Quick Tips for Presenting

·      Act real. Start with yourself and be yourself. Bring the best self you can be and own the space. This is the key to ‘presence’ and to managing nerves

·      Managing nerves when presenting is not a one size fits all approach – what are your triggers, concerns and strengths?

·      Shift the focus. It’s not about you. It’s about your audience

·      Breathe. Just breathe

·      Pay attention to your intention. Be clear on your objectives and put your attention to things that help you achieve it

·      Be clear on the point of your presentation and how it helps your audience. What’s in it for them? How are you solving their problems?

·      Take the time to analyse and plan your presentation

·      Prepare, rehearse, then let go. That’s when connection happens

·      Connect with and believe in your message

·      Consider what you want your audience to do and how you want them to feel

·      Your body language affects how you feel and how the audience reads you. What helps you? What gets in the way?

·      Start strongly. Hook the audience. Why do they need to listen to you? What’s the ‘so what’ factor?

·      What is your call to action? What are you asking for? What changes because of your presentation?

·      Make sure your information, facts and figures have a throughline and tell a story

·      How do slides enhance your key messages? What could you use instead? Don’t read your slides – direct the audience’s attention and focus

·      Be wary of ‘systems’ or ‘processes’. Try them out and take what works for you

·      Ask for feedback. Keep presenting. You will get better and grow your confidence