1 – Start strong, finish strong! Your conclusion and wrap-up are just as important as your intro. Many people memorize the first paragraph or so to ensure a great beginning, but then end off with a wobbly “so...uhm…I guess that’s it…uhm…any questions? Ok thanks.” No good. Your ending should leave a strong impression and give them a “call to action” or otherwise motivate them to do something immediately. Plan both ends.
2 – Know your audience. Adapt your language and materials to them specifically. That may mean doing some advance research on who will be there, and what they are coming for. It’s no good making a great speech to people who are not following you, or are not interested in what you’re saying. Modify it.
3 – Be prepared but stay flexible. Can this be delivered without any visual aids (e.g. if they are left at home) or audio/visuals or computer support (in the event of loss of power)? Remember Murphy’s Law – anything that can happen, will!
4 – Have back-up. CD, flash memory stick, email attachment. Have back-up equipment too, like extension cords, computer cables, batteries, pointers, cue cards and notes, etc.
5 – Manage time efficiently. No tangents or digressions. Learn how to control audience questions so that they do not lead you off track and out of time before your great pitch!
6 – Perform a head-to-toe pre-check. Go to the restroom and check to see that the wind has not blown your hair funny. Is there any food stuck in your teeth? Is your tie straight and clean? (Carry a back-up tie). Is your belt straight? Any lint hanging off your clothes or suit? Are your shoes shiny and clean? Do you have your water for your dry mouth? Mints? (No gum, of course!)
7 – Act it and have fun! Show passion and enthusiasm. This is a moment on stage after all, so you’ve got to know how to own it. Don’t be so serious that you’re boring. Don’t read notes. The audience must “feel” your passion and believe in your presentation or pitch, so you must as well. Smile!
8 – Rehearse it. Try it on someone at home or a colleague that will give you honest feedback. The more you do it, the smoother it will get, and you will gain confidence from competency. Perfect practice makes perfect.
9 – Don’t overuse visuals and slides. Your voice and presence are the main tools. A great PowerPoint or Keynote display can never replace a great speaker. If you are a great speaker, you will always have confidence, no matter what happens to your audio/visuals. Don’t depend on “things.” YOU are the presentation. YOU are the information. YOU are the pitch.
10 – Control handouts. Don’t give out at the beginning of the presentation, unless it is a brief “skeleton” agenda. You want to keep them focused and listening to you, and watching you, not reading their handout. At the end of the presentation, always give them a “takeaway” that adds value to the experience. This could be special offers, brochures, relevant articles from press releases, a survey or questionnaire, etc. They should leave with some literature, and know how to get a hold of you afterwards.
Ric Phillips
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