Since effective speaking and presentation skills are one key to success, there’s no reason not to bump up your abilities with these simple tips & bits.
Talk to and with your audience and only use technology to occasionally support what you’re saying.
Avoid needing live Internet connections
Consider instead embedding a video or a screenshot.
Don’t switch screens
Flip flopping between your presentation and media player kills momentum.
Use a remote
Don’t spend all your time at the keyboard. A remote allows you to roam and connect.
Trust your remote
Don’t point your remote when you click it as that only draws attention to it, and away from you.
Put issues aside
The audience won’t care what issues you had getting there, either technically or otherwise, so focus on your listeners and what you have to say.
Stand your ground
Start by standing at center stage for the first five minutes.
Avoid notes if you can
This can be a challenge so if you need an inner prompt fall back on the basic – who, what, when, where, why, and how, and answer those questions for the audience.
Go hands free if you can
It’s hard to hold a mic well so get a clip-on mic if you can.
Aim to position yourself as a resource, not a vendor. Incorporate research when and where you can.
Provide value-based marketing materials
Consider providing whitepapers, reports, checklists, and tip booklets rather than the usual handouts which are often just thrown away.
Get your talk accredited for continuing education credits
Lots of organizations require continuing education for professional designations. Partner with one of them to meet those requirements in your presentation.
Give a freebie
For instance, giving complimentary consultations to attendees adds value to your talk.
Form partnerships with noncompeting professionals
This allows you to share expenses, combine knowledge, and offer different perspectives on a shared topic.
