Technique 3: Use physical props or distinctive visual images

A prop is a theatrical term for any physical object that someone uses onstage, and Steve Jobs' manila envelope is an example of a prop. Props help focus your audience's attention, and they can make your ideas seem tangible and real. Props are easier to use in face-to-face presentations than in virtual presentations.

Be careful with your choice of props. If you choose one that is "too interesting," your audience will stop listening to you. Are you wondering what type of props can be too interesting?

Activity: Which props distract you? Look at the list below. Think about whether or not you find the prop distracting.

Bowl of food, World globe, Kitten, Rifle, books and desk lamp.

Evaluate your thinking Once you've thought about your selections, click the following sections for some feedback.

Non-distracting props

It's possible to imagine a presentation in which the bowl of food, the globe, the books, or the desk lamp might help bring a subject to life.

Distracting props

However, the kitten is likely to be adored, while the rifle is a controversial choice. Either way, both of these props could divert the focus and distract your audience.

A prop must make your point without distracting your audience; otherwise, your audience will stop listening to you!

Technique 4: Engage your audience in discussion

Along with using props, you can engage your audience by asking them questions or initiating small discussions. The audience expects to ask you questions, usually at the end, but you can surprise them by asking them questions midway or throughout a presentation.

By asking questions you can:

• Get your audience's attention
• Change the dynamics in the room
• Transform your audience from watchers to participants
• Get your audience to share ideas
• Move away from recitation to discussion
• Help your audience contribute more and remember more

Tips for asking better questions

It's important that you ask relevant questions to your audience members. Unrelated questions can dampen their spirit.

Here are some tips that will help you ask better questions.

Warm up your audience.

Give the audience a few minutes to get to know you before asking your first question. You need to earn their trust.

Don’t wait too long to ask your first question.

You need to engage your audience. You don’t want them to watch you like you’re a TV show.

Gradually move from easy to challenging questions.

Allow your audience to attempt easier questions first, and then they’ll be more willing to tackle the harder ones.

Wait for an answer.Be patient.

Fifteen seconds of silence might feel like it lasts forever, but it can take that long for your audience to process your question and frame an answer.

Say “thank you.”

Don’t project every trivial question as a masterpiece. “Good question!” is often one of the most insincere things a presenter can say. But every question, bright or dim, is an opportunity for you to explore another area of your subject.

Technique 5: Speak and move in a controlled but lively manner

All the techniques that you've explored so far can't help you if you mumble through your presentation in a monotone, or race through it like a scared rabbit.

Techniques to apply in face-to-face presentations

Vary your tone and tempo

• Vary the pitch and the speed at which you speak. Let your voice rise and fall naturally.
• Do not speak in a monotone. Go a little faster when the content is interesting. Go a little slower when the details of an explanation need to sink in.
• Use variety to ensure your audience is tuned in and is responsive to your message.

Maintain a good posture, and move from place to place

• Good posture suggests to people that you are a mature person with knowledge and authority.
• Moving from place to place can also help keep your presentation lively.
• Remember that when you move towards your audience, you increase your trust and energy with them.

Maintain enthusiasm and eye contact

• Your enthusiasm is contagious. If you're having a good time, your audience will as well. Your mood gets reflected in your voice.
• Where you look during the presentation is important. If you look at the screen, the audience also will look at the screen. Make frequent eye contact with different people in your audience.
• Then, the audience will feel that you're connecting with them personally, and they'll listen with extra attention. Be aware that some cultures find eye contact aggressive. For those cultures, you can tone this down.

Be animated with your verbal and facial expressions

• You shouldn't act like a clown in a business setting. But you can share vivid descriptions and exciting ideas with your audience. Let your facial expressions reflect your good feelings.
• Your audience reads and interprets these emotions by listening to your voice, which impacts the way your presentation is received.

Techniques to apply in virtual presentations

When you are physically presenting, these techniques are easy to apply. But when you are presenting virtually, you need to modify these techniques. In most cases, you'll only have your voice and your slides to connect with your audience. Even then, it's possible to adapt these techniques.

Vary your tone and tempo

Vary your tone and tempo to convey the right emotions and feelings because people cannot see you. Smile when it's appropriate. A smile transfers positive vibes to your tone.

Maintain a good posture, and move from place to place

Stand up to deliver your presentation, and move around if you have a headset. Remember that any posture or movement you use should make you feel comfortable and project confidence in your voice.

Maintain enthusiasm and eye contact

Increase your interaction with the audience by asking more questions, polling for opinions, and so on. If you have access to a directory, print out pictures of the people you are presenting to. This could help you feel like there is an audience to maintain eye contact with.

Be animated with your verbal and facial expressions

Increase your use of metaphors and descriptive word pictures to express your emotions and feelings.

More tips for virtual presentations

Virtual presentations are more effective when they are shorter. The standard hour-long presentation might be too long for virtual audiences.

Keep your audience engaged by inviting them to comment or initiate discussions. The more interactive your session, the more attentive and involved your audience will be.

Always rehearse before you present

Practice the delivery techniques covered in this topic by rehearsing before your presentation. Rehearsal helps you identify gaps in your presentation or sections where you get stuck. If possible, rehearse in front of a team member. Ask for feedback on your body language, tone, pace, and movements. If you're uncomfortable rehearsing with someone, record yourself to gauge how well you're using the delivery techniques.

Remember, your audience will forgive the occasional mistake, but if you're unprepared they're likely to dismiss you. So, plan well to allow sufficient time for rehearsal.

Key learning points in this topic

• You might have the best notes and deck prepared, but those will only have an impact if your delivery is effective.
• Rehearse your presentation to ensure an effective delivery.
• Use these techniques to present effectively, face-to-face and virtually
• Use evocative language
• Tell great stories
• Use physical props or distinctive visual images
• Engage your audience in discussion
• Speak and move in a controlled but lively manner