1. 1 Importance of Presentation & Communication skills Tess Field HR Director, Microsoft

2. 2 Overview The value of great presentation and communication Presentation Communication skills Presenting power Questions

3. 3 Think Last person to impress you Someone who has impacted your thinking Great speakers or personalities Someone who you aspire to be like Your own prejudices

4. 4 Presentation Professional success is related to the ability to present ideas Public speaking is a cornerstone of business communication You are the most important visual

5. 5 The ABCs of Effectively Presenting Yourself A relates to Authenticity: –The truth of who I am flows through me as I speak B relates to Believability: –What is coming out of my mouth matches what is going on in my head C relates to Clarity: –I know where I’m going, where I want to go, and how to go there

6. 6 Communication skills Verbal Listening Feedback Written Presentation Appearance

7. 7 Presentation Power Public speaking is a cornerstone of business communication

8. 8 Perfecting a Presentation Not about making great speeches but about achieving desired results Answering the questions: –What do I want to happen? –How do I want the audience to feel? –What will “success” be? –What do I communicate in an authentic manner?

9. 9 Steps for Preparing a Presentation Step 1:Establish objectives Step 2:Get organized Step 3:Draft and revise Step 4:Format and layout

10. 10 Step 1: Establish Objectives What story do you have to tell? Ask WHY something happened, not WHAT happened Objectives –Clarify expectations –Provides focus –Evaluate success –Inspire to action Match your message to the audiences needs

11. 11 Step 2: Get Organized Mental preparation: –What do you want and need to say? –Mapping –Affinity charting How to express your message: –Structure: opening/ body/ closing

12. 12 Step 2: Get Organized Mentally: Mapping Identify your subject (or target) Dump all your ideas quickly Separate ideas into groups Add/remove as necessary Choose sequence Identify “path”

13. 13 Mind Mapping Example Presentation Skills Graphic Design PowerPoint Slides Color Choice Facilitation Questions Handling Problem Audio Visuals Anxiety Tips Establish Objectives Audience Presentation Techniques Use of Voice Organization Techniques OutlinesMapping Drafting 1 2 3 4 5 6 1a 2a2b 2c 3a 3b 3c 4a 5a 6a

14. 14 Step 2: Get Organized: Structure Tell them what you are going to tell them Tell them Tell them what you Have told them

15. 15 Step 2: Get Organized :Opening Effectively Breaks pre-occupation Sets the tone Sets expectations Creates rapport Provides reason for listening Describes why they are here

16. 16 Step 2: Get Organized : Opening Grab their attention –Your name –News –A story –Visual or picture –A request Prepare your opening last & write it out! Introduction –Warm greeting –Ask a question –Make a promise –Say your name –Give your credentials Tell them what you are going to tell them Tell them Tell them what you Have told them

17. 17 Step 2: Get Organized : Body Explain = how and why Streamline material: must know, should know, nice to know Writing to sound natural Tell them what you are going to tell them Tell them Tell them what you Have told them

18. 18 Step 2: Get Organized : Closing Summarize key points & main idea Match your conclusion to your mission Ties everything together A strong ending Tell them what you are going to tell them Tell them Tell them what you Have told them

19. 19 Step 3: Draft and Revise Read it out loud Keep the language simple Avoid long sentences Use an active voice Vary the pace People centered not media centered

20. 20 Step 4: Format and Layout Put your title to work so it’s memorable! 6 X 6 rule: Six bullets of six words each per slide Use simple font / one key point per slide Use color sparingly – 3 or 4 is enough, ensure they work when projected Use templates if possible

21. 21 International Presenting Learn as much as you can about the relevant culture –Pay particular attention to their business and presentation protocols and norms –Pay attention to arrangement details – power requirements, equipment, etc. may be different Make sure all parties understand goals and agenda Stress clarity and simplicity in all aspects Remember the importance of non-verbal communication Be respectful and on your best behavior at all times

22. 22 How to Present Successfully Visualizing success Awareness of your personal style Self awareness of reaction to the audience Understanding and applying the “A, B, Cs” of presenting Effective presenting skills: –Voice –Confidence –Credibility –Interaction

23. 23 Not what you say but how you say it –Short crisp phrases with pauses –Pitch down on endings –Energy: show you care A learned skill: practice Communication and credibility –38% vocal qualities –55% facial expressions, gestures, and movements –7% spoken word

24. 24 And how you present yourself You are the most important visual –Dress right, feel right –Free your hands Video tape yourself if possible, it is the best practice

25. 25 Voice Key elements –Articulation –Pace –Pitch/Volume –Tone Vocal variety Don’t be afraid to pause

26. 26 Confidence Eye Contact –Speak into their eyes –Look at a variety of people –Maintain contact for a min. of 3 to 5 seconds Stand steady, use pauses Drop pitch Use “You, we, us, our” Authentic Avoid passive voice

27. 27 Gestures Stress, demonstrate or compliment Create a picture Practice in advance Gesture fit the space – elbow or shoulder Often described as “holding a globe”

28. 28 Credibility Answering questions adds credibility to your topic Anticipate most difficult questions Prepare answers Listen and repeat the question Don’t guess: don’t lie

29. 29 Professional success is related to the ability to present ideas

30. 30 Questions Thank you