Tip 1. Focus on the audience benefit
Your presentation is not about you, it’s about them. It’s always about them: the audience. What benefit will the audience get from listening to you? What do you want them to think, feel, or do as a result of listening to you?
Tip 2. Delete all the text from your slides
Loads of bullet points on your slide are a complete waste of time; nobody reads them. Use powerful images and pictures instead. Keep your talking points nearby on some index cards or written in big, easy to read text on an outline.
Tip 3. Keep it simple
Less really is more. The more you say, the more you have to explain; and so your presentation drifts and you can loose your audience.
Tip 4. Rehearse
Always, always rehearse. Athletes and actors rehearse, and presenters are no exception. The biggest single difference a presenter can make to their performance is to stand up in front of the bathroom mirror or a trusted friend and rehearse.
Tip 5. Know your tech
Play with new tools and technology before you present: nothing can sour a perfectly good presentation like a boring tech delay. Arrive a few minutes early to set up and work out the kinks.
Tip 6. Make friends with yourself
Be yourself! Effective presenters embrace their authentic self. You are unique. You are special. Nobody is quite like you. So stick to the real you. It's tempting to use self-sarcasm in presentations, but take it easy. If you tell the audience over and over again that you don't know what you're doing - eventually they will believe you!
Tip 8. Stand still and don’t weave
Own your spot at the front of the room. Claim some space and practice NOT fidgeting!
Tip 9. Tell a story
Using a narrative to move the presentation along is a great way to connect with the audience and make your content relatable.
Tip 10. Be enthusiastic
Nothing succeeds like enthusiasm - it's infectious. Once the audience spot that you have a passion for your subject they immediately begin to warm to you and will ignore any imperfections or omissions in your presentation. So get passionate, get excited and get enthusiastic!
Effective presenters consider their audience. Determining your audience's level of experience in your subject and your goals for them will help inform the style and structure of your presentation.
Questions to think about:
What is the purpose of my presentation? To inform, persuade or motivate?
Am I presenting to an audience of peers or executives? This can help choose your language and format.
