by George Torok
©
2010
http://www.Torok.com
Do
you want to make your next presentation more effective? Use these nine simple
yet powerful presentation tips and techniques to enjoy better results when you
speak before an audience.
Effective public speaking is not
talent. It is a set of skills and techniques that are learned, practiced and delivered
well. Learn the techniques and start practicing for your next successful presentation
now. Don't wait until you are asked to speak. Be ready.
Silence
Practice
saying nothing. Not gibberish - nothing, as in silence. It is so powerful. Pause
before you start, pause after you said something important and pause when you
are done. Just say less and get more comfortable with the silences.
Mirror
Your
audience will mirror you. If you frown - so will they. If you want them to smile
- you must smile. Laugh and they will laugh with you. There are no ugly audiences
- only ugly speakers.
Show Your Hands
Keep your
hands where we can see them. We will trust you more. Hiding your hands behind
your back will make us wonder, "What is he hiding back there?" Putting
them in your pockets might feel good - but you lose power and can appear too casual.
Let your hands hang at your side. As you speak and become involved in your speech
you will naturally move them. You will look more natural. You will appear more
trustworthy.
Look at Your Audience
Look at the
audience - not the screen, the back wall, or your notes. Talk to them - look at
them - one at a time. Move your eyes from one to another as though you are having
many one-on-one conversations.
Nod Your Head
When
you ask the audience to respond to your question show that you respect their response.
Pause and look around the audience; nod your head in approval or show your delight
with a smile. Remember you asked them a question. Show that you really wanted
an answer.
Smile
Sometimes your audience will
laugh when you do not expect it. Pause and let them enjoy it. Smile and show you
also have a sense of humor - even if you are not sure why they are laughing.
Appoint
an Assistant
When you speak before a group, always have a helper who can
fix the lights, help with handouts, and usher latecomers to their seats. When
looking for volunteers don't waste time waiting for someone to put up their hand.
Appoint your volunteers. Always thank them.
Prepare for
your Worst Question
Always be prepared to handle your worst question. You
know what it is - the one you dread the most. It might be that you are too expensive,
too cheap, too old, too new, too far, too near... Imagine how powerful you will
appear when it is posed and you can smile and give the answer you rehearsed.
Edit
your Words
Don't offend your audience by using insulting phrases like "obviously"
or "everyone knows". If it is not oblivious to them or if they don't
believe that everyone knows then you have either insulted them or alienated them.
You
can use these nine simple presentation tips and techniques to deliver more effective
presentations today. It will take some practice but you can do it. Make your next
presentation a success by paying more attention to the details.
