PRESENTATION SKILLS25 THINGS YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO FORGET
Tips and tools for creating and presenting wide format slides
Objective
1. Start with the End in Mind
Define the outcome you want accomplished at the end of your presentation
Audience
2. Understand what your audience expects from you
Aligning your message with what they expect would greatly help to achieve your objective
Audience
3. Relate to the Mix Understand your audience
mix and keep the message relevant
Audience
4. The Audience Benefit Make sure to pronounce
“what’s in it for them” right in the beginning of your presentation
Environment
5. Keep the ambience in mind
Is it too hot? Too cold? Too dark? Too bright? Too crowded? Too large?
Environment
6. The Last Man Check If the farthest person can’t
hear your speech, move up, get loud
Structure
7. Tell them what you are GOING TO tell them, TELL THEM, tell them what you TOLD THEM
Structure
8. Use the Now-Dream-How approach to deliver an inspiring and motivating message
Structure
9. Use the PREP format if you aim to deliver a persuasive presentation
Structure
10. Use the PREP format if you aim to deliver a persuasive presentation
Structure
11. Use the ‘W’ question format when you aim to deliver a purely ‘informative’ presentation
The Intro
12. Engage : Start with a question to the audience
The Intro
13. Captivate : Start with a ‘wow’ fact or powerful story
The Intro
14. Lighten up : Start with a joke
The Message
15. Use the AIDA process to drive action toward an idea or product
Body Language
16. Eye contact : Keep a balance between scanning the room and making personal eye contact
Body Language
17. Keep a Smart Posture : Stand tall – shoulders wide – feet planted – knees locked
Body Language
18. Hands Gestures : Allow your hands to move naturally – avoid pockets – avoid folding – avoid hiding them behind
Body Language
19. Facial Expressions : Flat face is boring, too much drama is distracting – keep a slightly smiling face with curious eyes
Delivery
20. Pace : 120-160 words per min is average – slow down to generate curiosity, speed up to create excitement
Delivery
21. Pitch : Use low pitch (heavier voice) to convey seriousness and authority and somber attitude – Use high pitch (softer voice) to show heightened emotions like anger, shock, excitement
Delivery
22. Emphasis : Stress upon the words that are critical – number, date, name, deadline, target etc.
Questions
23. Force your audience to ask a question : Assign a few members with the task of asking one question each at the end of your presentation
Questions
24. Don’t know the answer : It is best to acknowledge and pledge to revert if necessary
Practice
25. Make sure your ‘actual’ presentation is NEVER the first time you are delivering that presentation
Widescreen Test Pattern (16:9)
Aspect Ratio Test
(Should appear circular)
16x9
4x3