Is it us? Or are more people meeting in person? In any case, online or offline, anywhere outside of the comfort of your safe spaces is public. So here are our two cents about the importance or unimportance of public presentation preparation…
- Rehearsing Every Line
That’s the easiest way to lose your audience. As much as the entire world is moving towards automation, no one likes to speak to a robot. Get comfortable (in moderation) and speak from your heart, the audience will believe you. This includes making mistakes. Just enough pauses and mispronunciations give your presentation the authenticity that your audience craves. We’re not saying you shouldn’t practice. We’re saying get so comfortable with the topic of discussion that you can deliver the same presentation in 20 different ways.
2. Speaking Like Your Professor
How many times did you fall asleep in your history and sociology lectures? No one wants to be lectured. Speak the language that your audience understands and that may be manifested in a few colloquialisms spewing out and triggering laughter among your audience members. If that happens, you’ve scored!
conversation with Markland Edwards, CEO Action Entertainment (third left). Also
photographed are: Rosalee Gage-Grey, CEO, Child Protection and Family Services
Agency; Kerine Hamilton, CEO, Auto Channel and Alfred McDonald, Senior Director,
Commercial Development and Planning, Norman Manley International Airport (left to
right). Occasion was the launch of Auto Channel Gospalsh 2018 at the Liguanea Golf
Club in New Kingston.
3. Talk To Your Audience
Have you ever noticed that even babies dislike being “talked to”? “Do this now”, “Put it down”, “Don’t touch”, sounds familiar? Sounds like your parents, right? If it’s annoying to you, it’s annoying to your audience. Don’t talk to your audience. Talk with them. Give them opportunities to participate in your presentation, and solicit their feedback without giving them full reign over the presentation. You’re still in control and there’s a healthy balance that can be established.
If you are mindful of these minor nuances then you’re one step closer to being ready for a presentation any time, anywhere!
Live Well Jamaica’s suite of self-paced courses includes training in business communication and public speaking. Fill out the registration form on our blog if you need help with these areas.
