PRESENTATION SKILLS TRAINING

If you are out of practice and you have to give a presentation it's a good time to go on a presentation skills training course or, at the least, first get some answers to these five questions:

1) What's the objective?

You should be clear about why you need to present. Depending on whether you need to motivate or inform an audience your choice of content or presenting style could be very different. Your presenting objective will influence the main points that you make to your audience.

2) For how long do I need to speak?

Really this question might be better phrased, "how long should I speak?" Aim to speak for 20 or 25 minutes with some five or 10 minutes of questions. An alert audience might give you more attention for perhaps 35 to 40 minutes – but beyond that you are on borrowed time. In all cases you should respect the endurance of your audience.

3) Who is in the audience?

Your audience helps you to determine your content, the points you need to make and the theme for your presentation. In-built relevance is an essential starting point for a presentation's success. And without it your hard work and preparation might be in vain.

4) When is the presentation?

Simple logistics and planning are key attributes for any presentation. Knowing an event's schedule allows you to plan and prepare beforehand, rehearse and then familiarise your presentation. These are essential steps.

5) Where is the event?

If travel plans are needed for your presentation it helps to know about them from the very start. Your event could be simplified if you can combine it with other travel plans.

Being sure of the answers to these five questions will help you to get the most from your presentation opportunities, build the right content and get the right level of audience involvement.

For more skills tips, you can always attend a presentation skills training course.

"Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."

Plato