Master the art of business presenting

Nick Ronald of Toastmasters International shares his key tips on how to wow your audience

How often do you attend meetings which centre around a presentation or several presentations? How often do you have to give a presentation yourself?  The fact is that standing up and speaking, with visual aids to support your message, is ubiquitous in today’s business world.  This means that every businessperson needs the invaluable skills of public speaking.

Whether you are presenting to an audience of colleagues about some exciting research findings, pitching a new business idea to potential investor, or speaking at an industry conference, the way you communicate can have a major impact on how your message is received, perceived and recalled after the meeting is over.

Let me share some key tips to help you master the art of giving impactful presentations.

Knowing Your Audience

Understanding your audience is the foundation of a successful presentation. Tailor your content, tone, and examples to resonate with your listeners’ interests, knowledge level, and expectations. Consider factors such as age, profession, cultural background, and familiarity with the topic. Addressing your audience’s specific needs and concerns will keep them engaged and invested in your presentation.

If there are any particularly important individual you will be present you might want to Google them or look them up on LinkedIn, as you might find that you have something in common which you can then use as a point of reference in establishing rapport on the day. Connections help build trust and rapport. You can make a note to mention something (a common interest) you share either when you meet the person during a coffee break ahead of your presentation.  Afterall, there is no harm in warming up a key member of your audience before you start speaking.

Structuring Your Presentation

A well-structured presentation helps your audience follow your message more easily. Start with a clear introduction that establishes the purpose of your presentation and outlines what you will cover. Organize your main points logically, using headings or bullet points to create a roadmap for your audience. Finally, conclude with a concise summary of your key takeaways to reinforce your message.

Weaving in Engaging Anecdotes

People remember stories far better than facts alone. Weave anecdotes, case studies, and firsthand experiences into your presentation to make your content more relatable and memorable. A well-crafted narrative can help create an emotional connection with your audience, fostering engagement, holding their concentration and thereby their memory.

Choosing Your Visuals

Visual aids such as slides, images, and graphs can enhance your presentation’s impact. Use visuals sparingly and make sure they are relevant and easy to understand. Aim for a clean and uncluttered design, with legible fonts and a consistent color scheme. Visuals should complement your spoken words, not compete with them.

Showing Confidence

Confidence is key to captivating your audience. Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and use open gestures and movement to convey confidence and authority. Avoid fidgeting or distracting mannerisms that can undermine your message.

Using hand gestures can help to reinforce what you are saying if they are natural and not excessive. Generally open palm gestures are good and encourage communication. You should avoid any pointing or clenched first gestures which can be seen as arrogant or aggressive

Your body language is also important during a Q&A. When you listen to a question from someone, turn slightly to face whomever you are talking to and nod your head. This gives the signal that ‘I understand, I agree and am listening to you’.

Remember that your body language speaks volumes, so project a positive and composed demeanor.

Including Interactive Elements

Engage your audience by incorporating interactive elements into your presentation. Pose thought-provoking questions, facilitate brief discussions, or include interactive polls. This not only keeps your audience engaged but also invites them to actively participate in the presentation, making the experience more memorable.

Keep Practicing

Rehearsing your presentation is crucial. Practice not only helps you refine your delivery but also boosts your confidence. Run through your presentation multiple times, ideally in front of a trusted friend or colleague who can provide feedback. This will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure a smoother delivery on the day of the presentation.

Part of your practice should focus on timing. It’s important to respect your audience’s time by adhering to the allotted presentation time. Practice pacing yourself during rehearsals to ensure you cover all key points without rushing. If time permits, allow for questions and discussions at the end, but always ensure you stay within the overall time limit.

In Toastmasters, we are taught the power of the pause. Pausing is another tactic to employ if nerves suddenly get a hold of you.  If you forget what you are saying, take a pause. If you notice that you are speaking too quickly, take a pause.

Overcoming Nervousness

Feeling nervous before a presentation is natural, but there are strategies to manage it. Deep breathing, positive self-talk, reflecting on previous successes and focusing on your audience’s needs can help alleviate anxiety.In Toastmasters, we are taught the power of the pause. Pausing is another tactic to employ if nerves suddenly get a hold of you.  If you forget what you are saying, take a pause. If you notice that you are speaking too quickly, take a pause.

The simple pause can be a very powerful tool. So, if you can’t think of an answer to a question during the Q&A at the end of presentation, simply smile and take a pause. Refocus and then answer. Always remember that a pause is very useful if you want to let a point sink in or have more impact, so you’ll come across as being in control despite the initial reason for your pause.

Remember that your audience wants you to succeed, so channel nervous energy into enthusiasm for your topic during the presentation and your Q&A.

And Finally

After each of your presentations, seek feedback from peers, mentors, or the audience itself. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights for improvement. Make a note of what worked well and areas that need enhancement. You can then use the feedback you receive to hone your presentation skills for your next internal meeting or other speaking engagements you may have in the future.

About the author

Nick Ronald is a Division Director at Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit organisation that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland. Members follow a structured educational programme to gain skills and confidence in public and impromptu speaking, chairing meetings and time management. To find your nearest club, visit www.toastmasters.org