giving an effective presentation

GIVING AN EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION

8THAT CAN HELP

THE AUDIENCE OVERYOU WIN

TIPS

There are many pitfalls to be wary of when giving presentations. Here are a few tips to help you avoid those “gotcha glitches.”

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCEFind out who is attending beforehand and what they hope to learn. Create a seating chart as key attendees take their seats, so you make eye contact with them throughout your presentation.

SET GOALSDon’t try to cover too much ground. Focus on two to threegoals. Otherwise, you risk confusing the audience ordiluting your message.

SCOPE OUT ThE vENUECheck out the room beforehand to avoid potential technical glitches.

ASKYOURSELF...

Do you need a microphone?

Do you need a microphone?

Do you want to use a stage or podium?

Do you need a microphone?

Do you want to use a stage or podium?

Does your computer workwith the projector?

Do you need a microphone?

Do you want to use a stage or podium?

Can you access the Internet?

Does your computer workwith the projector?

BE SUCCINCTDon’t pack each slide with small font and intricate details. Use pictures and graphics to illustrate your points.

Plan on presenting about one slide per minute and keep track of your time. (Or find a timekeeper to keep you on track.)

GIvE A SPEECh, NOT A READINGDon’t just read what’s on the screen. Use that as a starting point. You’ll lose your audience if you’re not animated and lively.

REhEARSEMake a video of yourself or record your voice and go over your material, movements and gestures until you eliminate rough transitions and those irritating “uhs” and “ums”.

KEEP CONTROLDon’t distribute hand-outs or other distracting information until the appropriate time. And ask attendees to hold their questions until the end if you’re running short on time.

hAvE A BACKUP PLANBring any additional supplies you may need, business cards, pens, tablets and extra copies of hand-outs. Copy your presentation onto a flash drive or CD in case your laptop fails. Ask tech support to help you setup.

You can win the day and the deal by showing your audience you did your homework by following these tips.

To learn more details about presentation tips, visit REGIONS.COm/BUSINESSRESOURCES

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