| If you’re not accustomed
to public speaking, even in small groups of people you know
well, presentations can be excruciatingly nerve-wracking.
However, you have more control over the situation than you
may realize. All it takes is research and preparation…
the same steps required for every other business decision
you make.
Follow these suggestions and feel your tensions melt away:
Understand the
ground rules
What is the purpose of your presentation? What kind of information
does your audience want? Is the format standup or a conference
table discussion? How much time will you have to present and
answer follow-up questions? Knowing the answers to these questions
in advance gives you a running start to properly organize
your presentation.
Get to the point
The first 30 seconds usually determines whether you capture
the attention of your audience. If you don’t, the remaining
time will seem to last an eternity, yet pass quickly for those
trying to say too much. Begin and end with your strongest
points. Never start off with an obscure joke or anecdote that
has no relevance to your meat of your presentation.
Avoid over preparation
A presentation that is too tightly scripted can be derailed
in a heartbeat by an unexpected question or distraction. Notes
are fine but a thorough understanding of your subject is the
key to success. Be confident, stay to the point but be prepared
for questions along the way.
Practice makes
perfect
This old adage is never more true than when it
comes to group presentations. Perform some dry runs with people
who can provide honest and fair feedback and who understand
your audience’s perspective. Your presentation will be
improved if you listen carefully to and learn from the feedback
of your “focus group.”
Stay focused
Although you’ve rehearsed, you may still get the feeling
that your allotted time is running out and quicken your pace.
Or you may want to ad-lib because you sense there is too much
time remaining. Relax. If you are organized, confident and
provide solid information, your audience will be looking at
you instead of their watches. An occasional built-in pause
will help reset your pace and add impact to what you just
said.
If you don’t
know, admit it
Never try to bluff your way through a difficult or unexpected
question. Admit you don’t have the answer right at hand
but will get back to the person promptly with the answer.
As Abe Lincoln wisely said, “You can’t fool all
of the people all the time.”
Put these time-tested tips to use during your next business
presentation and then enjoy the sweet taste of success. | 
