How to Make a Great Presentation
Posted September 7th, 2015
Presentations are a ubiquitous part of the business world. Sooner or later, you may have to give one. Naturally, you want it to be good, to flow naturally, to be well organized, to be interesting. No one likes to see someone droning on in a monotone, stopping often to figure out what comes next, with slides that are crammed with information. Here are a few tips to make the most of your presentation.
1. Use movement.
When you move you make things more interesting. You create a sense of suspense and energy. But you have to be careful not to overdo it. Constant pacing or waving your arms or moving your hands will only distract your audience from what you are saying.
But an occasional change of position or use of a dramatic gesture can go a long way toward engaging your audience. The longer you stand rooted to one spot, the harder it will become to start moving.
Also, touching is important. When you touch something, you show that you control it, that it belongs to you. So, touching the screen now and then shows that you are running the show, that you are confident in what you are saying.
2. Pause for effect.
Pauses during your presentation can be very effective in building anticipation and getting the attention of the audience. A pause is best used, for example, before you are going to say something important or make a major point in your presentation.
3. Maintain your composure when you make a mistake.
It’s not the end of the world if something goes wrong. Stuff happens. Your audience knows this, and it won’t bother them unless it bothers you. If something goes wrong, and you panic, then you get your audience upset as well. You need to maintain your poise. Humor is a good way of doing this. But if you are rattled, don’t show it.
4. Don’t cram your slides with information.
First of all, it makes it more difficult for your audience to read, and then they are not paying attention to you. It also gives the impression that you don’t really understand your material.
Limit your slides to brief phrases or infographics, which are especially effective. Use the same font all the way through, and limit your use of color. Make sure you use transitions from one topic to another.
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