Improving Presentation Skills - Interview Presentations - Better Presentation Skills - Business Presentation Skills

PRESENTATION SKILLS | Importance Of Presentations

Presentations are key aspects of the recruitment process.

Presentations assess communication skills, knowledge of certain subjects, performing in front of people and demonstrating an ability to work under pressure.

PRESENTATION SKILLS: Good business presentation skills requires practice, research on the subject matter, effective preparation and a logical structure.

How to present effectively is an essential business skill. Presentations rely on effective planning and information gathering as much as delivering the presentation itself. Asking for feedback helps refine presentation techniques, essential for improving future presentation performance.

Winning CV highlights a useful 10-step guide to giving presentations.

1) Before the presentation

Find out about the audience, subject matter, time / location & facilities available (i.e. projectors, etc.).

2) Defining the presentation

Defining the overall objective or purpose of the presentation ensures the content clearly supports the overall goal. The best presentations are short, simple and effective by just saying enough to get the point and supporting evidence across.

3) Structuring the presentation

Successful presentations will have a logical sequence:
START - Must have clear aims and introduction.
MIDDLE - Good content, making clear points and giving supporting evidence.
END - Conclusions, summaries and main findings must be clearly conveyed.

4) Consider the method of delivery

When delivering a presentation, positively engaging with the audience is important.
Making presentations more interactive, involving the audience and making it a two-way process invariably helps to capture the audiences' attention.

For longer presentations, consider a group discussion or a brainstorming session.
Shorter presentations may involve periodically asking questions to engage an audience with the topic. A short quiz or activity can also add value. More memorable presentations tend to involve a two-way interactionbetween the audience and the presenter.

5) Practice your presentation

Practice makes perfect! Practice helps to improve presentation techniques, remember key points, maintain 'flow' and refine content. Timing presentations ensures key points are properly conveyed within a designated timeframe. Practicing in front of others allows for further constructive feedback.

6) Prepare outline notes

Notes help remember the structure and content of the presentation. Visual aids like projectors or Powerpoint slideshows help remind presenters of important information, details and keep to the structure. Supporting notes give additional confidence when delivering presentations.

7) Dealing with nerves

Extra adrenaline from nerves focuses the mind to perform effectively. Preparation and practice helps alleviate nerves. Giving a short introduction about the presenter (i.e. background and expertise) as well as providing an overview of the presentation will engage the audience. People generally relax and build confidence once the presentation starts and the audience has been engaged.

8) Delivering the presentation

Delivering effective presentations relies on feeling as natural and relaxed as possible. Positive (controlled) body language, speaking clearly and maintaining a reasonable tempo will always improve delivery. Remember to adjust volume according to the surroundings and size of venue. Always maintain eye contact, feel assured and keep smiling. Think before you speak and stay positive.

9) Using visual aids

Most venues have access to visual aids like slide projectors and screens for Powerpoint presentations. If no visual aids are available there are options of using summary sheets or handouts to supplement
the presentation. Check what is available for use at the venue (work presentation or interview).

Take notes to refer to during the presentation (helps remember structure and content). It is okay referring to visual aids during presentations. If using slides, do not flash them up and take them down too quickly as the audience will not have a chance to read them. Try not to show nerves by wanting to rush through everything. Stay calm, patient and focus on the delivery.

10) Closing the presentation

It is common practice to be asked questions at the end. This clarifies understanding and can facilitate further debate. Try keeping answers brief and to the point. Always listen, clarify and understand the whole question before replying.