Whether you are making a presentation to co-workers, a committee, or the public, you want to make an impression on your audience that inspires belief in your credibility and confidence in the information you share. This article will help you to increase your confidence and presentation.
1. Plan and Practice
Plan every aspect of your presentation to maintain control during the meeting. Create an outline for how you will approach and explain your subject. Use a timer to practice your presentation –including any equipment, such as a projector – to become comfortable with the material, the tools, and the speaking pace you need to complete the presentation in the given time.
2. Show your Passion and Connect with the people
It is hard to be relaxed when you are nervous. Great presenters say that the most important thing is to connect with your audience. Be enthusiastic and honest, and the audience will respond. Passion gives you the fuel to stay the course, and when it may not seem possible, you do it anyway.
3. Technology and Visual Aids
Use meeting presentation software, slides, or tools like PowerPoint or Keynote to coordinate the different elements of your presentation. Visual aids, such as slides and handouts, engage your audience and convey information through the use of images. Use charts, lists, or other formats to summarize the data and highlight important points.
4. Smile and Make Eye Contact with your Audience
This sounds very easy, but a surprisingly large number of presenters fail to do it. If you smile and make eye contact you will feel better and more confident. A deliberate look in the eyes of an audience member can communicate how much you care about their thoughts. It creates a bond between speaker and listener, a connection that is beneficial to both parties.
5. Involve everyone in the conversation
The key here is to connect with as many people as possible. If you are dealing with a large crowd and it’s difficult to make eye contact with everyone, divide the audience into sections and just choose one member from each group to connect with. This will help you to build confidence. Be sure to highlight key points with strong eye contact. This includes your opening, your closing, and all other important lines throughout your presentation.