This document provides tips for effective presentations. It emphasizes engaging the audience throughout the presentation. The opening should state what will be covered. The main points should be clearly separated and compelling. The close should summarize what was said and refer back to the opening. Visual aids and stories can help engage the audience, while questions can be handled by staying focused on the objectives. Practice is important for becoming an expert presenter.
5. • Prepare what you’re going to say.
• Start with the opening. (Say what you’re
going to say)
• Provide a preview of your main points.
• Clearly separate your main points.
• ENGAGE…ENGAGE…ENGAGE (say it)
• Be COMPELLING!
• The CLOSE! Tell them what you said.
How to Present Effectively
6. • Hook ‘em or LOSE ‘em.
• Tell them why you’re speaking (What
you’re GOING to say.)
• Show them what’s in it for them.
• Build credibility.
• Use humor with caution.
The Opening Matters
7. • The agenda/outline.
• Helps the audience understand and
remember what you say.
• Provide a list of the key points, key
questions, or the main problem with
solutions.
The Preview
8. • Backward and forward transitions help
build and maintain continuity.
• An example:
“Now that we’ve covered the 4
points to effective presentations
(going back), let’s look ahead
to…”
Transitions…
17. • Summarize what you said.
• Provide actions for follow up.
• Refer to the opening.
• If you run out of time focus on the main
objective(s.)
Close with a BANG!!!
21. • Prepare in advance.
• Show your understanding.
• Stick to the objectives you outlined.
• Keep everyone involved.
Fielding Questions
22. • If you don’t know the answer:
– Say you don’t know.
– Stall:
• “That’s a good question.”
• “I’m glad you asked that.”
– Repeat the question to buy time
– Turn the question around
• “How would you deal with this?”
– Turn the question outward
• “How would the rest of you deal with this?”
Fielding Questions
23. • Confusing questions: long + rambling
questions.
• Controlling questions: thank them and
move on.)
• Hostile questions:
– “I understand that you feel upset about
this.”
– Answer unemotionally.
Challenging Questions
25. • Practice…practice…practice.
• Try to find as many opportunities as you
can to present (Toastmasters.)
• Videotape your performance.
• Join Toastmasters.
Become an EXPERT
27. • We expect people to engage/ participate but
get annoyed when they talk TOO MUCH.
• We want people to be comprehensive,
thoughtful and innovative, yet FAST and
efficient.
• We expect people to provide their best ideas
but not get defensive when we modify or reject
them.
• We hold people to high standards and expect
them not to get caught in “GROUPTHINK” but
resent when they don’t follow along with the
group.
Meetings Are DIFFICULT
Taken from Lindsay Rahmun
28. Meetings Are DIFFICULT
• People have their own opinions, objectives and
agendas.
• There is always a POLITICAL environment that
presents barriers.
• Members differ in their cultural, personality,
experience, values, and belief systems.
31. • Can be a distraction
• Avoid using a lot of text
- don’t read of the page
like the text is author’
notes.
• Avoid using old graphics
and Clip Art.
• Use words sparingly, and
find NEW &
EXCITING graphics.
Visual Aides
32. • Start with the design of the presentation
as a WHOLE.
– Do the closing and Agenda slides first
• Once you choose the platform, design the
SLIDE layout.
• Design each slide.
• Practice with all your visual aides
included.
• Use VIDEO & AUDIO (I’m a
hypocrite!)
A Visually Compelling Talk
35. • Use headlines, sub-headlines.
• Choose your colors.
• Match copy with background color for
visual effect
• Maintain consistent “LOOK” but mix up
slides to maintain interest.
• Incorporate graphics, charts, pie charts,
graphs, to depict your message visually.
Designing Each Slide
36. • Cite your sources.
• Check for errors.
• Design slides to tell WHY & HOW!
• Spacing matters.
• Acclimate yourself to the equipment and
the venue.
Designing Each Slide
59. Selfish Communications
• You approach the audience from a ME
perspective.
• You DON’T add value.
• You ASSUME they care about what you
have to say.
• You don’t tailor the message to the
audience.
• You are BORING!