A well-prepared presentation and confident delivery will instantly impress colleagues and clients. Read on for a UK perspective on this key training topic
Giving presentations has become a fact of business life today, whether to an auditorium of hundreds or one to one with a potential investor. Yet the fear of public speaking, also known as ‘Glossophobia’, is thought to affect 75% of the population. It even ranks higher than death in terms of peoples’ fears, which led the comedian Jerry Seinfeld to observe that: ‘The average person at a funeral would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy’. However, with some forward planning and the use of simple techniques, you can ensure that you minimise your fear, increase your confidence and maximise your chance of success.
The importance of appearance
When it comes to presenting, people really do judge the book by its cover. Leading Image Consultant and Founder of Style Company, Pippa Rees, says that people use predominantly visual cues to make their minds up about presenters: ‘People look at hair, make-up, gender and clothes and then use the stereotypical information they have in their subconscious minds, to make their immediate assessment of a presenter within a few seconds.’ So it is vital to get your appearance right. While “power dressing” may be a term consigned to the eighties history books (hopefully along with the shoulder pads) the thought behind it, of dressing to convey authority, still remains. A well-fitting jacket with a co-ordinating skirt or trousers is key, as is using colours to your advantage. Above all, make sure you are dressing appropriately for your audience and the context of the presentation, and beware of distracting peoples’ attention with any part of your appearance.
Study your subject
Understanding and being in control of the subject you are presenting is vital to build your own confidence and that of your audience - an alarming amount of people stumble their way through presentations, hesitating over slides and key facts. Richard Hall, author of Brilliant Presentations: What the best presenters know, say and do, says: ‘The most common mistake I see is people not knowing their subject well enough. Most people also don’t seem to know where they are going with a presentation and what the destination is. A presentation is a means to an end, not an end in itself.’ He also says it is important to be in a good mood, or appear to be, and to engage the audience with eye contact. ‘When you walk in the room, give the audience a big, calm, good-natured gaze. Remember that you are in charge. Then start slowly and leave long pauses between points.’ Hall also cautions against using humour unless you are an absolute natural: ‘There’s nothing wrong with being slightly amusing but trying to tell jokes is very risky.’ Be clear about how you want your audience to feel, think and respond after seeing your presentation.
Showtime
While you may not think of yourself as theatrical, the similarities between presenting and acting are significant. Your stage might be a grey meeting room and your audience may be colleagues you have known for years, but that does not mean it is any less of a show. Sandie Miller is an actress and voice artist who tutors at RADA in Business, a division of the famous London stage school. She works with individuals and clients from multi-national blue chip firms to local authorities, helping them have greater personal impact and give better presentations. Miller says that ironically when people are nervous, the key thing they forget to do is breathe, but it is the only thing they really need to do, ‘Everything starts with the breath – it’s the essence of good voice, strong posture and personal impact.’
Miller also notes: ‘As actors we heavily promote the idea of rehearsal. Yet every day of their lives, business executives get up on stage with no rehearsal and expect to sparkle.’ Practising and rehearsing a presentation out loud, not just in your head, is vital and small children are a great audience – if you can keep their attention for ten minutes, the chances are that you are going to do well! And of course all actors know that good posture is extremely important for giving a great performance, so stand tall with your shoulders back and practise open body language when you present. Miller also advises gesturing from the shoulder rather than ‘flapping from the elbow’ and making sure that if you move around you are moving with intention, rather than just to use up nervous energy.
If the world is a stage then presenting is definitely your moment in the spotlight so grab it with both hands, but be willing to put in the time to prepare and practise.
Presentation curtain call – expert tips
Give yourself a good talking to - Practising positive self-talk before a presentation is vital, no matter what your level of nerves. Tell yourself out loud that you believe in yourself, because if you do not, then no one else will.
It’s your party - Think of yourself as the host and the audience as the guests. You are not a gatecrasher – you have been asked to give your presentation and you have a right to be there delivering that message.
Warm up your voice - Your voice is a muscle and can be worked on and improved like any other muscle in your body. Exercise your mouth by chewing, move your lips and tongue and start articulating your words. Ensure your mouth is always moist before and during a presentation and have a glass of water to hand.
Just breathe - Slow down your breathing to only about eight breaths per minute and practise simple breathing exercises.
It’s all about ‘You’ – At that moment you are presenting, you are the expert and your ‘best you’ – or preferably a ‘bigger you’ – needs to be present, believing in yourself and cheering yourself on.
Do not hide behind PowerPoint slides – they can be an aid to your presentation but remember that you are the star of the show.
Remember - you should know your subject well enough that if the technology fails, you can go ahead anyway without there being a huge difference to the outcome.
