Many business people underestimate the power of a presentation,
and the time and effort required to become effective business
presenters. Reading a book on the topic is a good start, but
like swimming, you have to practice many times to do it well.
This month, Computing Japan spoke with the trainers at Oak Associates
to help you understand what it takes to make effective presentations.
Why are presentation skills important?
Business decisions at all levels in an organization are often
the result of clear presentations. Presentation skills are essential
for convincing clients and colleagues to take action or support
ideas whether in a formal or informal situation. Such skills
can also be used in meetings and teleconferences, or with voicemail,
to get a job done.
How will presentation skills help in career growth?
Many effective presenters feel that this skill has been a significant
factor in advancing their careers. Every presentation is an
opportunity to demonstrate your expertise, leadership ability,
initiative, competence, and vision. Presentation skills enhance
business analysis skills - and that can lead to promotions and
career advancement. Communicating what you know effectively
is an opportunity to be recognized inside and outside your organization
as an expert - someone who adds value and improves results.
What are the keys to being a good presenter?
Knowing the audience and planning the presentation accordingly
is the key to becoming a great presenter. This means focusing
on who they are, what they expect, and how they will react.
It means interacting with the audience and engaging them in
your topic. Having the confidence and poise to speak in front
of a group, and adjusting to their needs and interests can make
a real difference!
How can presentations be made convincing and more persuasive?
Planning and organizing the presentation based on the audience
is an important step in being persuasive. Analyze the audience
so you know their background, interests, and possible reasons
for resistance. Some key questions to ask yourself are: What
do they know? What are their interests? What are they concerned
about? What is important to them? With this information, you
can adjust your message for the audience. No one is convinced
of anything unless there is some benefit to them. While a presenter
can introduce ideas and clarify the benefit for initiating action
to an audience, only the audience can make the final decision
or agree to the ideas.
Sincere gestures, tone of voice, and speaking with confidence
can also influence your ability to convince the audience. Lastly,
interact with the audience, deal with their reactions and respond
to their questions. Remember, if you did a good analysis of
your audience, you probably have anticipated most of their reactions
and planned answers to their questions.
How can I learn to be a better presenter?
Analyzing content, organizing concepts, and effectively introducing
and concluding your presentation are the first steps. Effective
delivery techniques such as eye contact, use of body language,
and managing time can enhance your message. After this, being
a better presenter is simple: practice, practice, practice.
Take advantage of every opportunity to do a presentation and
learn from each of them. Try new ideas and techniques. Observe
presenters you admire and try to model their techniques. Ask
your peers for feedback or videotape your own presentations
and then identify ways to improve your message, organization,
and delivery style. Practice important presentations with colleagues.
There are some really great presenters. How do they
become so good?
Effective presentation skills are not developed quickly. Delivering
effective presentations is a priority for great presenters and
something that they have worked on for years. They are continuously
developing and improving their skills. Many become confident
speaking in front of a group but always have a sense of nervous
tension. They always prepare for the presentation and adjust
to the audience.
I can use PowerPoint to prepare presentations. Why do
I need to learn presentation skills?
PowerPoint can be helpful, but it is a support tool; it is
not the presentation. The content, organization, and clarity
are much more important than the visuals. It is important that
the presenter doesn't get caught up with using too many slides,
manipulating the equipment, or putting on a show rather than
speaking to the audience. The role of visuals is to emphasize
main ideas and provide a survey of the key details so the audience
can follow. And finally, relax - and you'll do fine!
For more on how to enhance your presentation skills, contact
Oak Associates at: 03-5472-7075 or mail at: training@oakassociates.co.jp.
