Bernskiold Media

5 Tips to make you a better presenter!

I do quite a lot of presentations, being at school and teaching software, talking to clients etc. The chances are pretty high that you as well have had to present something to a person or a group of people. If you don’t do this very often it can be a nerve-wracking task. Don’t be alarmed if you have to do it, rather embrace it and think of it as a good thing instead, even though you are at the point of a mental breakdown. Everything you do when giving a presentation isn’t the most important thing, regardless of how that might seem.

1 – Don’t over prepare yourself!

All the time you are thinking and hearing that you should be prepared for everything. That is however not the same as preparing for everything. I like to look at it this way: When I’m about to give a presentation, my mind is set on the fact that anything could happen while I’m giving it. I’m not at all preparing for what to do if certain events happen that is out of my control.
Also, don’t write everything you want to say down. It’ll just make it very boring to listen to. It is better to have some things be cut off than trying to remember exactly what you wanted to say.

2 – Memorize and use key phrases.

Despite what I just said above about not trying to remember exactly what to say, you should still have some key phrases that you know and use. This way you will have something for your listeners to instantly remember clearly. You can draw a parallel to the speeches of for example Winston Churchill who in his speech “We shall fight on the beaches”, repeatedly used the phrase “We shall fight” over and over again, giving all listeners something to focus on and remember. Use it wisely!

3 – Use your body language to your advantage.

I know a lot of people who when they give presentations, stand very still, don’t move and hold their arms very still as well, clinching to their sheets of notes. Not only does this give the impression to the audience that you aren’t confident but it also hurts you as well. Moving your arms a bit and walking around the “stage” will not only make you seem more comfortable but it will also increase the blood circulation in your body and make your voice hold up and don’t go stiff.

4 – Use small sheets of notes!

You need notes in one form or another. If you are giving a power point/keynote presentation you might take advantage of the built in notes field to have your hands free of any paper, allowing you to move around better. If you aren’t, then just keep small handy sheets of notes (preferably written on the computer) in large writing that’s easy to see from a distance. Make sure these note sheets are indeed small and that you’ll be able to change them nicely with your hands when you move onto new subjects. Watch a TV show where they are using these little papers to see how they use it.

5 – The pauses are part of the show.

Just about the worst thing I know in presentations are when people go on and on and on all the time without giving the listener or the audience any time to think about what they hear. The pauses are as important as the words you are saying as it gives the audience a little time to relax their ears and ponder what you just said. It also keeps the presentation from becoming boring.

I know I said it was going to be five tips, but I have one extra which is a pretty useful one after reading these five. Practise these at home in front of family or friends in a serious, yet not as serious environment. Forget them when you are actually giving the presentation. If you’ve been working on it, some will already be in your body and don’t worry, it’ll all come to you with practise, so don’t chicken out of any opportunity you have to present, it’s really fun!