If you follow my blog, you notice that I write frequently on the topic of presentation skills. Many columns are generated after sitting through a presentation or seminar. Such is the case today.
I spotted a few “areas of improvement” (a term used in Toastmasters) during a presentation this morning. Reviewing these and those I share in other columns will help you become a better presenter.
1. Make sure your slides are complete. The presenter had to skip over some slides because there weren’t complete. (He claimed the material wasn’t saved.) Always review your slides for completeness. Just one more reason for testing and rehearsing.
2. Arrange equipment so it’s easily accessible. The presenter used a wireless mouse (which is fine), but it was placed on the opposite side of the laptop. He had to reach past the laptop and through the projector beam to get to the mouse. He should’ve place the mouse on his side of the projector.
3. Watch the verbal tics. A lot of ums and ahs today. Too bad, because his material was good, as were his answers to questions. Teach yourself to eliminate the verbal tics for a more polished presentation.
It takes time and effort; believe me, I know. In fact, I’m still working on my speech patterns. But over time you’ll get better and sound better.
For related reading, see “Suggestions for your next presentation” and “Public speaking tip – let your hands flow freely.”
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Improve your oral presentation skills with these tips
In previous columns, including this one, I have offered a number of tips for improving your presentation skills. Having attended another presentation, I find the need to offer some additional reminders here. After reviewing my columns, you’ll note a pattern to these presentation gaffes.
1. Not using the microphone. The room was not particularly large and the ceiling was not high. Even so, presenters should have used the microphone. A cordless model came with the lectern. The first presenter tested the mic and, upon finding that it wasn’t turned on, ignored it. So did the rest of the presenters.
Remember that it is your responsibility as presenter to test all equipment. Ask for assistance if something is not working properly (or not on). Always use a mic if one is available.
Do you sometimes find it difficult to produce content on a consistent basis? Perhaps you run out of ideas or time one day; possibly both.
Here’s one solution: Set aside an hour or two one day, and create a batch of content. Could be blog columns, videos, anything. Then post that material according to your normal schedule (which for most people is either daily or every other day).
I used this technique recently for a video series. I envisioned a total of seven videos that would be distributed over the course of a week. One day I felt particularly energetic and pounded out four videos. The remaining three were cut the following day. I then dribbled out the videos over a seven-day period.
This technique allows you to continue posting content to your websites and video channels on a regular basis even though you’re not producing the content each day. The material need not be related; that is, each column or video could discuss unique content. It’s all about maximizing the time you have and coordinating it with those periods when you are in your most creative zone. Try this sometime. I think you’ll be amazed at how productive you are.
For additional tips, see “Need to make a decision? Get SMART” , “Time management tip: Use an agenda” and “Stumped for ideas? Do as Bernie, Eric and Tom do.”
If you found value in this post, could you do me a favor and share it with others? You may use any of the links below. Feel free to comment, as well. To contact me, send an email.
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Be a teacher and a student
Study the material with an eye toward offering it to others
If you’re serious about being successful in business–and I’m sure you are–you understand the value of continuing education. I’m not referring to professional continuing ed. That’s important, too. Instead, I’m talking about the programs you buy or otherwise acquire to help you build and maintain skills. Topics can include sales/marketing, customer service, time management, and so on.
Another part of your professional development comes in the form of teaching and coaching. Imparting your knowledge and expertise in others builds your credibility and positions you as a leader. As you study that training material, think of ways you could later offer it to others. It could be as a blog post or short video. A synopsis of the material is sufficient; just hit on the high points. If you found that subject matter interesting, you can bet others will, as well.
Where do you find material that you can use? You’re familiar with the platforms, but we’ll review some of them here:
- Conferences and trade shows, especially during breakout sessions.
- Other seminars in your area
- Webinars and teleconferences
- DVD and CD packages geared toward training
- Books and other printed material
A seminar I attended recently formed the basis of a blog column. You can read that here.
Get maximum mileage out of all your training. Turn it around and offer it to the marketplace. Let others benefit as you have. Be a teacher and a student.
For additional tips to help you throughout your day, see “How to be more productive in 3 easy steps” and “Practice firm time management for a more productive day.”
If you found value in this post, could you do me a favor and share it with others? You may use any of the links below. Feel free to comment, as well. To contact me, send an email.
Follow me on Twitter.
Follow my Facebook business page.
Connect with me on LinkedIn.
Good listening skills start with listening well
When you’re listening to someone speak, especially someone up close, do you really listen? That is, are you paying attention? Do you let the person speak, or do you interrupt repeatedly?
This notion of listening well came to me during a social event I attended recently. Throughout the event, I met and spoke with several people. Some I hadn’t seen in decades; others were new to me. In each case I was interested in learning about them: where they are from, what they’re up to, and such. Often I would find myself eager to break into the conversation to add a thought. I had to stop myself, though, to prevent from interrupting.
The art of listening well starts with actually listening. As the old adage goes, “The good Lord gave you two ears and one mouth. Use them in that proportion.”
People have a tendency to jump into a conversation and offer their opinions. Other times they’ll cut in an attempt to finish the other person’s thought. While that behavior is annoying enough in general conversation, it can have really adverse effects in business settings.
Here are some suggestions for listening well:
