5 Surefire steps to a Great Presentation!

Once upon a time; whether a proposal presentation, recruitment interview or a sales pitch –we all remember with a sinking pit in our stomach the sweaty palms, twitching nerves, dry throat and misty eyes that underscored our fear of public speaking.

Don’t despair! I started out weak in the knees with heart palpitations whenever I was called upon to make presentations, give a speech or simply face a crowd of people BUT NOW I project with power and persuade with pleasure!

Here’s how you can begin to power your public speaking:

1. Know Your Audience
This is a must. You should, as much as it is possible, discover beforehand who you would be talking to. Are they technocrats, sophisticated people, local folks, wiz kids or illiterates? This will help your focus for the next step:

2. Thoroughly Research Your Topic
Armed with the knowledge of your audience, proceed to research in detail the subject of your presentation with a slant towards what your viewers would appreciate and the terms they would readily absorb.

3. Structure Your Presentation Material
Create a flow. Develop a storyline. Your presentation paper should be structured in a way that builds up interest rather than bore your listeners.

4. Practice Your Speech
Stand in front of a mirror, walk up and down, and pace back and forth if you must but always rehearse exhaustively till the words make meaning and you intuitively understand the points you are trying to project.

5. Power Up Your Appearance
Make that first impression a lasting one. Dress up nice but always to the occasion. Love your look in the mirror before you leave the house. Wow yourself and you sure will wow your audience!

These are universal public speaking truths. Try them out and let me know how your next presentation goes!

Best of luck!