PRESENTATION SKILLS

2

LEARNING OBJECTIVES Know how to present your case to

Elected Officials effectively Know how to present your case to

the Public effectively. Feel Comfortable In Front of

Audiences – No Matter What the Situation

“I read a thing that actually says that speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear of the average person. I found that amazing – number two was death!

That means to the average person if you have to be at a funeral, you would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

Jerry Seinfeld

Why Do Presentations ? They’re Effective They’re Faster and Easier -- for the

Receiver They Give a Human Face to an

Issue They Allows Two-Way

Communications It’s What Leaders Do It’s What Helps Others See You as

the Leader You Are

Structure

Introduce Yourself and Say Thank You Give 1-3 Sentences for History and Orientation

Sneak in a “Teaser” or “Interest Point”

Then State the Purpose in 1 Sentence List the Key Points to Explain: 1, 2, 3. (or so) Present the Key Points – Equal Time

Tell at Least 1 Story Say “In summary” and repeat 1, 2, 3. State What Action is Needed Ask for Questions Ask for the Action

… but if Only 2 Minutes Introduce Yourself Give 1 Sentence That Explains What Brought this

Issue To Us Tonight State What Action you Need or Recommend List 3 Reasons Why Pick One Reason to Expand on

Tell One Story Say “So as I mentioned, we recommend ….” Ask For Questions Ask for the Action.

Tips: People prefer being asked rather than told Listen, and adopt a “listening posture” Low-key and accommodating. A story helps. Relate to the tangible. Present facts and provide options. Be Incomplete. You will never have time to

explain it all. Find the key points.

Visuals Visuals must connect with

audience Pictures are good Lettering size important Watch for too many words Don’t use visuals unless necessary

Technology Assume there will be a breakdown

– have a backup plan Know the room and audience Know the equipment Practice Get training on color, size, layout

Council Memos Simple -- One or two pages Provide Maps or Graphics if helpful. Have someone read them Avoid tech terms, jargon, acronyms

(TLA) Avoid Emotional words Avoid interpreting the public interest Anticipate readers questions Make the recommendation

Improving your Skills Practice – Just Do It. Involvement in Organizations Toastmasters Class – Community College, etc

TED Talks www.ted.com

PRESENTATION EXERCISE

Situation

Proposal

Reason for it

Action you’ll take if approved

Should grab their attention

State clearly

Top 2 or 3

You do the work, don’t

make them have to do

more than approve

EXERCISE Pick a topic related to the

Public Works field that you are passionate about

Develop a 2 minute presentation

on the subject PRESENT