Presentation Skills and Public Speaking

Presentation skills and public speaking identically both are similar, but still have prominent
dissimilarities. Presentation skills tell if you can represent a specific topic with beautiful speech
along with correct data, people will listen to you. On the other hand, public speaking test your
speaking skill, showing how you can associate with and address your audience. These two
aspects need specific skill sets to attract the audience. If you want to be a public speaker or like
to present your invention in your next exhibition in your organization, first learn what are these
two aspects and what skills are required.

What is Presentation Skill?

When you share valuable information along with data in front of your audience, it's called
Presentation. One has to develop certain qualities to present the data and discuss the report.
Some people develop the skills to stand and do the presentation, and some naturally build them.

What is Public Speaking?

Public Speaking, in other words, is a brilliant way to communicate with the masses (crowd),
educating them with personal experience, entertain them with body language and building a
rapport so that they enjoy your every word and pay attention to what you're speaking. Public
speaking is considered skill-based art; you need to be an artist to grab their attention to your
words. If you visit any University program, political rally, or religious function, you can observe
how the organization's leaders hook the audience with their speech and presentation style.

The Similarities Between Presentation Skills and Public Speaking

You can experience Presentation skills in an educational institute, company meetings, product
launch programs, etc. when a specific message should be generated among the mass. People also
watch your body language, way of talking, words, accents, and how you interact with your
audience.

In public speaking, you need to make them sit and listen with your attractive power to catch their
attention. Your audience, however, notices all your activities, words, body language, way of
Presentation, and the use of words.

Therefore, both need skills to grab the audience's attention, educate them with your data, and
entertain them with your speaking power. In both cases, you need in-depth knowledge so that
none can challenge your information.

The Difference Between Presentation Skills and Public Speaking

Though both need a specific skill set, there's a fine line between them. Generally, presentation
skills are necessary for someone working in a company, educational institution, or business
owner. In these fields, you need to show the objective of the Presentation along with data
(previous and current) to justify your words or establish your point of view. For example,
audience members can challenge your data if you present wrong or confusing information.

On the other hand, Public speaking is different; anyone can be a public speaker if they can share
something valuable with the masses. In public speaking, generally, people share their personal
experiences rather than discuss data and information. For example, if you visit political rallies or
religious gatherings, you will notice that the leaders share their opinions on specific topics. In
public speaking, you can add your sense of humor and timing while delivering the speech, which
is not expected in presentation gatherings.

Public speaking topics can be fun-filled and full of entertainment, while Presentations always
address severe issues and discuss them to educate the mass. In a Presentation, light matters
cannot welcome, and your body language should be professional, which you do not need in
public speaking. In public speaking, you have to draw their attention and compel them to sit with
your powerful speech.

In Presentation, people gather to listen to your words with pre mindset, but in public speaking,
there's always an opportunity to explore something new as it's an experience-sharing exercise.

Generally, both look similar, but if you understand the value-added perspective, you can easily
segregate them.

Skills Required for Presentation

The following behavioral aspects are required to become a good presentation professional:
You should have proper knowledge about what you're going to present
Your body language should be professional
You should sound professional with proper enunciations
You should know what to share with your audience and what are the limits
You have to be ready to receive positive and negative comments from the audience
You should be prepared to handle a puzzling question from the audience
You should work on your way of talking to others during the Presentation
You've to be professional and show a professional attitude on the stage

Remember, you represent your company or Institution, so your behavior should earn respect the
way people show to your company or institute

Skills Required for Public Speaking

As public speaking is another way to share a personal experience or discuss something valuable
with your audience, this also needs a specific skill set, which are:
 Your words should be powerful
 Your body language should be friendly
 Your experience must be for ordinary people so that they can resonate with you
  You should sound attractive and clear
 Your topic in public speaking must be worthy of discussion
 You need to understand the mass and what they want to listen to
 Your interaction power can create an association between you and your audience

Things to Avoid in Presentation and Public Speaking

 You should check your behavior even amid a heated argument

 Avoid creating any argumentative situation during your speech
 Avoid controversial issues discussed in your session
 Never show disrespect to others' opinions on similar topics but respect their view as it is
common to differ from each other
 Don't target any individual in your speech; it can spoil your credibility, and you may lose
your audience;
 Don't forget to greet your audience and show gratitude for attending till the end of the
show

A negative attitude doesn't give you positive results, and it's applicable in both cases. So when
you're dealing with mass, your temperament should be commendable, and your audience should
learn something new and implement it in their life.

These qualities create the difference between a commoner and a public speaker. Presentation is
also an affair with the mass, but it's a bit different than public speaking. But, at the end of the
show, you need to catch their pulse so that they must wait to attend your next session with
enthusiasm. Presentation skills and public speaking are essential components of effective
business communication. The ability to convey your ideas clearly and persuasively can
significantly impact your success in the business world. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Importance of Presentation Skills: Effective presentation skills are crucial in business settings
because they allow you to communicate your ideas, products, or services convincingly to clients,
colleagues, and stakeholders.

2. Confidence Building: Confidence is a vital component of public speaking. Practice and

preparation are key to building confidence. Familiarity with your content will make you more at
ease when presenting.

3. Audience Analysis: Understand your audience's needs, interests, and expectations. Tailor your
presentation to resonate with them.

4. Clear Structure: Organize your presentation with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Use a
logical structure to guide your audience through your message.
5. Engaging Content: Use compelling visuals, stories, and examples to make your content
interesting and memorable. Avoid overwhelming slides with too much text.

6. Effective Visuals: If you use slides, ensure they enhance your message rather than distract
from it. Use visuals sparingly and ensure they are easy to read and understand.

7. Practice and Rehearsal: Practice your presentation multiple times to refine your delivery and
timing. Rehearsing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or seeking feedback from peers can
be helpful.

8. Body Language: Pay attention to your body language. Maintain good posture, make eye
contact, and use gestures purposefully. Your nonverbal communication is as important as your
words.

9. Overcoming Nervousness: Many people experience nervousness before speaking in public.

Strategies like deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can help you manage anxiety.

10. Handling Questions: Be prepared for questions and engage with your audience. If you don't
know the answer, it's okay to say you'll follow up later.

11. Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt to unexpected situations, such as technical issues or a

change in the audience's mood.

12. Feedback and Improvement: Seek feedback from your audience or peers after your
presentation. Continuous improvement is key to becoming a better speaker.

13. Technology Skills: Familiarize yourself with presentation software and equipment to avoid
technical hiccups during your talk.

14. Cultural Sensitivity: Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles and adjust
your approach accordingly when speaking to a diverse audience.

Effective presentation skills and public speaking abilities can help you advance in your career,
build strong business relationships, and persuade others to support your ideas. Continuous
practice and a commitment to improvement are essential for mastering these skills in the context
of business communication.