Knowing how to create an effective presentation means you'll
always be able to get your message across to your audience. To really
succeed, keep in mind that the focus is on the presenter, not just on
the materials, says Andrew Dlugan founder of SixMinutes.com, a public
speaking website. "Remember that you are the presentation," Dlugan says.
"It's not your slides or your handouts that your audience has come to
see. If it were, you could just e-mail them a softcopy."
Here are 6 more ways to create an outstanding presentation.
1. Stick to a clear outline
Organizing
your presentation in an easy-to-follow manner can make it easier for
listeners to understand your point. Customize a framework that includes
"a beginning where you tell your audience exactly what it is that they
will take away from this talk, a middle that includes the details and
explanations, and an end that ties it all up with a restatement of
purpose, and you send them off with a distinct call to action," says
Adria Firestone, a presentation and voice expert. As you go through your
presentation be sure to stick to the organization structure and avoid
going off on any tangents.
2. Learn more than you need to
It's
always best to over-prepare for a presentation and have a deep
knowledge of the subject, Dlugan says. While you don't need to share
everything you know with the audience, it can come in handy when
addressing their questions or concerns. "This will allow a presenter to
handle related questions in a Q&A session in a credible manner," he
says, though he warns against overloading the audience with info unless
they've asked for it.
3. Do some "market" research
Create a presentation that's effective by understanding the demands of your audience, says Sherri Thomas, author of
"Career Smart -- 5 Steps to a Powerful Personal Brand." To do this,
Thomas suggests speaking to key members of the group about their
expectations prior to when you actually have to present. "What many
presenters don't understand is that your audience knows what they want,
and they may not be able to focus on what you're saying until they get
that information," she says. "The less resistance and more support you
have in a meeting the easier your presentation will be."
4. Throw in a few telling anecdotes
"Whatever
the subject matter, using laughter and storytelling can be a great way
to keep your audience interested," Firestone says. Pick an anecdote
that's both concise and make sure it fits the framework of your
presentation. "A story illuminates and makes your point unforgettable,"
Firestone says. When telling your story be sure to share something about
your own life and experience, adding in a bit of biographical
information can help you further connect with the audience.
5. Don't make technology your entire arsenal
Whether
you're using a new iPad app or simply scrolling through PowerPoint
slides, it's important to use it as an aid not a crutch. "Don't be
upstaged by your technology," Firestone says. "No matter how magnificent
your technology, there is nothing like a live enthusiastic human
sharing valuable information." To avoid mishaps practice using the
device before the presentation has started -- especially if you'll be
presenting in an unfamiliar space.
6. Vary your tone
If
you're dreading the presentation or simply bored by it, the tone of
your voice is bound to reveal your true emotion. Keep this in mind and
exaggerate your enthusiasm during the presentation by varying the tone
of your voice. While you don't want to come across as fake, use your
voice to demonstrate that you're truly excited about the subject matter.