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 contact Eyes 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 - it to yourself as well as having it on a stick

Build rapport Take your time and enjoy!