Public speaking and the ability to present effectively in front of a group of people is a trade. I hesitate to call it a skill because skills seem more finite whereas a craft can always be refined.
Some might think that anyone can get up in front of a room full of people and present. I would answer that with, can someone just act, sing, or play an instrument? Just like those other forms of expression, if you want to be really good, if you want to be confident instead of nervous, then you need to practice.
Many people are terrified of public speaking. This article is not about why people are so afraid to speak up. The goal of this article is to argue that public speaking and presenting need not be scary. If you take advantage of the opportunities to present, you will surely improve. People will notice if you present well and it’s also a great weapon to have in your professional arsenal.
Use the following steps below as a rough starting point, but never underestimate the importance of practicing as much as you can.
1. Keep calm
These things happen.
Whether you’re talking to 10 or 300 people, there will almost always be an interruption or distraction. A group of people laughing in the back, a co-worker who can’t stop asking questions, an unpleasantly loud sneeze, a ringing phone, etc.
Stay calm and never apologize for having to stop, even for a moment.
If you’re great, everyone else will be.
You may find that the workhorse spotlight your company has had since you started working there decides to call it a career when you get to slide 3.
This is not a disaster.
All of this means that now your audience really needs to pay close attention to what you have to say, which is a great thing! Plus, it won’t matter if your slide deck projects behind you because you knew…
2. Prepare
“I’ll just improvise.”
“I’ll figure it out when I get there.”
While almost anyone can get up and read a projected slide, that doesn’t mean it’s a good presentation. You can go through all the material, but the audience will know that you didn’t prepare. There is a noticeable difference between a polished and rehearsed presentation and one that is made “out of the blue.”
Your audience is paying attention to you, whether they have to be there or want to be there. Show them the respect of a prepared presentation.
Rehearse your presentation 5-7 times and use a timer to see how long it takes (it’s usually longer than you think). Rehearse standing up with your laptop so you can coordinate moving the slides forward in line with your talking points.
2a. Really know the material, don’t memorize it.
You will be interrupted. If the material takes root, you can continue from where you left off without any problem. If there are specific figures you need to communicate, write them down on an index card. Take a break. Don’t stress over one or two data points.
3. Create Concise Visual Slides
Most of the information and narration should come from you. Let the slides be a guide with key points, figures, and visuals. Also, use the animation feature to slowly build the slide. This allows you to manage the amount of information your audience sees at any one time and keeps them focused on you instead of a whole new slide of data. And once you start your presentation…
4. Watch your projected slides only if absolutely necessary
The audience doesn’t need to see the back of your head. If your slides are visual and concise, simply tell people where to look or point in the general direction for emphasis. While the laser pointer/cat toy does exist, no one on earth has a steady hand and that red light is usually more distracting than helpful.
An easy way to tell which slide you’re on is to position the laptop that’s projecting the presentation in front of you so you can easily see what others are seeing (without having to turn around).
5. BREATHE and relax
Most people know that it takes guts to stand up in front of a room and give a presentation. People want you to be successful, especially if you are presenting to colleagues. The public is there for you. You are ready. Deliver what you have practiced.
Also, keep hand and arm gestures to a minimum. It’s a waste of energy and doesn’t add much value.
6. Look at everyone and make eye contact
What I’ve learned after presenting many times is that people will listen to what you have to say even if they look completely miserable while you’re presenting. You have to trust that if you are delivering a confident and thoughtful presentation, you will attract their attention.
As you look around the room, spot those people who nod slightly at you when you’re speaking. Find them and return to them during the presentation if you feel like you need a quick confirmation.
7. Smile
Unless you’re reporting disappointing news…smile. You’ll feel better, and you’ll notice at least a few people in the audience smiling back at you. It’s a bit strange, but it happens every time. This also helps you relax (#5).
8. Silence is your friend, verbal disorder is not.
You don’t need to fill all your time with nonsense words, phrases, “ums,” “uhs,” or “you know.” If you pause to let a thought or idea sink in (or just gather your own thoughts), the audience won’t get impatient. It may seem like a long time, but it’s literally seconds. Use it to your advantage, especially when trying to highlight important points or issues. This leads to…
9. Repeat important points
Repeat important points.
This is especially true for longer presentations. Audience members will tune out from time to time. It is unavoidable. If there are some points you absolutely HAVE to make, say them twice… with a pause in between. Pausing will also snap the audience out of their potential reverie and bring them back to you. Then you can deliver the spike more effectively.
10. Finish strong
Deliver the last 2-3 sentences, which should tie the entire presentation together, slowly and clearly. You can even turn off the slides so people are looking right at you and giving you their full attention. Once this is done, pause for a second, smile and say thank you.
11. Quick questions (if applicable)
12. Get Feedback
Later, ask anyone in the audience for their thoughts. As she said, presenting is a craft and can always be refined. In fact, if there’s a way to videotape your performance, that’s even better. As uncomfortable and horrible as it is to look at yourself, it will only help you get better.
13. Don’t give up
Did you trip or trip over a section? Did one or two parts go on too long?
It’s okay.
There was a reason for it. Learn from him and improve for next time. Simple as that.
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These steps are based on my observations over the past few years and can serve as a general guide.
Take advantage of opportunities to present to a group, as they may not come very often. I guess you won’t have to fight too much competition either.
Remember, there really isn’t anything that can happen during your presentation time that you can’t ultimately control or manage… so go for it!
You can even start enjoying it.
{pause and smile}
Thanks.
