Powerful Presentation Skills, Part 2
Organization, Wording, and Attitude
Every presentation has the possibility of being interesting or boring. Voice modulation and gestures are two areas that matter. Perhaps, even more important are the organization of your talk, the actual words you choose, and most importantly of all, your attitude.
The Value of Organization
You can lose an audience if you are scattered in your thoughts or if you leave out important information. This is even true when leaving messages on voicemail. How many times have you wished the person leaving you a voicemail would hurry-up and get to the point?
The simple methods of organization you learned in elementary school composition still apply. Have a beginning, where you introduce the subject; a middle, where you go into detail about the main points; and an ending or conclusion that draws the whole presentation together. Outline what you want to say and stick to it. Find a story or something of interest that makes the points along the way, and especially to begin and end your presentation. This way your audience will remember your ideas.
The Importance of Your Words
The words you use are important because certain words trigger responses in people due to personal or cultural history. Though you cannot know some of these ahead of time, when you find what language triggers anger, resentment, or fear, remember to word your discussions differently. Be careful how you use slang. It may be fine for casual conversation but inappropriate when giving a formal presentation.
There are also some generic words that very subtly affect another person’s reaction or response, such as using “can” or “could” instead of “will” or “would,” when asking a question. In this instance, “can” and “could” means capability—implying that the listener doesn’t have the ability. When you use “will” and “would,” you are simply giving the respondent a choice to do or not do something.
Do you use appropriate language for the group? In other words, if they are all from a particular niche and are highly knowledgeable, are you using words that fit their level, or are you using elementary words that may insult their abilities? The reverse is also true. If you have a beginning group, do you use language that is beyond their knowledge? Make sure you are always speaking to the level of your audience. This will keep them interested and connected to your ideas.
Your Attitude Shows
Last, but certainly not least, in order to have a sound foundation to build your communication success, you need a positive, open, and caring attitude. This mind-set includes taking responsibility for your own thoughts, decisions, and behavior. It includes telling the truth, not glossing over areas that need to be addressed. It also encompasses having compassion for those with whom you communicate. Give them understanding, knowing that they are doing the best they can do at any given moment.
When you organize your content, are sensitive to the ability and cultural needs of your audience, and when you show you care, you are well on your way to a good presentation.
