Strategies for Developing Effective Presentation Skills

Today's quick-paced and fluid work environment can mean fast and frequently unexpected organizational changes, greater responsibilities, and new projects and initiatives. Being a confident, polished speaker is not only necessary, but well advised in order to communicate such matters effectively and persuasively. This 3-day seminar offers presentation tips and strategies to help you develop your presentation skills and learn how to present your ideas with conviction, control and poise—and without fear. You’ll gain the specific presentation skills and direction you need to become comfortable with your own style. And you’ll receive expert advice on how to handle especially challenging situations. Most important, you’ll gain effective presentation skills by making actual presentations.

Who Should Attend

Everyone who needs to develop their presentation skills, speak in front of groups or sell ideas to others and has little or no presentation experience.

How you will benefit

• Tailor your presentation to your audience
• Use relaxation techniques to overcome nervousness
• Learn how to project your voice and use pauses to dramatize your point
• Expertly handle difficult questions and situations
• Communicate with clarity and conviction
• Gain confidence in your presentation skills

What you will cover

Balancing Verbal and Nonverbal Messages

• Practice nonverbal impact skills to reduce nervousness and to engage the attention of your listeners
• Make your content clearer and more memorable

Developing and Organizing Presentation Content

• Create an audience profile and set presentation parameters
• Condense a speech outline into notes you can speak from

Preparing to Give the Presentation

• Get expert presentation tips on rehearsing, adhering to a time frame and speaking from notes
• Reduce stress and speaker’s anxiety

Using Visual Aids and Support Materials

• Describe the purpose of visual aids and support materials
• Identify tips for effective composition of visual content and speaker aids

Handling Questions from the Audience

• Explain the importance of the question-and-answer session
• Respond professionally to questions from the audience

Managing the Presentation Environment

• Describe the advantages and disadvantages of different room setups
• Be able to anticipate, avoid and handle equipment problems

Outline

Learning Objectives

• Confidently Deliver Your Presentations with Clarity and Conviction
• Apply the Elements Essential to Develop, Organize, and Deliver Effective Presentations
• Utilize Best Practices to Maximize Your Presentation Strengths and Minimize Your Weaknesses
• Use Relaxation Techniques to Overcome Nervousness

Balancing Verbal and Nonverbal Messages

• Explain the Need to Balance Style and Substance
• Identify the Importance of Nonverbal (Visual and Vocal) Messages
• Receive Feedback on the Nonverbal Messages You Send
• Practice Nonverbal Impact Skills to Reduce Nervousness and Engage the Attention of Your Listeners

Developing and Organizing Presentation Content

• Set Presentation Parameters
• Create an Audience Profile
• Tap into What You Already Know
• Identify What You Need to Find Out
• Structure Your Information
• Demonstrate How to Condense the Speech Outline into Notes You Can Speak From
• Explain the Benefits of Rehearsing, Adhering to a Time Frame, and Speaking from Notes
• Demonstrate How to Reduce Stress and Speaker’s Anxiety

Using Visual Aids and Support Materials

• Describe the Purpose of Visual Aids and Support Materials
• Distinguish Among Visual Aids, Speaker’s Notes, and Audience Handouts
• Identify Tips for Effective Composition of Visual Content
• Describe the Criteria for Selection Among the Many Types of Visual Aid Media
• Demonstrate Guidelines for Interacting with Visual Aids and Managing Handouts

Creating Engagement—Verbal Impact and Interactivity

• Create Engagement with Audiences and Increase Their Participation
• Use Sensory-Based Language, Stories, and Analogies to Enhance Your Verbal Impact
• Interact with Your Audience Using Both Verbal and Nonverbal Techniques
• Present with Others in an Organized and Supportive Manner

The Presentation Environment

• Explain the Importance of the Question-and-Answer Session
• Demonstrate How to Respond Professionally to Questions from the Audience
• Anticipate, Avoid, and Handle Equipment Problems
• Identify What Logistical Arrangements to Check