Presentation Skills Training

As a professional presenter, I pride myself on constantly delivering compelling content to my clients in an informative and entertaining manner. Many times in my career I have been complimented on my style of delivery and the manner in which I combine information, statistics, humour and key messages relevant to a clients challenges in a relaxed manner: ‘you never appear to seem nervous or under pressure’ said one person recently...

This ‘appearance’ is totally down to extensive subject research, obtaining up to date Company and sector knowledge, rehearsal and the application of a few golden rules that all presenters should observe.

As part of my services, I offer Presentation and Confidence Skills Training. This can be provided on a one to one or group basis. Clearly each of us has different styles, deportment and physical attributes. We all also have weaknesses when being asked to present in front of our peers and clients, and therefore my training methods are based on a range of individual skills and requirements, all of which need to be focussed upon to achieve the ultimate aim of being able to present effectively, with confidence and in a manner which keeps audiences interested and attentive.

A few pointers are laid out below for your consideration:

Ask yourself a leading question when preparing your materials:

• Would I want to listen to me if I were in the audience?
• Do I engender confidence in my audience?
• Have I spent sufficient time refining my materials and rehearsing them to ensure that I run to the time slot allocated to me?
• Do I look correct for the engagement? By this I mean ‘am I wearing the correct attire’, ‘do my shoes, watch, pen, materials and general deportment on stage present me in the best possible light to my client and delegates’? This is very important to you as the presenter also. Feeling good on the day breeds self confidence.

If using slides:

• Use as much pictorial reference as possible avoiding the type of slides that contains line after line of boring data
• Remember, when presenting, you are talking to your audience, not the screen!
• Keep on screen data to a minimum and allow your words and actions to back up the key messages and statistics you are using
• Make sure you have a printed sets of slides at your side out of view – in this way if the AV fails, you can continue with confidence

If using a script or notes:

• Write your materials in double sized and bold type – it is easier to read from the podium
• Always finish paragraphs and sentences on a complete page – carrying lines over to the next page means you interrupt your materials whilst turning the page
• Read your materials again and again – there is nothing worse than someone delivering a script as it they are just reading it to you – it should in reality act as your prompt!

Prior to your ‘performance’: (Yes! Performance...you are there to add value – you may do this many times, your audience however may see you just this once so make every engagement your last engagement in terms of professionalism)

• Always allow plenty of time to attend the venue prior to the day/event commencing. Ensure you have met the audio visual crew or person responsible for AV functions and discussed your format of materials, type of programme and computer type to ensure continuity with the other presenters
• Ask to physically stand on the stage/allotted area, check the podium does not obscure any delegates line of site to the screen and always ask to do a sound check. Wherever possible use a clip of simple boom microphone, leaving your hands free during your delivery
• Learn to relax by breathing correctly – this takes practice and my training shows how to achieve this both before and during your presentations.
• Sleep well the night before an event. Don’t arrive with only hours to spare, carry your presenting clothes in a separate suit bag and change prior to your engagement so that you look your best and ensure you have had plenty of fluids and eaten well before you engage your audience. Above all, avoid alcohol and tobacco....

The moment has arrived!

• Provide the person who is going to introduce you with a suitable introduction paragraph in advance, and carry a spare hard copy with you.
• Make sure that any names, places or Company references in it are explained so that the inference and the pronunciation of them is correct. Write your intro piece to really set the scene for you.
• Take control of the stage/area from the outset. Having checked your sound levels the day before, use the lit areas of the stage well.
• Don’t wander around too much and whilst using your hands to emphasise points, never point at your audience. Ensure your laptop is fitted with a handheld clicker and laser pointer for your materials if using slides.
• If using humour, make sure it is applicable and relevant to the audience and avoid jokes – they often fall flat! Humour to illustrate a point is one thing, trying to be a comedian in a presentation is quite another....
• PACE YOURSELF! Remember your pace in rehearsals – stick to it and be time aware and don’t rush. If it sounds slow to you, then it will sound just right to the audience. There is nothing wrong with checking your watch and as an added safety net, ask your introducer to give you 10 minute and 5 minute warnings as you approach the end of your allocated time.
• Most of all enjoy your time with your audience. You have been invited to contribute and to add value. Impart your knowledge and messages in a relaxed and confident manner. You will enjoy it more and your audience will get real value from your inputs. Off you go, you are on in 3 – 2 – 1.....

If you would like more details of my bespoke Presentation and Confidence Skills Training and fee scale, please contact me directly at training@richardwestassociates.com

I trust the above tips also help you get further down the road as a great presenter.