I am often asked by leaders how they can become a better presenter. For many leaders, public speaking strikes fear into their hearts. I always give the same advice – becoming an effective presenter is a learned skill and the more you do it the better you will get.
There are organizations such as Toastmasters that I recommend as a way to develop speaking skills in a non-threatening environment. You can find a club in your environment or even form one in your work setting. When you are just starting out giving presentations, think of yourself as a rock band. Rock bands usually start very small often in the garage of a family member. By the time you see them on the national stage, you are witnessing years if not decades of practice.
The following are some lessons I have learned from my own presentations:
1. Begin with the end in mind
Prior to preparing your presentation, you should develop 3 objectives – most people cannot absorb any more than three key points in one presentation. Ask yourself what you would like your audience to know as an outcome of your presentation. A second key question is whether there is something you would like the audience to do differently as a result of your presentation BEFORE you develop your content.
2. Consider your target audience
One size does not fit all with presentations. Understanding your target audience is very important. Ask yourself how much background your audience has regarding your topic. Should the presentation be a beginner level or more advanced? Is your audience large or small? What is their motivation for attending your presentation – is it by choice or required?
3. Don’t read your slides – elaborate on them
The purpose of your slides, if you use them, should be to illustrate your key points. Don’t be a slave to your slides. Audiences lose interest when speakers stand up and read their slides verbatim. If you are running out of time with your presentation, it is important to skip slides if needed to focus on your key points. Always proofread your slides for spelling, grammar and content errors.
4. Use a story to illustrate a key point
Stories are a powerful way to engage the audience and to help illustrate key points. A story is not appropriate in every situation. If you are a nurse leader giving a budget presentation to senior management, your presentation will need to be less emotional and more factual.
5. Get the audience involved
The most successful presenters find ways to involve their audience. People like the opportunity to react to presentations and express their viewpoints. A great way to do this is to ask questions of your audience during the presentation such as: How many of you have experience with this?, Have you found this to be true in your experience working with your patients?, Does this resonate or do you have a different viewpoint about what we are discussing?
6. Practice your presentation prior to giving it
Rehearsing your presentation in advance will help you to gain confidence as a presenter. If you have an important presentation, you might want to consider asking one or more professional colleagues to sit through a rehearsal and give you feedback.
7. Dress to give you confidence and for the audience
First impressions are very important. If you want to present yourself as an authority, you need to look the part. This will also boost your confidence in yourself.
8. Less is More – Always end on time
In most presentations, you will have a limited time frame to present your ideas. Presenters often overwhelm their audiences with too much information. This is ineffective. Stick to your key points and be sure to leave 5-10 minutes for audience reaction and questions.
With preparation and practice, you can learn to do presentations like a pro. Accept the challenge when you are given the opportunity to present. Read the evaluations and take any feedback as a gift.
Read Rose Sherman’s new book available now – The Nurse Leader Coach: Become the Boss No One Wants to Leave
Read to Lead
Gallo, C. (2014). Talk like Ted: The Nine Public Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds. New York City: St. Martins Press.
The HP Learning Center. How to give a great presentation
© emergingrnleader.com 2020
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