Class Notes on How To Present Like a Pro

 

Preface

 

·        Presenting is not the same as public speaking.  Public speaking is focused on the standpoint of the speaker, and is concerned about elocution, oratory and enunciation.

 

·        Presenting, on the other hand, is approached from the standpoint of the audience.  It emphasizes who is listening.  Presenting recognizes the public as the foremost element in any speaking situation, whether your public consists of employees, senior managers, customers, constituents, or a congregation. (p. xi)

 

Chapter 1:  Principles for Presenters

 

·        Five principles to keep in mind:

1)     The purpose of presenting is to persuade.

2)     Perceptions are more powerful than facts.

3)     People are inundated with data.

4)     People forget fast.

 

·        Effective presentations are balanced and satisfy four basic criteria:

1)     attention-getting

2)     meaningful

3)     memorable

4)     activating

 

·        Every presentation should be a balance between the informational and the relational.

 

Chapter 2:  Preparing Your Message

 

·        Regardless of the subject or setting, one thing remains consistently true.  The most effective presenters are prepared.  They’ve determined, in advance, what information to present and how to deliver it so that it’s well received.

 

·        You must know your audience to be able to relate to them.  Characteristics to consider include:

 

n     gender

n     age

n     occupation and profession

n     educational level

n     setting

n     mood and expectations

 

 

·        Prepare your message in three stages

 

1)     Outline each component.

2)     Develop the narrative.

3)     Design supplemental materials (audiovisuals, handouts).

 

·        Present in this order:

 

Introduction

          Opener

                   Objective

                   Preview

Body

          Key Point 1

                   Supporting Material

                   Transition

          Key Point 2

                   Supporting Material

                   Transition

          Key Point Three

                   Supporting Material

                  

Closing

          Summary

          “To do”

 

·        Know what you are trying to accomplish – what is your objective?  Three guidelines are useful here:

 

1)     What do I want to accomplish by delivering this presentation?

2)     If it doesn’t support the objective, don’t do it.

3)     By the conclusion of this presentation people will……. (what?)

 

·        Remember the rule of three – always try to prepare a presentation that will provide three key points that your audience will walk away with.  This rule disciplines a presenter to prepare – to clarify and organize the content.  You want people to be able to assimilate and retain what you are telling them.

 

·        Prepare a presentation that has a logical flow – it’s much easier to follow.  You can use various schemes:

 

n     Chronological order

n     Spatial arrangement

n     Topical approach

n     Concerns and solutions

 

·        Consider a variety of supporting materials:

n     examples

n     comparisons

n     quotations

n     findings

n     audiovisual media

 

·        Prepare the Opener that will entice the audience to listen to you.  Types of openers are:

 

n     Authoritative quotation

n     Rhetorical question

n     Declarative statement

n     Scenario

n     Anecdote

 

·        Never open a presentation with a joke!  If you are not introduced by someone, be sure to introduce yourself but be brief!

 

 

Chapter 3:  Relating to People

 

·        Always remember that an effective presentation balances the informational and the relational.

·        Four relational components are:

n     Expectation -- let your audience know what to expect

n     Recognition -- every person wants recognition – show that you know your audience and affirm them, watch your pacing so you don’t lose them)

n     Participation – ask questions of the audience, recall events the audience will relate to, create scenarios

n     Application – always ask yourself how your presentation applies to the audience – what is the value for them?

 

·        Finally, relax and try to personalize your presentation

n     appear agreeable, pleasant, attractive

n     show a willingness to self-disclose

 

 

Chapter 4:  Optimizing Your Effectiveness

 

·        Remember that presentations are comprised of three channels of delivery with different levels of impact – 55% visual, 38% vocal, and 7% verbal.

 

·        What you project visually:

n     head movements, facial expressions, eye contact

n     platform behavior – don’t hide behind technology

n     presence – avoid potentially distracting attire and accessories

 

·        What you project vocally:

n     Rate, volume, intonation (avoid monitone), pauses (utilize), fillers (avoid)

 

 

·        What you project verbally :

n     simple, straightforward words and phrases do the best (avoid jargon and obscure words)

n     use emotive words (e.g., happy vs. delighted, unsafe vs. hazardous)

 

·        Effectiveness = The Energy, Enthusiasm, and Encouragement you give to the people in your audience.

 

·        When you’re presenting, stay on your feet – resist the temptation to sit.  If you want your audience to be “up,” then you need to be up!

 

·        Never read from a script.

 

·        Never point at people.

 

·        Always determine the objective before you design a presentation – ask the question, “What outcome do you expect?”

 

·        Always respect people’s time.

 

·        Don’t let detractors distract you  -- focus on the positive energy in the audience.

 

·        Always see yourself as a role model.

 

·        Always say “Thank you” for the opportunity to present.

 

·        Always remember that you don’t have to be perfect to be an effective presenter!!!