Our top 10 tips for the perfect presentation…

‘Ladies and gentlemen, if I could say a few words, I’d be a better public speaker’ – Homer Simpson

Next week Mark is venturing into a world that is daunting to most of us, public speaking. Does anyone really embrace talking to a room-full of strangers, who look down, when you look at them?

We say, GO FOR IT, there’s nothing to lose and if you can engage with a group of people as opposed to one-to-one networking, then your profile gets seen tenfold.

We’ve come up with our top 10 tips for a successful presentation and getting an audience on your side.

1. Use Structure.

By planning your structure with an introduction, main body, conclusion and questions, your presentation will be more fluid and consistent.

2. Know your material.

Be prepared that once you have presented, people will ask questions. Knowing your material thorough will ensure that people remain engaged and enthused to hear more.

3. Be confident in what you are talking about and relax.

The best thing to do is show, through confidence, that you know what you are talking about. Letting go of your nerves will relax you as well as the audience.

4. Practice.

With practice, any presentation you do will be perfect. The more you practice, the more you’ll be able to inform your audience with.

5. Speak clearly.

Make sure that your audience can hear what you are saying, project your voice and avoid from looking down.

6. Use positive body language.

Make sure to use eye contact to keep your audience engaged. Hand gestures and calm facial expressions are also effective in capturing an audience. It shows that you’re interested in what you are talking about.

7. Use visuals

Visual images always engage audiences, because they can see evidence to what you’re talking about. Even a touch of colour can make a difference.

8. Engage the audience.

Use examples or stories of situations you have been in that are relevant to what you are talking about. It always helps to have something to back up what you are saying.

9. Concentrate on your message and your audience. Don’t worry about nerves.

Nerves can make you anxious and scared. The best thing for nerves is to take a deep breathe and relax. Remember your presenting a message. Stay focused and the nerves will be forgotten.

10. Most importantly…Enjoy it!

If you want to see for yourself how Mark gets on, just click here and book your place at next week’s (Wednesday 25th January) Networking Hub at Basepoint Bournemouth (and it’s a FREE event)