4.28.08 - ENGAGE: Presentations with Pizzaz. It's all in the Presentation.
- Connections Magazine

Taken from the March 2008 edition of Connections
To view the publication

So you've been tapped for a presentation. If you're like many people, you moght prefer a bady wacing with duct tape to public speaking.

But there's nothing more satisfying than taking a ho-hum audience and electrifing it. It's all in the presenation.

The first rule of thumb is know your audience. Ask yourself:
1. Who am I speaking to?
2. What will they want to take away?
3. How do I make it fun and inspiring and not waste their time?

Here's how to prepare!

Be Knowledgeable
Kowledge of your topic breeds comfort. Comfort breeds confidence. Confidence breeds successful delivery. Pick a topic you relate to and feel passionate about. Once you can speak to extemporaneously. And one you persnally find of interest.

Be Relevant
Tiw your subject to your audience, current events and relevant ecamples. Demonstrate to the audience how your message can help or empower them. When your subject matter is personal, your audience becomes engaged.

It's in the Delivery
A timely and interesting topic and your kowledge of it are essential, but about 90% of your success is in the delivery. You've probably ssatthrough a painful lecture or presentation that was about as limp as a wet noodle. You've likely also sat tat the edge of your seat, laughed, nodded your ehad and frantically scribbled notes at a powerful presentation or two. The difference between painful and powerful is delivery.

Engage Your Audiece
Use humor, anecdotes and brief case studies (but get straight to the point!). Make them relevant to your topic.

Ask for audience participation through a show of hands or a favorable foible.

As an advertising and marketing executive, I'm often asked to speak on the subjects. I love to engage the audience in critiquing ads because advertising is subjective and everyone has an opinion about it. the result is tyoically a lively discusssion, examples, laughter and critique others opinions. then I bring it all back to theory. But making that theory relevant also makes it fun and interesting.

Tone and Body Language
The tone of your voice should fluctuate depending upon the points you are trying to make. If you're excited about something, sound enthusiastic. It is't a serious note, a more grounded tone is appropriate. Quick ways to kill your tone and presentation: read from your notes, create a "Powerpoint of Biblical proportion" or memorize your speech.

Finish on a High Note
I like to wrap up my presenations with a strong example, case study or funny story and open it up for questins.

If someone stumps you, don't be too proud to say, "That's a question I hadn't considered. If you leave your business card, I can research and get back to you with an answer." Then move on.

Here are some keys to success:
• Limit notes to five index cards with bullets to job your memory. Find a place in view to lay them side-by side.
• When using PowerPoint, present supporting information for your bullets.
• Check in with your audience and see if you're connecting. Ask questions like "Is this making sense?" or, "What would you add to this list?"
• Monitor body language. Scratching your head can look unsure. Hands clenched and clasped may appear angry or scared.
• Practice in front of a mirror or have someone videotape you. Regulate your body language to be animated and engaging. Use gestures to add energy and emphasize your points.
• Dress comfortable, in something that you feel good in. Dress one step up from your audience. If you're speaking to lawyers, a business suit is appropriate. If it's the PTA, consider something casual.

For more tips on gather feedback and handling hecklers, visit
pbwcconnections.com

So, the next time you're asked to present, look at it as an opportunity to have fun and impart a little pizzazz!

Nancy Green
Co-founder and President, Shennum Green, Inc.
Pleasanton, CA