June 22, 2018

5 Essential Presentation Skills to Develop

Presentations are a part of most jobs in the business world; you must be able to give a solid, informative presentation. Though they may seem simple, there are many aspects of a presentation and skills that you need to deliver a successful one. The experts at Shapiro Negotiations understand the importance and impact of a great presentation, and know how best to teach professionals the skills they need to give one.


1. Enthusiasm and Honesty

One of the most painful things in a presentation is listening to a presenter who is clearly bored and uninterested in the topic. For a presentation to be effective, you need to get the audience excited. It is almost impossible to excite your audience if you are dull or monotonous. Show enthusiasm about the topic and people are more likely to be engaged.

Along with being enthusiastic, you need to be honest. Even a distracted audience can tell when a presenter is lying or exaggerating. If they sense you are not being honest with them, both you and your presentation will lose credibility. A great presenter is honest and transparent with the audience, while simultaneously showing enthusiasm about everything.


2. Focused on the Audience

Effective presenters build and deliver presentations centered around the audience, not themselves. Focus on what the audience can get out of your presentation.

The key to any great presentation is engaging and appealing to your audience. Each audience is different, so it is important to keep in mind the people you are talking to and what interests them. You are more likely to gain their attention if the topic is relevant and helpful for them.


3. Ability to Keep Things Simple

Great presenters know how to make complex topics simple. Often, you will give a presentation to a group of people who do not have any previous knowledge about the topic. If you use complex language or concepts, you will confuse your audience and they will not listen as attentively.

A presentation is essentially a teaching tool. You are teaching your audience about the topic. Any great teacher knows that you need to simplify things to ensure everyone can learn and understand what you are trying to say. Effective presenters can do this for their audience.


4.Being Personable

Being personable is a great quality for every aspect of business, including presentations. People will listen more intently if they like you and see you as relatable. Some good ways to be personable are by making eye contact with your audience and smiling. These simple actions build rapport and increase the chances of the audience feeling like they can connect with you.


5. Great Body Language

Your body language says more than you think. More than three-quarters of communication is non-verbal. Though your speaking holds the meaning, body language could determine whether an audience listens to you and how they interpret your speech.

Great presenters stand up straight and confidently. They do not cross their arms in front of their chest, as this comes off as cold and distant. They also avoid pacing or holding their hands behind their backs because it makes them seem nervous. Keep your body language open and welcoming, and your audience will see you as more credible and trustworthy.

At Shapiro Negotiations, we know what skills are most important for people trying to become excellent presenters. Our presentation skills training works to help many businesspeople become persuasive and effective presenters in the workplace.