Public Speaking Made Easy
“I’ll know my song well before I start singin’ ”
from A Hard Rain’s a Gonna Fall by Bob Dylan
Anyone can be good at making presentations. With a sound knowledge of the issue you are going to talk about, your presentation should go well. Here are some ideas to help make your presentation as effective as possible.
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Prepare, then prepare, and once you have done that, prepare some more. Investigate your issue thoroughly.
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Run your presentation in your head and try to anticipate the questions you may be asked on every statement you will make. This will sharpen your presentation and prepare you for questions.
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Lobby relevant people who may be be at the meeting. Is your supervisor on-board, other people? Get their opinions on what you are planning to say. This will further sharpen your presentation.
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Also consider lobbying people who may not be at the meeting but who can provide you with information and give you their point of view on your issue.
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Be clear short and to the point. 5 minutes max?
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Present the problem and why it is a problem. Why should people listen to you.
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Do you have evidence that could support your presentation. Has the issue occurred elsewhere?
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Present possible solutions.
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Clearly outline the benefits AND possible pitfalls of solutions
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State clearly what you want from the people you are presenting to.
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Make clear you are available to do more work and drive solutions.
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Show your passion, be enthusiastic and honest throughout your presentation.
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Be honest.
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Make a distinction between what are facts and what are your opinions.
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Make a distinction between what is needed and what is “nice to have”.
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Consider good body language e.g. open gestures, natural eye contact, possibly move naturally around the stage and maybe among the audience. Body language to avoid includes looking downwards, standing sideways or have your back towards the audience.
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Use varying voice tonality, Use pauses during your talk.
Presentation Template
1. Describe the problem
Describe the problem ideally in 1 or 2 sentences.
2. Why is the problem a problem – Investigate
Be clear on why the problem is a problem. Why should you and others be spending time on this? How could it affect worker safety? Could it impact on other areas of the business? Why is it important to get it fixed?
Be clear why management should be spending time on your issue. Identify the cause(s) of the issue. Do your homework.
3. Specify your desired outcome
What are you trying to achieve? What should the end result be?
4. Present possible solutions
When brainstorming for solutions, do not let your thinking be affected by cost or technology.
Write down any idea that comes up, no matter how unrealistic it might seem. Consider both the benefits and risks of your solutions. Show your audience you have done your homework. Think about immediate and longer term solutions if necessary.
Make clear you are ready to do more work if needed. You remain part of the solution.
Don’t forget: Even the most experienced presenters are nervous before they start.