Effective Presentation Skills

Norisha Kirts | March 2016

By the end of the presentation you will:
• Understand why effective presentation skills are important;
• Identify when you will need to use effective presentation skills; and
• Learn helpful tips to make you a more effective presenter
Why effective presentation skills are so important
• Individual Success
• Professional Success
• Leadership
 What careers require you to give presentations?
• Activity: List three things that you
may want to do when you grow up
• Everyday examples
• Teacher
• TV/Radio Personality/Media
• Lawyer/Politician
• Not everyday examples
• Engineer/Architects
• Doctor/Nurse
• Financial Advisor
• Clothing store manager
Step 1: Prepare details of your presentation
• Plan the speech
• What is your topic? Are you an expert on the topic?
• What is the audience hoping to hear? What do you want the audience to take
away from the presentation?
• What are 3-5 main points that you can cover within the time limit given?
• Plan the visuals
• What will most effectively convey your message and aid your presentation?
• PowerPoint, handouts, videos, displays/posters
• Quotes, personal stories, jokes
• Practice
Step 2: Determine style that works best for you
• Impromptu
• Extemporaneous
• Manuscript
• Memorization
 Step 3: Be thoughtful about how nervous habits
• Demeanor
• Watch your posture/body language (legs crossed)
• Don’t play with hair or accessories
• Be aware of the expression on your face
• Appearance
• Don’t wear flats with your suits when presenting
• Look more professional than fashionable
Step 4: Be thoughtful about how you present
• Messaging
• Be mindful of your energy
• Data dumping
• Identify your own style
• Specific to women
• Be mindful of sing-song voice
• Stop apologizing
Practice, practice, practice
“There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave.
The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish
you gave.”

Dale Carnegie