Nabs organised yet another useful session. The presentation was given by Speakers´Corner.
Although some of the presentation was just common sense, it was nice to be reminded how important they are.
Without further ado...
Prior:
1. Audience: how much do they already know? what do they still need to know?
2. Message: what´s the single message you want people to take away from this? What´s the point of this presentation?
3. Rehearse! Do you know your stuff well enough to do it without ppt? (They want to hear you talk, not read).
During:
1. Be in the moment! Listen (even more than talk) and pay attention to your audience (if they are not enganged, they ll show it. If you see crossed arms, fiddling or blank expressions, you have to do switch and re-engage them).
2. Engage: eye contact, storytelling, poweful words, vocal variety (ie don´t be a monotone lecturer), pauses (let people think and absorbe the info) and gestures (not too much, remember Diana Vickers?).
3. Message:
Beginning: (possible starters) startling fact, quote, question, anecdote, prop.
Middle: aim for three main points! Build your argument on logical steps (not disassociated facts).
End: recap on core message and end on a high.
After:
Being a good communicator is part talent, part skill. Gather your learnings and keep building. (Maybe watch the recordings/re-visit the notes?)
Hope this helps.
Link to speakers´corner:
http://www.speakersco.co.uk/
