1. Effective Presentation Skills

2. In effective presentations…… We never plan to fail – we fail to plan!

3. Steps to successful presentations... 1.Purpose of the Presentation: thank inform persuade – ideas and/or action

4. Understand Your Audience Who? What? When? Where? How?

5. Some questions to consider: Who are they? (demographics, professions etc) What content do they want to hear? How many people? What is your relationship with them? Are there any cultural differences? What do they need to know? What language will be most appropriate?

6. Other questions about the audience….. What is the date, day, and time? Where is the venue? Will there be other speakers? What equipment is available

7. 3. Check the Venue Seating Plan/Room layout Lighting Air Conditioning Lectern/Microphones Projector and screens Whiteboards Power supply Technical support

8. 4.Research your Topic Ideas Facts and figures Statements by authorities Stories Historical information Interesting or “quirky” facts

9. 5. Prepare your structure: How long will the presentation be? Allow 10% of the time for both your opening and conclusion Will there be time for questions? How interactive will the presentation be?

10. Other Issues Title for your presentation? –Catchy –What’s in it for me? –Theme of presentation Appropriate Use of Humour

11. 6. A Strong Opening Ask a question Tell a story Use a famous quote Identify with the audience

12. 7. The Body of the Presentation Break into key points: –Explain It (a few statements only) –Reinforce it (stories, acts, information) –Sell it (what’s in it for them)

13. 8. Sequencing Chronological Topical Logical

14. 9. Closing your Presentation End with a bang, not a wimper Summarise key messages Issue a call to action Challenge the audience An inspirational quote Ask a question

15. 10.Using Visual Aids Powerpoint/OHT’s Whiteboards Flip Charts Slides Handouts Props

16. 11. Using Powerpoint Only six to seven lines Simple, key words Bold headings Clear layout Diagrams, pictures, cartoons Avoid too much animation Use colour

17. 12. Body Language Eye contact Tone, pitch and pace of voice Movement Grooming Posture (sitting vs standing) Intangibles: honesty, credibility, sincerity

18. 13. Mental Preparation Arrive early Practice Visualise yourself presenting confidently with an engaged audience Use deep breathing

19. 14. Dealing with difficult situations Active listening Paraphrasing Questioning techniques

20. Time for Questions