Focus On: Presentation Skills
Improving Presentations Easy as 1 - 2 - 3 - 4
Talking in front of a group can be intimidating, but the following four pointers can help even the most hesitant speaker give an effective presentation.
1. Toss out myths about opening remarks.
One way to assure audience interest from the start of your presentation is to avoid the following popular pieces of advice.
Myth 1: Open with a joke. The audience may not “get” the joke or appreciate it. In any event, you only have about a 25 percent chance of success with this type of opening.
Myth 2: Begin by asking a question. It’s risky. Some audience members won’t answer because they don’t know if they should raise their hands. Others will fear their answer is incorrect. Either way you will not engage your listeners.
Myth 3: Start by talking about yourself. You’ll sound egotistic, and besides, the audience doesn’t care.
Myth 4: Kick off by previewing the talk. This misguided approach can backfire because the audience often assumes they already know the content of your discussion and may tune out as you speak.
2. Connect with the audience early in the presentation.
The following methods can help you engage the audience.
Discuss a common historical bond the audience members share. When Abraham Lincoln began the Gettysburg Address with “Four score and seven years ago...” he reminded the listeners they shared a common cause.
Voice a common concern or need. As long as the statement is something the audience actually cares about, this method can be very effective.
Offer an irrefutable truth. Creating agreement can hook listeners.
Deliver a quote. Appropriate quotes support a presentation.
3. Introduce audience-centered ideas.
After you have drawn in your audience, the next element of an effective presentation will introduce new ideas. It’s critical to focus this portion of the talk on the listener’s needs and wants. The audience must understand how they benefit from whatever you’re discussing.
4. Close with a bang.
A strong finish requires a call to action. Tell the audience exactly what they must do. Statements like Just make two more sales calls a day and Write a check now help audience members remember the crux of a presentation.
Source: Henderson, J. (2007, April). Easy ways to deliver better presentations. Communication Briefings, 26, 7.