You probably thought about present shopping and gift giving when you read that headline, and with good reason – it’s December! The phrase has several meanings however, depending on how it’s spoken. Present time. It could mean ‘time to open gifts’, ‘the current moment’, or ‘time to give a presentation’ – the topic I’d like to discuss today. Speaking in front of a group can be daunting, but it’s also an amazing opportunity for you to present
yourself, present your ideas, present new ways of thinking, and truly be ‘present’ in the moment while doing so. The best way to accomplish these goals is to prepare ahead of time, and to present powerfully. Let’s explore.
Taking our three definitions again; 1) time for gifts, 2) the current moment and 3) time to present, if you really think about it, you embody all three of these meanings when you stand in front of a group and share. It’s a time to give of yourself and your knowledge to help people grow – a gift. You need to be really ‘present’ and available to your audience so you can connect with them, and they with you. And, of course, it’s time to present – so you better be prepared.
A three-fold approach is the best path to a presentation – powerful content, create a powerful presence, and prepare a powerful delivery. Engaging the audience with your story, background and expertise, coupled with diligent research covers your powerful
content. Powerful presence deals with posture, gestures, how you look and dress, and the way you interact with your audience. Even with those two components polished and ready, the message of your presentation will fall on deaf ears without a powerful delivery.
The successful delivery of a powerful presentation has many components, but the ‘Critical Command’ of these three elements will guarantee your success:
- Stories
- Voice
- Space
Storytelling is an instant way to connect with your audience by doing two things. First, personal sharing creates rapport and trust with your audience, and if you do it right, you will build emotion within the audience. Creating an emotional response will help your audience remember your story, and if they remember your story, they will remember the point you made. This all wraps up into giving the gift of yourself, your knowledge and expertise so others can benefit and grow.
Critical command of voice goes hand in hand with storytelling. Speaking softly to convey a secret to success, talking loudly to express excitement, or saying something with passion to communicate emotion – your voice is a valuable instrument of influence during a presentation.
Last, but not least, critical command of space can make even a simple presentation a memorable and powerful one. How you use the room, mingle among the audience, and project your energy can actually make or break a presentation in some cases.
These top three presentation strategies are just the beginning of a successful approach to public speaking, small group lectures, or even business meetings. Over the years I have learned and subsequently taught thousands of women presentation tips, tactics and strategies to deliver their message in a dynamic and powerful way. If you struggle in this area, would like some creative ways to freshen up your presentations, hone a specific aspect of your delivery, or want to perfect what you already do, I invite you to spend a day with me and attend A Woman’s Guide to Powerful Presentations, on January 24, 2015. We will further explore these top three strategies, and so much more. It will be an investment in yourself and your career that will pay big dividends. Register Now!
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