Guest Post: Rahul Pandey

Rahul is one of Chris' Summer 2010 Professional Speaking students. Here he writes about real-world presentations.

We all want to look smart and presentable when we address an audience right? It’s not so difficult, though it needs bit of preparation and practice. Let’s have a look at some simple things you can do to do a little better in your presentations:
From the very early ages, we humans have been always fond of stories; tales that entertain and amaze us, take us to new worlds and fascinate us to no end. Starting from mythical storytellers relating tales of mystery and wonder to a group of glossy-eyed spectators around a fire under the open skies to the very technologically advanced techniques of storytelling we have in today’s modern world such as audio books, one of the biggest, and probably the only thing, that has always captivated the audience is the ability of the storyteller to capture the attention of the audience and keep them engaged.

So, this is from where we will start. The very essence of doing business in the real world - selling a product, making a pitch, presenting a proposal or even just displaying your last vacation pictures to your friends and neighbors - involves presentations. We may not realize it, but every interaction we have with people is a presentation in itself. People are constantly presenting. Selling their ideas, their philosophies, their business and essentially themselves to you.

Despite having come so far ahead in technology, the thing that enticed audiences all those hundreds of years ago is the same thing that entices audiences today - and that forms the key to giving spectacular real world presentations. That key is great storytelling.

Everyone is busy. The world moves at a very fast pace. So, it is important to know that the only question your audience has, even before you begin your presentation, is “Why am I here?” and this becomes the very first thing that must be addressed in the presentation. With the basic introductions out of the way and the agenda of the presentation specifically detailed, we can dive right into the details.

Presentations require preparation. How well you prepare reflects directly in the presentation. This means clarify your objectives, list out key points, what you will say, what you will do and what is more important is what you want the audience to do. The outcome of the presentation has to be some sort of action. Persuade the audience that there is something in this for them. All logistics must also be taken care of well in advance. This includes confirming attendance, setting up meeting room, testing equipment, handouts, whiteboard, etc.

Presentations need to be produced. The presentation itself must be simple, clean and visual. Back up all your claims with sources and supporting facts. People love bullet points and visual data - graphs, charts and pictures. Incorporate them optimally. If you can include personal experience, do so. There is nothing like being able to make a personal connection in your presentation and in turn with your audience! End the presentation with a listing of key points, conclusion, next steps and action items. Review the presentation a couple of times until you are completely satisfied with it. Conduct a mock run, time yourself. Make sure you are not exceeding the time limit for the presentation.

Finally, presentations need to be presented! The day of the presentation, relax mentally and prepare yourself for unforeseen situations such as late starts and equipment malfunction. Make sure you are able to accommodate and modify your presentation in any such circumstance. If you know your presentation, this will be a breeze! Speak from your heart; speak passionately. Address everyone in the audience for brief intervals to have two-to-five second conversations with them.

In presentations, things do go wrong. Sometimes things do not go as scheduled, sometimes you forget a key data point. The point is things do go wrong. The key is not to panic. The audience does not notice the small gaffes we, as presenters, think of as “end-of-the-world” scenarios!

I had the unique opportunity to present an entire orchestrated ceremony to an audience of more than 300 people. Right there, up on the stage and under the spot light, I went through the points flawlessly and was feeling pretty good about myself until I slipped up and forgot to address one important section completely. The “end-of-the-world” feeling did begin engulfing me but I kept cool and addressed it at the next appropriate chance. I was pretty anxious after the ceremony over the fact that an audience of 300 or more of my peers would be now acutely aware of my mistake. As it turns out, no one even realized there was an error. My point is, small mistakes never matter to the audience and even if they do, they are forgiving. The important point is to keep your presence of mind and keep the show going!

In the end, your goal becomes to give the audience something they can enjoy and be a part of, something they can get involved in and associate themselves with. In the end, you are becoming that ancient mythological storyteller relating mystical tales to a fascinated audience. Does it matter that the fire is replaced with a plush office table and swivel chairs and the open skies are replaced with a well-lit, air-conditioned conference room? Probably not!