Top tips to create that killer

presentation

by Paul Kaergerphoto by http://deathtothestockphoto.com/

As a consultant, I have written and delivered hundreds of presentations to colleagues, clients and potential clients. I have also listened to a fair few.

Recently, as part of a training course I was giving, I asked my students to deliver a 15 minute presentation on their business idea.

Some of them were excellent - some were not.

Here are my top 7 tips for delivering a great presentation …

Powerpoint is just a tool. It is a prop to help get your point across.

The idea of any prop is that should ADD to your presentation and not DISTRACT.

The slideshow should not be the star of the show, you should be, your words should be.

Don’t use snazzy graphics, whizzy animations or try and fit “War and Peace” onto every slide.

A few words … an appropriate picture.

1

Plan what you want to say.

Use the old adage of “say what you want to say, say it, then tell them what you just said”.

That means:

• giving an introduction that tells the audience what to expect

• creating a clear structure for the main body and

• finishing with a summary to remind the audience what you just told them.

2

Less is more. I am quite sure you could tell us 133 things about the impact of globalisation on the Armenian economy.

But we do not all have your enthusiasm or your attention to detail. So keep it short: focus on your main points. It gives your presentation so much more power.

If you have more to give, you can always allow for questions or provide hand outs showing off all your wonderful research and information.

3

Practice, practice, practice. Make your mirror your best friend.

Nothing turns an audience off more than a bumbling delivery and someone who is constantly trying to remember what they want to say.

After you have practiced a lot, try your presentation out in front of a friend or a colleague. Ask for honest feedback.

4

Make sure you are prepared.

Before you leave home, triple-check you have everything. Arrive early at the venue and check everything is in place.

If possible, do a dummy run.

It is amazing how a new venue or new technology can scupper you!

5

Use cue cards. If you are nervous, you are more likely to forget things. If you cannot remember everything, write down key words and figures on cue cards.

I have seen people try and read their presentation from hand written A4 sheets. They end up looking down and mumbling.

Your audience want to hear a clear and loud voice. If you are head down and reading, they will not get that.

6

Talk to your audience NOT to your slides.

Similar to the last point, your audience want to hear you speak.They are interested in you. So make eye contact with each and every one of them. Make them feel important too.

I see a lot of nervous presenters face away from the audience and read the slides. Turn to face your audience. Look at them. Talk to them.

7

If you want to see how it is done, take a look at this lovely TED talk given by

Naomi Oreskes on “Why we should trust scientists”

Not many of us are born performers. Even those people who love an audience have to work at it. So, don’t expect yourself to be brilliant first time.

Don’t worry about being nervous … everyone is. The key is to not let nerves become fears.

If you follow the tips in these slides then your chances of being brilliant will be a lot higher.

Embrace the nerves and HAVE FUN.

www.pkms.co.uk

paul.kaerger@pkms.co.uk

@paul_pkms

07595 702878

Thank You