The New York Times did a study in 1984 and asked people what they most feared.

The top two fears were walking into a room full of strangers and presenting in public.

Since 2001 I have worked with thousands of people via training workshops or one to one coaching. A fair proportion of those people have expressed the view that they do not enjoy presenting in public and have anxiety around doing so.

Many one to one clients have used some of their sessions to work on overcoming their anxiety with public speaking or to develop their presentation skills.

This week, I thought it would be useful to share my top tips on delivering engaging presentations and having a greater impact.

Tip 1 – Get clear on the main objective of the talk.

In order to help determine what the main messages will be, I suggest you answer the question, why am I giving this presentation? Get clear on whether the presentation is to:

• Provide information

• Sell an idea/service

• Represent your company

• Entertain

Tip 2- Personalise your message.

If you are able talk with the organisers and try to find out who is likely to be in the audience. What are things that interest them? Relate your message to your audience and link it to the challenges/opportunities/issues in their world. In designing and delivering your talk, keep WIIFM (what’s in it for me) in mind. That is what the audience will be considering as you outline the objectives of your talk. This is a great chance to engage them and link to their personal motivations. Outline how your presentation will help them and what it will do for them.

Tip 3-Use visuals, props or facts.

These help ensure that your presentation has greater impact; they reinforce your message and are memorable. Stories, analogies and mnemonics also help to support your message. They help to bridge your message and the audience’s experience and bring your presentation to life.

Tip 4-Ensure that your presentation follows a structure.

This can be as simple as ensuring your presentation has a beginning, middle and end. In order to achieve this I suggest you tell the audience what you are going to tell them, tell them and then summarise at the end what you have told them! Remember that less is more sometimes. Aim to have no more than 4 or 5 main messages in your talk.

Tip 5-Be yourself and get grounded.

It was Judy Garland who said “It is better to be a first rate version of yourself, rather than a second rate version of someone else.” Look to connect with your audience by being natural and authentic. If you talk from the heart, you will never be lost for words! To ensure that you manage any nerves and anxiety, do some deep breathing before you go on to present. Breathe right in to your stomach, count to seven and then breathe out and count to seven. Repeat this three times. It will help relax you and keep you grounded.

This week, why not take a few moments to think about the presentations that you make. How can you personalise your message? What do you need to do to ensure that they have greater impact?

Quote for the week:

“You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life” Zig Ziglar

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk