Making a Successful Presentation

Making presentations is a nerve-wracking business. Research suggests that over 80% of company directors find public speaking the most daunting task they have to perform.

We give you some things to think about and some tips to help your public speaking skills when you are called upon to make a presentation.

Whether you are talking to a prospective new client or persuading the bank manager to give you money remember that first impressions really do count. Think about how your presentation looks and what you will wear. Make sure that your presentation and message is clear. Don’t get sidetracked by unnecessary detail and give clear and concise answers to any questions you are asked. Nervousness can be a problem. Taking a few deep breaths and greeting your audience with a smile as though they were your friends can help. Make sure you run through your presentation in front of someone you feel comfortable with. This too can help reduce nerves on the day and we all remember the old adage: practice makes perfect!

Tips to help your presentation skills

Some of these may seem to be common sense but they really do work.

Know what you are going to say - make sure that you have practised and revised the content where necessary so that you are able to make a confident and polished presentation on the day.

Practice with handouts and props - if you are using handouts or other props in your presentation, practice with them as part of your preparation so that your presentation flows.

Don’t use the word sorry! - you may be nervous on the day and there may be things that don’t go quite according to plan. Don’t apologise, the chances are the audience will not even have noticed.

Think and predict - spend some time thinking about likely questions you will be asked and your response to them.

At the end of the day remember that a little nervousness is natural but thorough advance preparation and planning will give you the best possible chance of making a confident and polished presentation. Good luck!