Presentation Skills

Presentation Skills

Presentation skills are essential for any communication, although they come to the fore in respect of face-to-face communications such as seminars, training sessions, team briefings and sales meetings.

Delivering a presentation takes a combination of verbal, non-verbal and written communications in order to effectively get the message across. A presentation is often about persuading the audience to agree with you, or perhaps simply expecting them to reflect on the message you are delivering. To engage with the audience, you will need to consider:

  • Body language: Relax your shoulders, stand up straight and where possible make eye contact with members of your audience. Consider the use of facial and hand gestures – are they appropriate for the message and audience?
  • Self presentation: Are you dressed appropriately for your message and your audience?
  • Tone of voice: Speak clearly without shouting, keep the tone appropriate to the message – formal, friendly, funny, sombre, assertive, persuasive, cheerful, stern. Your tone of voice refers to the words you use as well as the way in which you deliver them.
  • Content: Be sure you have your content planned and where possible, rehearse before delivery. Are visual aids visible from the back of the audience?
  • Delivery method: Choose a delivery method appropriate to the message and audience taking into account the size of the audience, the length and complexity of the message and whether or not feedback is required. Are visual aids required?
  • Listen: Listen to feedback from your audience – can they hear or see well enough? Does your message require clarification? Can you hear your audience?
  • Timing: Make sure your presentation fits within the allocated time slot. Ensure the presentation is neither too long, nor too short. Attention span in adults is estimated to be between 5 and 20 minutes.

Whether your presentation is intended to impart knowledge or sell a product, preparation is key.

  • P repare
  • R ehearse
  • E ngage – with the audience
  • S peak clearly
  • E ncourage feedback
  • N od – use hand and facial gestures
  • T iming – keep to the planned time