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Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 4:38 am
by CoderGoblin
- Don't be afraid to move your hands, it's a natural part of body language and people can "feel" what you're saying better.
- Always end with a positive statement, not "... although this doesn't work it will by the time...". (I've seen it done)

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 6:33 am
by Chris Corbyn
Some very good points there.
cinac wrote:7. Decide on how you want to handle questions and let everyone know your policy before you get started. If you take questions during the presentation, keep an eye on the time and don't get too sidetracked. I hate listening to Q&A that has no relevance to me at all.
Regarding this point, *never* refuse to acknowledge somebody because you're short on time. Quickly let them ask their question and/or say to them "Come and see me after the presentation..." ;)

Posted: Mon Oct 02, 2006 7:57 pm
by wei
A few other things,

1) know your audience, are they diverse?, techinical? managers?
2) change your tempo are your as presentation progress,
3) start with an interesting problem or question, or statement, you have about 30 seconds to entice the audience
4) know your slide well, about 1 slide per minute
5) throw up a small question (e.g, what are the ways to solve this .. ?) before going to the next slide (for which the answer will be present), don't do this too often
6) speak clearly, try to avoid "ummm", "aaah"
7) look at audience around the room
8) use a laser point or a stick if necessary
9) explain complex things slowly, show complex things in the middle of the presentation
10) end the presentation with simple ideas for people to take away
11) gesture your hands for emphasis, people will follow your hand, great speakers use their hand to great effect
12) respect the audience, don't make them look dumb.

Presentation tips

Posted: Mon Oct 09, 2006 7:35 am
by Nicoza
Well done guys. Some good points (we all learned). Some of these have been said…but here is some more tips.

Refer to future points, (like “as we wil see later”) it keeps people curious and interested.

Be prepared for the odd question. If there is a serious question and you don’t know the answer, get that persons details and promise to find out and let him/her know. Then do so. They will promote and respect you for a next time.

Use the classic old KISS method – Keep It Simple Stupid. People don’t enjoy long complex explanations of things.

Start of simple, then work your way into the more complex. This way you will keep the presentation constantly building up and interesting. Tell them first off where the presentation is going so the can start building little “mental spacers” that will be filled with knowledge as you go on. And when it does, use the words "See!?" They'll go "Ahh yes". A bunch of “stuff” told usually disappears quickly out of the mind.

In the old days people use to read. Today, the world is more visual orientated, so I agree, use pictures rather than words.

People have different “interest activators”. Therefore try and be broad in your approach to ensure you deliver something for every one.

If you are animated, then use it to your advantage. If you use your hands “A LOT” then make sure you use them appropriately. Some people have the ability to sort of “stretch out” to people. Pull them into the presentation. Use the jokes, but use applied humor. Don’t tell a joke about the war in Iraq, or something like that. And when you use humor, that is where your hand usage can make a funny impact. You’ll think of how.

Greet the people and start with some humor to settle the nerves. It will make you more at ease and people know what to expect. Introduce yourself. People want to know from whom this is coming from. Perhaps prior to the presentation you can walk amongst them and find out what they are talking about. Or perhaps when they walk in. Try and sum them up so you know what kind of humor will work.

As you walk amongst the people (from time to time), especially in the beginning, look around, spot someone who seems non-interested (some people might have had a bad morning or arrived with pessimism) and say “Hi good afternoon, wat’s your name?”. Walk over and shake his hand. Makes it very personal.

Your presentation should not be to leading. Nothing more boring than a movie you can guess the end.

Use “flowing” words like, “lets see”. Along with that don’t speak to factual, instead, use words like we, and us. “As we can see!”, “So what is this telling us”. This way, everybody is part of the knowledge and they feel “smart” because the are not simply sitting there being pumped with information.

It is much like Sales. You have to make them believe in what you say. Sell your knowledge.

Wherever you stand, make sure there isn’t a strong light behind you. It makes those eyes drowsy.

Interact with people regularly. It makes the knowledge and the experience personal to them.

If possible, use your surroundings. Little objects, can be usefull to make things more real. Remember also, people learn and remember through methods of association.

Don’t try and be all “Mr Professional”. Remember you will be dealing with people. Be human, be personal and above all be polite and honest.

Lastly, enjoy it yourself. That will rub of unto them.

Good luck.