Picking Up Presentation Skills

There is little doubt that some people are born with presentation skills while others are not. Some people thrive in front of an audience while others struggle to remember what they’re doing standing up there in the first place. Nevertheless even if you, like the majority of people, fall into the latter group there are still things you can do to make sure you improve as a presenter and pick up essential presentation skills.

The key part of giving a presentation is knowing who your audience is going to be and why they are going to be listening to you. You should know before you stand up and say even one word whether you are there trying to sell something or teach something. Are the members of the audience there voluntarily or are they being forced to attend? These questions give context to your presentation style and will help you to understand how receptive they are to presentation ice-breakers like jokes and introductory slides. If possible it always helps to use the first minute of your presentation to introduce yourself. Let them know you are a human. Tell them where you have come from to be with them today and let them know the parts of your resume that highlight the skills and experiences that make you the right person for this presentation.

If it’s a small group, you should try to go round the room and ask each person who they are and why it is important for them to be there to hear you. Having people admit this out loud will help remind them of their role and it will also give you more context if you choose a more interactive style of presentation.

You presentation style is partly a result of your own personality but it should also be fine-tuned by the circumstances of each presentation. Do you want to interact with your audience or do you need them to hear every detail from you without interruption? Is it more important that they leave understanding everything or that they leave with a positive impression of you and the company you represent. Sometimes it makes more sense to allow a diversion to take the group over if the participants feel more engaged and favorable towards you. You can always follow up with the things you didn’t get to in an email.

When taking questions, don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” to something that falls out of your area of expertise. People respect honesty and a clear answer is always better than dancing around trying to hide your ignorance on any given subject. Offer to follow up with the person asking the question by email and make sure to do so promptly.

If you act confidently, politely and patiently with your audience they will be more receptive to your presentation.

By: Mark J Gregory

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Mark Gregory is writing on behalf of Professional Presentations, who offer Business presentations and sales presentations