The quality of presentations has got a fillip with the emergence of presentation tools. These tools (for example, Microsoft PowerPoint) enable a presenter to enhance the look-and-feel of a presentation and are a great value in terms of overall packaging. However, the secret behind highly successful presentations still lies in how the information is presented and how much the audience is engaged. The tools can play a great support act and complement the presenter. Let us look at how to make a highly effective presentation.
Research the audience: Get all the information you can about the audience. You need to know their educational qualifications, hobbies, current designation, roles and responsibilities (if applicable). If possible, send an e-mail to every participant requesting their expectations from the program. Do not start preparing the presentations before you get the information about the audience.
Customize the presentation: If your presentation is on improving communication skills and the target audience comprises sales executives, then they are most likely to appreciate quick and effective tips rather than theoretical discussions.
Avoid too much of information: Do not write paragraphs in the presentation slides as they will not only make the participants feel bored but will also take the focus away from you. The information can be added in the form of bullets and each bullet point must not have content spanning more than two lines. If you must give additional information, you can distribute them in the form of printed notes to the participants or e-mail the information separately.
Engage the participants: Highly effective presentations typically engage the audience a lot. Excellent presenters urge the participants to engage themselves in the form of questions and cross-questions, games, and contests. Such presenters do not exactly believe in just reading and explaining information and tips. For example, if your presentation is on problem solving and teamwork, you may ask a group of participants to solve a problem within a deadline.
Be energetic: Participants tend to be more attentive when they sense energy and enthusiasm in the presenter. Even the laziest and the most reluctant participant will pay attention when you exude sincerity, purpose and energy. Move around in the room as you deliver the presentation and modulate your voice. The participants need to feel that you are talking to them and not delivering a lecture.
A little humor can do wonders: Highly effective presentations have humor sprinkled throughout the session. Research shows that participants like a presenter who can crack an odd joke or two and they tend to enjoy the presentation. If you can make the participants feel relaxed and enjoy the presentation, then the participants are more likely to reap the benefits. However, do not overdo it and most importantly, strictly refrain from humor that can hurt sentiments or community feelings.
Use the tools well: The tools, as mentioned earlier, help you improve the look-and-feel of the presentation. Harness the powers of the tools and add animations, transitions, and graphics to create a power-packed presentation.
Soumen Purkayastha - Trends and tips on technical writing from an experienced technical writer. Also, expect handy tips on travelling and parenting.
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