Idea 66: How best to deliver your presentation on the day
If you have done your homework you shouldn’t encounter any big surprises when you come to give your presentation. There may, however, be some changes on the day that you haven’t anticipated and in that case you must make a judgement about making alterations to the content or methods of your presentation.
Having done that, you and the audience are ready to go on the journey together. Now everything depends on your delivery skills.
Delivering your presentation
| Beginning | If the chairman’s introduction needs to be corrected, do it courteously and with thanks.
Capture your audience. Explain the background and objectives for the presentation in as concise, clear and vital a way as possible, giving your audience time to tune into your voice and accustom themselves to you as a person. Tell them what you intend to do – and why. |
| Middle | ‘Grace, pace and space’ – the hallmarks of a good motor car – should characterize your presentation.
Keep it moving as you cover your prepared points with professional ease. Let the audience know in advance if you want them to ask clarifying questions as you talk or to save them until after you have finished. Try to sweep the whole audience with your eyes as you speak, so that everyone feels included. Remember to vary the tone of your voice and not to speak too fast or too low. Look pleasant – people like looking at someone who appears to be enjoying themselves. |
| End | Signal to your audience when you are entering the end phase.
Don’t introduce new ideas or information, but consolidate what you have done. End on a high note if you can: a short, strong conclusion. Always prepare carefully and learn your last two or three sentences. |
| Questions/discussion | Repeat any questions that may be inaudible to parts of the audience.
Try not to be long-winded in answering them. Promote discussion by asking a few questions of your own. Make sure that all the lights are on in this phase. Always be courteous and express appreciation. Disentangle multipart questions and answer each part separately. |
| Conclusion | Avoid the session petering out by further summarizing the discussion and reinforcing any action points.
Close with some words of thanks. |