm sorry. What I mean to say is this" or I'm sorry, I should/I would like to add an important point here." Concentrate on the Body language as you learnt before.
Conclusion
The content of your presentation, visual aids, body language, voice and the audience are important. But even more important is you, the presenter. Pay attention to yourself. Be well dressed and that too be formally dressed. Though the style of your presentation may be informal, the occasion demands a formal attire. Hence see that you are presentable and then your presentation is accepted.
The content of your presentation, visual aids, body language, voice and the audience are important. But even more important is you, the presenter. Pay attention to yourself. Be well dressed and that too be formally dressed. Though the style of your presentation may be informal, the occasion demands a formal attire. Hence see that you are presentable and then your presentation is accepted.
