by Liz Cosline

Created on: February 15, 2009

Presentations are activities that people like to attend. They can be informative, break up the day and routine of life, and cam have the audience take home different thoughts on how to get things done or consider different ways of doing things. When attending a presentation the audience wants to be entertained a little while being informed. This can be done without losing any of the content of the presentation.

Some ideas:

1. If at all possible have a hands free mike. These are more common these days and give the presenter freedom to move around by walking and using the stage, being able to move hands and arms making gestures to make points. It also give the feeling of the presenter actually talking to the audience as individuals. A podium should not be used because it is a barrier to the speaker and audience and immediately takes the body language away.

2. Speak as a conversation. Though this is for the most part one sided, except for questions, people listen more when they believe you as the presenter, are speaking directly to them. While speaking check people in the audience to get eye contact and see if they hear what you are saying.

3. Have it be OK to interrupt the speech and ask a question for clarifying or curiosity sake. There's nothing wrong with this and allows interaction with the audience. Just remember where you were after the question is over and be aware that you might have to direct things back to the speech.

4. Speak clearly and slowly so that people can process what is being said. There is no reason to rush or speak fast and often makes the audience feel uncomfortable. As you speak slowly (not too slow) and seem calm, the audience relaxes too.

5. Do not call on people randomly. There is no need for embarrassment. It does no good. Questions however are good and get people to think. If people want to answer something they will let you know. If there does not seem to be an interest to get involved, answer the questions you ask yourself.

6. Be flexible. Tell some stories that relate to your points. In this way it is applied to real life. Ask if there are any stories from the audience that show the same point. This is another way to keep your audience interested in the subject matter.

7. Have the one thing in your mind that you want the audience to go away with, if nothing else. Though there should be four or five points you want to address, still have that special technique or answer you want the audience to have. The point of you speaking is to give people something. It must be clear in your mind for them to get it.

8. Be gracious because you are the guest. Be thankful for the time the people have given you.

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