2. Some basic techniques to
maintain attention:
Convey "controlled enthusiasm."
Posture, tone; don't lean.
Your audience will mirror your attitude
- radiate confidence without
preaching.
Don't confuse enthusiasm with
loudness.
Where appropriate, candidly discuss
pros and cons; explain advantages
first; present risks or challenges.
3. Are You Distracting the Audience
and Drawing Attention away from
your Message?
When we want the audience to focus
on what we have to say rather than
on us, it is important to think about
anything that might detract from our
message. This can be a sensitive
issue since some of these factors are
personal or "part of who we are."
4. Physical Mannerisms:
Speakers who pace, pound the
podium, jingle change in their
pockets, or do other things can focus
attention on themselves rather than
the subject; sometimes this can be
done for affect, but more often it is
inadvertent and distracting.
5. Use Body Language Effectively:
Relaxed gestures, eye contact; don't
play with a pen or pointer.
Don't block visual aids.
Avoid standing transfixed before your
audience.
6. Use Visual Aids to Enhance the
Message:
Use overhead transparencies in your
presentation.
Use visuals to reinforce and clarify,
not overwhelm.
Keep visual aids uncluttered; use
titles to guide the audience.
If you use tapes or disks, make sure
the equipment is compatible.
7. A picture is worth a thousand
words.
Use pictures instead of bullet points
and your message retention should
increase.
8. Live with the fear.
A situation commonly known as
"bricking it".
The fear never goes away.
Learn how to harness it, just like an
athlete has to.
9. Clean your shoes.
You will be on display. Your audience
will be looking at how well you are
turned out.
10. The eyes have it.
Maintain good eye contact with the
audience.
Spread your attention around the
room.
Consistent eye contact enhances the
importance of the message
11. Don't lock your knees.
Unlock your knees and act as if you
were about to catch a ball. It will relax
you and make it all flow much more
smoothly.
12. Do not memorize your presentation
Type the outline of your presentation
on one sheet of paper.
Use brief notes, written on one page,
if possible.
Use of palm cards.
13. Practice an Effective Delivery Style
Look for ways to help your audience
easily follow your ideas:
Demarcate the beginning and end of
each point and segment of your
presentation.
Announce each main topic as you
come to it.
14. Allow a slight pause between different
sections of the presentation.
Speak slowly, vigorously, and
enthusiastically.
Avoid jokes - always disastrous
unless you are a natural expert.
Make the presentation interesting by
changing your delivery style in speed
and pitch of voice
15. Rehearse your presentation
Be sure to time your presentation so
that it does not exceed the time limit
Keep your presentation as short as
possible.
16. If possible, become familiar with the room
where you will give the presentation so that
you will have some sense about how loudly
you should talk and how people will be
seated.
Try not to provide the audience handout
material before you begin. Be sure the
material is coordinated with your
presentation.
17. “… I can do anything ; no mountain is
too high, no trouble too difficult to
overcome.”
Wilma Rudolph
