Nicole M. Young, MSW
Optimal Solutions
Consulting
Powerful Presentation Skills
© Optimal Solutions Consulting, 2011
Desired Outcomes
Learn how to plan presentations that are informative and interesting.
Understand how to balance presenting information, engaging the audience and managing the time.
Discuss ways to use visual aids to enhance presentations.
Gain tips and ideas for managing anxiety about public speaking.
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Agenda
I. Welcome / Overview / Introductions
II. Putting the “P” in Powerful Presentations
III. More Tips & Techniques
IV. Closing / Evaluation
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Introductions
NameOrganization#1 fear, worry, concern or challenge
related to speaking in public (presentations, meetings, groups, etc)
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The Best Defense
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Put the “P” in Powerful PresentationsPLANPREPAREPRACTICEPRESENT
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PLAN
Who is my audience?What do they want to hear, learn, feel or
do? What do I want them to hear, learn, feel
or do?What will I cover or convey to
accomplish this?How long will I need to do this?
How much can I do with the amount of time I have?
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Exercise: Planning for a Presentation
Think about an upcoming presentation that you will (or could) be leading:
1. Who will be attending?
2. What do they want to hear, learn, feel or do?
3. What is one key point you need to cover or convey to meet their needs?
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PREPARE
How does the audience want to receive information? (Learning Styles)
What Types of Information will capture their interest?
What Types of Interactions will keep them engaged?
What Types of Questions can I use to initiate interactions?
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PREPARE: Learning Styles
Learning Style ExamplesVisual: images, symbols
Charts, diagrams, icons, pictures
Auditory: sounds, spoken words
Presentations, group discussion
Read/Write: text Handouts, books, lists, notes
Kinesthetic: experience or practice
Demonstrations, role plays, videos
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Learning Styles: Example 1
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Learning Styles: Example 2
@nicolemyoung: my learning style is…
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Visual Visual + Read/Write
Kinesthetic
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PREPARE: Types of Information
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• Process-Oriented
• Feeling-Oriented
• Analytical
• Visionary
Big Ideas Facts
or Logic
StepsStories
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PREPARE: Types of Interactions
Experiential exercise“Parallel” exerciseLarge-group discussionSmall-group discussionPairsGo around the roomIndividual written exercise1-way presentation
Inte
racti
on
High
Low
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PREPARE: Types of Questions
Open-ended
Closed-ended
Audience poll/show of hands
What is your greatest fear about public speaking?
Do you get nervous about
public speaking? How many of
you get nervous about
public speaking?
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Group Exercise: Prepare
Example of 1 key pointWhat question(s) could you use to
initiate interaction?How would you follow that up with
A big idea Fact or logic Concrete steps Stories
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PRACTICE
Use a mirror, video camera, other people
Check body language, tone of voice, pace, volume, words
Time yourselfNotice: note cards, handouts,
agendaPractice answering tough
questions
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PRESENT: Before
Arrive early to set up, get situated in the room
Set up and test any audio/visual equipment
Greet people as they arriveTake deep breathsBe your own
cheerleader/coachReview your notes, agenda,
slides one more timewww.opti-solutions.com
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PRESENT: During
Speak slowlySpeak loudlyEnunciatePause (silence is ok)Make eye contact SmileWalk around the room (if feasible)Talk to the audience (not your notes or the
screen)“Perform”
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Other Tips & Techniques
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What works for you?
What makes a “good” presentation an “outstanding” presentation?
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Want More Information?
E-mail: [email protected]
Visit: www.opti-solutions.com
Connect:
www.facebook.com/OptimalSolutions www.twitter.com/nicolemyoung
www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemyoung
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