7 steps...

...to jump start your way to fantastic presentations

1. Know your audience – who are they and what do they want from you?

   Before you even begin to write your presentation or speech, contact some of the people who will be at your talk. Ask them what they want to get out of it?

   Getting audience input at this stage will help to clarify your objectives and save you time and stress. Best of all you will gain credibility with your audience as your presentation will meet their objectives and be of value to them.

2. S.S.S.S.S. - Stride, Stand, Smile, Speak, Stand

   Create style, confidence and calm your nerves with the 5 Ss.

3. Eye contact - keep eye contact, keep the audience

   Keeping eye contact keeps your audience engaged. Try scanning the room or dividing the room into four quarters.

4. Body Language – Don’t let your actions become a distraction!

   One mistake that presenters often make is moving around too much. We do this to get rid of our nervous energy. It is though distracting for your audience.

   When you move, do it for a reason.

5. 3 Ps - Pace, Pitch, Pause

   Your voice is your most powerful instrument. Varying the pace and pitch keeps your audience interested. Use pauses for dramatic effect.

6. Structure – writing it right

   Your topic may be entirely straightforward to you. Remember this might not be the case for your audience. A simple structure like PEP 'Point – Example (x3) - Point' will help keep your talk on track and your message clear.

7. Visualise and Practise. Then do it again.

   Athletes and actors do it, so can you. Visualise yourself giving a fantastic presentation then practise, practise, practise.