So far, you've explored ways in which you can prepare your presentation. The next part of the series covers aspects of delivering a presentation.
After you have designed your deck, your next step is to present it effectively. You can make wonderful preparations but still not meet your objective if your delivery style is ineffective. In this topic, you'll learn techniques for speaking and relating to your audience to deliver your presentation effectively.
What's the connection between delivering a presentation and playing jazz?
Jazz is based on a clearly understood melody; it's equivalent to your presentation slides and notes. At the same time, jazz is improvised. The artist doesn't play every note exactly as written. Similarly, the presenter doesn't have to read the slide notes word for word. Like jazz, a presentation is flexible, and it can change depending on various factors. As a presenter, you will have to respond to audience questions and unexpected problems without getting rattled.
What's the role of body language while presenting?
Next, you'll explore body language, which plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of a presentation. Many presenters think that their presentation starts as soon as they start speaking. Not quite. Your presentation starts the moment your audience sees you. The audience forms their impression about you in the first few seconds, and their impressions are based on the visual cues you send out through your body language—the way you stand, the way your hands move, the eye contact you make, and so on. Remember, you haven't started speaking yet, but through the silent messages you send (that is, your body language), you can impact how the audience perceives, accepts, and responds to you.
What do you think?
How can you adjust your body language so that you appear more positive, approachable, and engaging? Write your response on a notepad to evaluate later.
Review actions for effective body language!
To connect with your audience, it's important to convey openness and trust. Simple actions like shaking hands with your host when you take the stage sends out a positive vibe. Keeping a straight posture with relaxed shoulders while presenting conveys openness. Moving your hands naturally like when you talk to your friend can help you connect with your audience better and keep the positive energy flowing.
Remember that no matter what presentation techniques you use, if your body language is wrong, it will weaken everything else. What other techniques can you use to present effectively?
Summary:
- If you're being introduced, shake hands with that person. A handshake conveys "connection."
- Maintain a straight posture with relaxed shoulders.
- Keep your gestures simple and natural. For example, don't move your hands too much and avoid folding your arms in front of your body.
Techniques to present effectively
There are multiple techniques that you can use while presenting, including:
- Using evocative language
- Telling great stories
- Using physical props or distinctive visual images
- Engaging your audience in discussion
- Speaking and moving in a controlled but lively manner
All great presenters tend to use most of these techniques, if not all.