Whether you're speaking to thousands of people from a big stage, or a small group of fifty people in a meeting room, there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to giving a talk. There are, however, certain things to remember to help ensure success. Whether it's a large venue or small one, the key to giving an effective presentation is to adapt your delivery to meet the audience's needs. Here's how.
- Your mission is to stop your audience zoning out. Remember that they are bored before you even open your mouth, and that you’re competing with their mobiles.
- Your listeners will only remember one idea at most, so present a single insight and back it up with evidence and anecdotes, which are easier to absorb than ideas.
- Speak for less than your allotted time, so that you don’t have to rush the end if time is running out. Don’t read from a script as it will sound boring; memorise your speech by saying it out loud every day for five days before. Bring notes in case you go blank.
- Keep it visually interesting by moving around the stage and look at the audience. Use slides or videos to break up your speech, but don’t fill slides with text. Do make jokes, but only if they are funny.
- Don’t say things which are obviously true; it will bore your audience; and avoid saying things which are clearly false or insincere.
The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please join us on our next complimentary webinar or contact us.
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