Polishing Your Presentations Series: Part I – Key Elements of a Successful Presentation

Today we’re going to talk about the basic elements that make a speaker either interesting or excruciating. It all boils down to your “presence” before your audience.

Presence is simply the combination of three main variables, completely within your control. You can give a powerful, interesting presentation on the driest of subjects if you learn to use these techniques:

A.    Speaking Tone: Successful public speakers know the secret of modifying their speaking tone to match their audience. If you were in a huge auditorium, filled to the rafters with sales professionals, would you use the same tone of voice as in a small, intimate setting, speaking to a few interested prospects? Of course not! Adjust your speaking tone to match the venue and you’ll hold your audience’s attention longer.

B.    Physical Movements & Gestures: In the same way you monitor your speaking tone, pay attention to your movements and gestures. It’s exciting to watch a motivational speaker swing his arms wide, pump his fist to the ceiling and step to the front of the stage to make eye contact. But are those gestures appropriate for a presentation at a small monthly buyers’ meeting?

Watch out, too, for motions you might not realize you’re making. Rehearse in front of a mirror to guard against unconscious eye-rolling, head scratching and other tics that might quickly become annoying. Don’t be afraid to move during your presentation, but keep it appropriate to the setting, subject matter and size of audience.

C.    Voice Projection: The final element to a successful presentation is learning to project your voice effectively. Even in a small classroom, some voices can’t be heard without a microphone. Because AV equipment is notoriously unreliable, learn to “push” your voice out to the back row.

This technique isn’t the same as shouting; no one wants to be screamed at for twenty minutes! If your voice is too low to be easily heard, consider hiring a voice coach to teach you breathing control and voice projection.

Almost anyone can learn to give a great presentation. By monitoring your speaking tone and gestures, eliminating annoying visual habits and projecting your voice appropriately, you’re already on your way to becoming a compelling public speaker.

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