By Jennifer Miller, Rockford Gray Managing Partner
Standing up and giving a presentation is as much a part of today’s business as is carrying a smart phone. The circumstances and venues may vary, but delivering a presentation to customers, colleagues, professional peers or even outside groups is commonplace. For as often as people know they’re going to deliver to an audience, you would think more people would actually be good at delivering a presentation. The fact is most people do a lousy job largely because they don’t give it the time and attention it deserves.
How many times have you heard the first words of a presenter going something like this, “I’m not very good at this.” Talk about setting low expectations. More than that, this opening disclaimer simply means the presenter has done little to create a compelling presentation. The best way to change this situation is to create positive speaking behaviors that become habitual.
Learning Presentation Skills
Here are some simple tools to improve anyone’s public speaking:
- Prepare Every presentation is a form of story telling. Most presenters aren’t thinking about telling a story that has a beginning, middle and an end. Envision your presentation as a narrative in which the audience walks away with a clear idea of your message. Put yourself in the audience’s shoes and create understanding by being clear, concise and telling a story that is repeatable.
- Lose the Podium Get out from behind the podium. A podium is merely a barrier between you and the audience. The audience wants to see a whole person who has the benefit of using good posture and strong gestures to tell their story. In some cases you may have to ask for a wireless microphone if you don’t want to be tied to the podium. When speaking to an audience of 40 or more, most venues will have a microphone that will set you free.
- Move with Purpose Many speakers will wander aimlessly or dance in one place. This only communicates your nervousness and lack of focus. Pick a spot as your home base and then move only when making a point or changing subjects. Every time you take one or two steps in any direction is should be motivated movement. Good opportunities for movement include stepping closer to the screen if you’re emphasizing a key fact or graph on a PowerPoint. Moving across the stage if you are taking on a new topic. Or move toward a questioner to let them know you are listening to them. This along with eye contact will create a connection with the questioner and the audience.
- Eliminate Filler Words It is not unusual for most of us to use a filler word from time to time. “Um”, “ah”, “so”, “you know”, “OK” and “basically” are words that we use to fill a space in our speech. These words are nothing more than verbal pauses. We all do it to some extent, but when it becomes a distraction, it is time to lose the filler words. First, you have to recognize that you are using this word repeatedly. Next, you have to make yourself pause instead of saying “ah”. It takes discipline, but you can eliminate filler words if you simply substitute a pause.
- Smile Sure, giving a presentation is a nerve-racking experience. Put in this circumstance, most of us will take on a facial expression that reflects how serious and focused we are about this presentation. In most instances, speakers are delivering good news or talking about a subject that they feel good about. That should be replicated in your facial expressions. If nothing else, you should appear friendly. If you simile at the audience they will invariably smile back. There is no better way to connect with an audience than to put a genuine smile to good use.
- Practice No one gets better at anything (especially something as unnatural as public speaking or golf) without practice. One of the biggest shortcomings for executives is that they don’t make time to practice. It is important to schedule time and then actually stand up and say the presentation out loud. Remember, you are practicing the spoken word, not mumbling or speaking inside your head while seated at you computer.
Finally, one excuse for giving a poor presentation is fear. Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking. It is a Greek term that combines tongue (or speech) and dread. Jerry Seinfeld on his long running situation comedy made reference to this phobia saying, “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
What is the best way to overcome fear? Simple- get better. Confidence comes from knowing you do something well. Some trepidation is natural. Applying the six steps outlined here will start you down the road to successful presentations.
Need some more guidance? Contact Jennifer Miller or Gil Rudawsky.
About the author: Jennifer Miller is a seasoned media trainer and public speaking coach with over 15 years of journalism experience, including seven at CBS News. Known for her disarming style and tough questions, she reported on major events like the Olympics, 9/11, and Hurricane Katrina. Her firsthand understanding of how reporters think makes her an exceptional crisis management counselor. At Rockford Gray, she coaches clients on media, presentation, and crisis response. Jennifer holds a master’s in Organizational Leadership from the University of Denver and a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota. She is certified in crisis communication and DEI in the Workplace and is a sought-after speaker.