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Presentation delivery can be a very daunting
topic, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few tips to easily
improve your technique, making it easier than ever to engage
your audience and reach the goal you've set for your
presentation:
Speak to the
audience directly: You often hear
that it is a good idea to pick a place in the room and talk to
that place. Generally that place is just over the audience's
head or in the center of the room. The problem with this idea
is that you never have eye contact. Eye contact is what tells
each listener that you are actually talking to them. Try to
look at a new person for every thought. This works great for
large and small groups. In addition, it lets you gauge how
involved the audience is and self-correct if they're slipping
away.
Be Genuine:
Let your personal enthusiasm and
excitement show through. Your audience is much more likely to
stay attentive and involved if they see you are. So, get
excited about your topic, and if you can't you shouldn't be
giving this presentation.
Use your
space: If you are in front a
large group of people, use that space to your advantage.
Practice your had gestures and movement. This will help you seem
larger and help you to control the room. Don't be afraid to
walk around. If you audience is small, still use that motion,
just practice it on a smaller scale. Remember motion create
emotion.
Be Quick:
By paring down your content you will be able to move through
your slides much more quickly. This helps you keep your
audience's attention for the entire presentation as well as stay
focused. Your audience's time is valuable, they will appreciate
when you treat it as such.
Leave the
light on: Dark rooms are usually
reserved for sleep and that's the last thing you want your
audience doing. Keeping the lights on will not only help keep
your audience alert, but you'll also be able to see their faces
better and gauge their attention levels.
Practice:
Give your presentation in front of a mirror. Watch your motions,
facial expressions and general presence. Seeing yourself will
help you to easily correct minor things that can otherwise be a
distraction to your audience.
With these tips in mind, you'll find yourself
giving the most effective presentations you've ever given. For
more ideas on how to continue improving your presentation,
please visit my blog,
Presentation Perfect.
Author: Lindsay Lake, Presentation Perfect,
lindsay.lake[at]gmail.com
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