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Many presentation
skills book and workshops will give you dozens
of “tips” to help you be a better presenter. You
can get advice on how to hold your hands, how to
make your voice more interesting, how to tell a
story, how to stand, how to walk, etc.
But all those tips can obscure the more
important point, which is that presenting is
about “connection, not perfection.” We think
there are only three things you need to focus
on.
Make three
simple points and bring them to life with stories: Each point should be tight, like a
bumper sticker. Then tell a story to bring the
point to life. We worked recently with a patent
lawyer who wanted to illustrate how easy it was
to protect intellectual property. He told a
simple story of the importance of not
talking about company secrets on the elevator.
Very effective.
Speak with the
same intensity you use with your best friends:
Imagine what you’re like when you’re talking
with your best friend about something you’re
really excited about. That’s the same passion
that you should bring to your presentation.
Anything less rips off your audience.
Rehearse like
crazy: The best presenters practice a lot.
We worked with an executive who had to give a
big presentation to his company’s top players.
He practice his 10 minute presentation 15
times. He nailed it.
Being a great
presenter isn’t easy. But it’s not complicated
either. It’s just about executing the three
simple keys to connection.
At Speechworks we help our clients learn how to
communicate in a way that connects and
persuades. If you’re interested in becoming a
great communicator give us a call at
404-266-0888 or check out our website at
www.speechworks.net |
