Presentation Skills

Hints and tips for presenting yourself and giving presentations

Part 1 - Presenting yourself

90% of the impression that we make is formulated

within the first 60 seconds

Please shake hands with the person next to

you

Making a good initial impression

Eye contactEyes are the "window to

the soul"

Smile!

Body Language and posture

Can ‘power posing’ like Bolt make you a winner?

Your body language can shape who you are

• We are used to thinking that our demeanour reflects our feeling, but the reverse is also true

• We feel and think according to the way we hold our bodies

• Standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain and may even have an impact on our chances for success

Attitude and Confidence

Voice Production

•If your voice is dull and uninteresting the audience will switch off

•Bear in mind the 3 "P's"

•Pitch - the note at which you speak

•Pace - vary the rate to add colour and variety

•Pause - gives time to think, absorb, makes you appear in control, use for dramatic effect

Coping with nerves

•Nerves are a necessary part of giving a good presentation

•They give the presenter energy

•Even the most experienced of presenters feel nervous

•Turn negative fear into positive power

Part 2 - Presentations

Opening your presentation

•Get the attention of your audience

•Explain to your audience what's in it for them

•Tell the audience who you are and why you are speaking to them

•Tell the audience the direction you are going to take

Know your audience- the closer you can

tune in to your audience’s

wavelength, , the more impact you will

make.

Ice breakers

Beginning, middle and the summary of

your arguments

•Work out what you want to say in 2 or 3 sentences before elaborating your ideas

•Impact = clear recommendations, backed up by convincing arguments

Ending the presentation

•Before we stop for lunch...

•Your audience should expect the end, so do signpost the conclusion

•The last few words said by the speaker are what tends to stay with the audience, so make them memorable

•Avoid losing energy at the end - what's your "take home message?"

Ensure your presentation lasts the amount of time you've

been allocated

Test it out

If presenting on ppt - email it to yourself as well as having it on a

stick

Build rapport Take your time and enjoy!