Want to Ace Your Next Office Presentation? Here are Five Steps that will Help You Hit the Ball out of the Park
Let’s face it…most office presentations are boring.
It’s boring for the audience and nerve-racking for the presenter. The pressure of getting it right is excruciating since a lot rides on these presentations.
They are not just opportunities to present your views and ideas but the single most effective way to prove your value to the team and eligibility for better roles.
Incorporating these five pointers in your next presentation will blow the mind of your audience while letting you shine in the eyes of the powers that be.
Point 1: Make your audience the focal point, not your content
That’s right..a bit counterintuitive and yet making your audience feel that the presentation is for them and not the other way around is a sure way of letting your audience praise and promote you. This means tailoring your content for easy, exciting, and engaging consumption.
Point 2: Conversation versus Lecturing
Do not LECTURE down to your audience. Your wealth of data and insights mean much less when you do not include your audience in your plans. Think of it as teamwork; the audience’s engagement and excitement are as important to the success of your presentation as your eloquence.
Point 3: Visual cues for abstract data
A year-on-year growth percentage works better than rambling out numbers; a pie chart helps to engage and educate. You can also use appropriate metaphors and analogies.
Point 4: Present your roadmap early
Tell your audience what’s the purpose of the presentation, what should they expect in the next few minutes, and why is it important to know. A clear roadmap is a buy-in for your audience.
Point 5: Keep it Light and Tight
Too many work presentations fall flat because the presenter keeps it too serious. Workplace-appropriate humor can be charming and make the whole shebang enjoyable. Do not forget to keep it tight around the edges and stay on point.
Now go shine !!
