When you want to say something important to an audience or a group effectively we may call it a presentation.
The primary objective of presentation skills is to influence the audience. We look at how we must prepare a presentation in order that we achieve our objective of influencing the said group. And, more importantly how we should actually make the presentation.
It is necessary to know our audience and then to define the needs of the audience. We must then make a detailed assessment of their likes and dislikes while assessing to what extent they have knowledge about the subject being talked about. A deeper contemplation on these matters alone will enable us to crystalise the following:
1. What kind of language you should use to express your views.
2. What are those few points (three-four) which will really impress the audience.
3. It will also guide us on how the actual delivery should be made.
Even if its something that you deal on a daily basis; you must establish your main points, find out suitable examples which can illustrate your statement. The content of the presentation must be designed always keeping in view the needs of the audience.
Steve Jobs who is considered one of the best presenters ever has emphasized the importance of rehearsing the presentation. In the beginning the entire speech should be written and then needs to be rehearsed. Rehearsing a speech will ensure a confident and powerful presentation without any stage fright.
Any good presentation will not achieve its objective if it is only one way communication. A speaker should be prepared to handle questions. Try to visualize the different types of questions that may be asked by your defined audience. Prepare answers to these questions.
You must also ensure that the questions do not take away or distract from the core subject. Besides a presenter never argues with any member of the audience. If any point is being stretched by a member of the audience, the speaker must politely mention that in the interest of time this point could be discussed during the break in any case do not allow any one person to monopolise asking questions new hare from. The presenter also needs to develop a capability to make any changes necessary looking at the body language of the audience.
Body language reflects the mood of the audience. It the presenter feels that audience seems uninterested, he/she should modulate more effectively and have a better eye contact to ensure that the presentation is lively.
On the whole, presentation skills is an art that takes an individual's personality to a higher level and is something that must get the level of time, effort and attention it deserves.
