Public Speaking Tips: Power Presentations



Presentation skill is something that all great speakers have to master.  Done right, it shows the audience your ability to organize and convey your thoughts and ideas in a way that words alone can never do.

However, if you don’t do it right, then it will show the world in glorious visual Technicolor your lack of preparation.

Bear in mind the following and you will be able to sail through.

1) Don’t Put Your Entire Speech In The Presentation

A presentation consisting of words alone is boring, although it is unavoidable at times.  However, don’t put your entire speech in your slides and read from them.  By doing that, you’re making yourself redundant.  You might as well give your audience a copy of your slides and they can read from there.

2) Use Keywords

Continuing from Point #1 above, instead of putting your entire speech in your presentation, use keywords.  Important keywords pertaining to your topic will be helpful for your audience to remember what you want to share with them than copious words.  Show them the keywords and expand from there.

3) Images Speak Volumes

In the olden days when presentation is limited to the use of transparencies, speakers are limited to using words only.  Modern technology has allowed for use of images.  Images are very powerful visual representations of your ideas so make full use of them.  However, make sure they are appropriate.  Don’t use images that are religious or sexist in nature.

4) Be Mindful Of Your Audience

Who are your audience?  You need to tailor the overall “feel” of your presentation to them.  This reflects on your professionalism as a speaker.  For instance, a corporate audience expects something that has a corporate feel.  This means toning down on flashy images, color and use of “casual” languages.  A younger audience on the other hand may appreciate a more modern presentation.

5) Presentations Are Not Limited To Slides

Don’t limit your presentation to just slides although they are convenient to use and can be carried around in a USB.  Physical items can be very useful presentation items as well, provided they are easy to transport around and placed on the stage. 

At the end of the day, remember – it’s your message that is important, not how edgy your presentation material is.  Your presentation is there to help you drive home your message, not detract from it.

If you would like the opportunity to learn effective communication skills as well as learn leadership skills that you can put in practice immediately, join us for our bi-monthly meetings on every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month.  Please refer to our Next Meeting page for information on our next meeting or contact us directly to see how we can help you achieve your goals.

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