The Art and Anguish of the Presentation
Posted on April 11, 2008
Filed Under Cold hard career facts, Career Development, Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y
I read a great post by Ryan Healy from Employee Evolution last week on his experiences giving presentations. Since giving presentations is one of the things I do a lot of I wanted to share some personal best practices on the subject, including some thoughts on delivering presentations to a web audience.
Giving a presentation, especially to a group of people you don’t know can be terrifying. Some fear it more than death itself (feel free to insert your own joke here). When preparing to give a presentation keep these keys in mind:
- Remember the 5 ‘P’s -proper planning prevents poor performance. Do your homework, know your audience, and whatever you do, don’t wait until the last minute to get started. Some people can fly by the seat of their pants, I know I’ve done it a time or two myself. If you do, people will likely know and you’ll never give your best performance.
- Practice, practice, practice -unless you’ve done the presentation many times, you need to practice often and in front of people. Get your friends, family, spouse, whoever to listen and give you feedback. Practicing to a mirror or various pieces of furniture is great, but they won’t give you feedback so that you can improve.
- Relax and be yourself -some of my worst presentations were those where I tried too hard to be someone else. I’ve developed my own style and when stick to it, it usually works. Also, remember to slow down, breathe and relax. If you’re stressed out people will see it. If it helps you, try the old Brady Bunch technique and picture everyone in their underwear. I’ve actually done this, it’s funny, but it does work. Finally, remember it’s not life and death, if it goes badly (or even if it goes well) try to learn something for next time. hint: if you’re not funny, don’t try out jokes during a presentation. Keep it simple.
Some people might think delivering a presentation over the web is easier than in person. You can’t see them, they can’t see you, should be easier right? Wrong. Part of the problem with web presentations is that you can’t see them. You have no idea if they are engaged, checking email, laughing, or have left the room. Try these techniques on web presentations to make sure everyone is paying attention.
- Ask questions -keep it relative to the content, but do pause and ask them questions, to individuals by name if you can. It keeps them engaged if they know you may call on them.
- Always pause for their questions -again helps you check the tone of the group and make sure they’re still following what you’re trying to deliver.
- Crack jokes/make fun of yourself -not always a good idea in a live presentation, but over the web it can be a good icebreaker and if nothing else it keeps the mood light.
- Your energy effects their energy -If you’re excited about the presentation it’s alot easier for them to be excited. If you’re droning on and on, they will quickly tune out. This week I delivered 8 web presentations, yeah 8. Needless to say by the last one I was seriously dreading it and it took everything I had, plus multiple cups of coffee, to keep my energy up. Even then I’m sure the last probably wasn’t quite as good as the first.
Finally, remember giving speeches and presentations is tough business, that’s why those that are really good, get the big money (note: I’m not there yet). With practice and preparation you’ll develop your own style and hopefully come to enjoy them. Good luck.
Until next time…
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