According to survesy, public speaking is the number one fear of managers around the world while the fear of death is number seven.
The truth, of course, is that wile everybody experiences some degree of nervousness before presenting, speaking in publis is a skill, and anything that is defined as a skill means it can be developed through training and constant practice.
I have been running presentation skills workshops across Asia for many years. During every workshop, I ask the participants to analyse why people have this increadible fear of making a presentation.
While I recognise some explanations are valid, for example, making a presentstion when my boss and the senior management team are present, the majority of the fears are actually not based on fact, but often on individual perceptions that do not stand p to scrutiny.
To help plan an effective, efficient and engaging presentation, follow the POST model, a four step approach to do a quick overview of a presentation.
1. Purpose
Are you trying to inform, persuade or inspire your audience? Each pupose will shape the nature and style of the presentation.
2. Objectives
Estalish what you want the audience to know. Remember every membe of the audience is consciously or unconsciously listening to "radio station WIIFM", so fulfil the WIIFM principle. Tell them "What's in it for me" as early as possible.
3. Select
Select possible topics or points based on the area of focus.
4. Tools
What supporting tools will you use? It could be the powerpoint slides, video clips, and handouts.
Having a plan allows you to structure the presentation. Most presentations start with an introduction that must grab the audience's attention within the first few minutes. Start with a starting statement: use a quotation, arresting graphics or music, or share an anecdote.
Next comes the body. There are many ways to structure the main body. For instance, it could use logicsl progression or a list of points. It could compare or contrast. It could follow a time sequence such as the past, present and future. You can also zoom in geographically, from global, regional and local.
Finally, finish with a conclusion. Review, highlight and emphasise the key points, benefits and recommendations you have made.
Refer to the opening remarks in the introduction and usually make a call to action - what do you want the audience to do next.
You owe your audience and yourself a good presentation, and creating an effectivr presenation takes planning and practice. Here are some tips for you to follow:
* Prepae early. Don' wait until the last few days to prepare, and ensure you practise the entire presenation, including powerpoints slides. Think about your audience - who they are and why they are here.
* Be clar about you purpose. If you are informing or persuading, the technique is simple. Tell them what you have to say and sound spontaneous, conversational and most important of all, enthusiastic.
* Use body language effctively. When you are presenting, the audience will perceive what they ae seeing and hearing through the three main componens of communication. These are the actual words you use, the way you use the words and your non-verbal or body language. Remember, your words account for only 5 to 7 percent of the dommunication process. The way you say them accounts for 35 to 38 percent, and the rest goes to body language. In other words, body language accounts for nearly 60 percent of your communication! What you say is important, but how you say carries more weight.
* Use humour with caution. Humour is a double-edge sword and takes great skills and experience to get it right. On the other hand, everybody loves the story, so use stories based on personal experience to illustrate points or liven up the presentation.
In summary, prepare, practise and connect with your audience. Remember your energy and enthusiasm ae infectious. Know your material, research and prepare for questions.
Ensure your presentation meets the "three Es" test, Efficient, Effective and Engaging. Manage your time well, keep your material simple, use your body, voice and eyes effectively and most of all, enjoy yourself. - Source: ST/ANN
Article by Chris Fenney, dirctor and co-foundef of Training Edge International. The Star, 22 February 2011.