7 Secrets to taking Your Presentation to the Next Level
If there were just a few keys that could take you from Neophyte to Jedi Master in speaking would you learn them? Amazingly enough most won’t! When I was a Certified Presenter with Zig Ziglar’s organization, I was frequently asked for a few keys to success in speech presenting. My response has always been the same, “Work on your non-verbals, video your presentation, focus on what your audience needs to hear, not what you need to say, and know your stuff.” I know that is only four things and I promised seven. Actually all seven are non-verbals - the others are just a bonus. To take your presentation to the next level:
1. Make sure you have their attention before you start.
The biggest mistake I see speakers make is to start before they have the audience silent. Just stand at the podium or stage quietly until the audience gets quiet. It may take a few seconds and it will seem like an eternity, but the authority that will rest on you for the duration of your talk will blow you away. The audience will enjoy listening more as well because they will have respect for you as a speaker if you don’t let them get away with inattention. Grown-ups are just “Kids in Big clothing”.
2. Crank up your intensity by standing on the balls of your feet while you speak.
When you stand on the balls of your feet, it forces you to lean slightly forward bringing you closer to your audience. As minor as this seems, try it. Your focus on the audience and their attention in their seat will increase.
3. Get your elbows off your sides.
When you see yourself on video in fast forward, this is exaggerated. You will look like the robot from “Lost in Space.” “Warning, Warning Will Robinson!” I am sure most of you remember that show. You need to get your elbows off your sides and use gestures appropriate to your group. Do some mime drills like playing Charades. This will give you a new license on what you really can do in a presentation.
4. Move with purpose, not as if you are the target in a shooting gallery.
So many speakers make this mistake that it is not even funny. Just plant your feet, move to a designated spot and plant your feet again. You will have so much more impact in your talk. Move less, but on purpose. Your audience won’t feel like they need to get their BB gun and aim.
5. Use 4 – 5 second eye contact with several people in your audience.
It is called “Eye Clasp”. This is when you lock eyes with someone in your audience. Use this technique to get into the hearts and heads of your audience. They want you there. It brings life to your presentation. Holding the eye contact for four to five seconds is a little longer than most of us are used to, but once developed, it alone takes your talk to a whole new level.
6. Vocal variety is a must!
Speaking in a monotone is painful and puts your audience to sleep. People who speak in a monotone usually have a stoic facial expression as well. Change your voice up a little throughout the talk. Use emotion to help you and let it show on your face. If you are mad at something, show it. If you are sad, let them feel it. Allow the real story to show up and your crowds will love you.
7. Have your head in the game.
This sounds too basic; but if you are distracted and not paying attention to what you are doing, your audience knows. I mentioned it earlier, but I will say it again, “Focus on what they need to hear, not what you need to say.” This will help you get your eyes off you and where they should be. Your audience wants you to do well. They don’t demand perfection but they do expect a good show. The rest of the story is that if you are focusing on you, it hurts your talk. You will pick yourself apart and this make you make more mistakes. If you are paying attention to your audience, they will get what you are saying and thank you for it afterwards.
Though these are just a few of the tools, if you implemented what I have presented, your presentations will take on new life. If you would like more information about workshops on Required Speaker Skills and Accelerated Learning, please visit my website at www.patrickdougher.com
Patrick Dougher
633 Cranbrook Dr.
Fort Worth, TX 76131
817-368-6843
patd@patrickdougher.com
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