We recently launched a Presentation Skills Masterclass e-learning course.
A dozen video modules of everything you need to know about speaking in front of an audience.
To deliver a presentation skills masterclass, you need a delicate mix of science and art.
It’s a well-choreographed dance. A beautifully-written song. A finely-timed swing of the club.
Here’s five parts of the science of communication.
(And a sneak preview of the course.)
We call this a ‘capability statement’.
If you’re discussing security arrangements due to your experience of 20+ years in the army, tell us that.
If you’re suggesting people cycle to work instead of drive, tell us about your daily commute.
As well as the health benefits it’s brought you.
And if you’re asking people to take a pay cut, tell us you’ve done it yourself.
In other words, what gives you expertise over someone else?
And tell us early in the speech, so your voice of authority is clear.
This is something we explore in depth on our Presentation Skills Masterclass.
Have you considered the audience you’re presenting to?
My colleague often talks about tuning into WII FM.
What’s In It For Me.
The audience cares about themselves more than they do about you.
So there’s a clear argument to suggest their interest must come first.
Even before your name.
Contrast the two opening statements:
“Hi, I’m Andrew McFarlan, and I’ve spent the last 12 years coaching people around the world.”
“Hi, today is about you becoming a better presenter.”
The simple switch from me to you forces you into the audience’s headspace.
What motivates them? Is it money? Happiness? Time?
Put that motivation right at the top of your speech.
And now the audience is bought in.
There’s a reason why charity appeals focus on one person in need.
Why newspaper articles about NHS waiting times tell the story of a 95-year-old whose hip operation has been cancelled twice.
Why marketers selling holidays show you a family of four splashing about in a pool, rather than the outside of a plane.
Stories make us empathise.
We briefly experience the same emotions that we would if we were there.
So the connection is much deeper than someone showing you an inanimate object (a plane) or an abstract fact (waiting times are up).
Tell a visual story first.
And then use the stats to demonstrate the story is far bigger than one person.
To complete the presentation skills masterclass, the ending must have the same impact as the beginning.
So many presentations I see go out with a whimper, ending with “…that’s it.”
A sigh of relief from the presenter, and confusion about the appropriate reaction from the audience.
An audience needs direction.
They need to be told what to do next.
If you’re presenting to the Board, ask them to commit to the change you’re recommending.
If you’re pitching for investment, ask for it there and then.
And f you’re MCing, tell people to come back in 30 minutes and direct them to the buffet for lunch.
Go out with a bang.
On top of all of that, you have to be the best version of yourself.
This is where you need to find your own voice and your own stage presence.
There are clear rules though, and we get into them in our Presentation Skills Masterclass.
Be your slowest, most enthusiastic version of yourself.
Slow down to three words per second, and imagine yourself performing at your local theatre.
Demonstrate open body language, ditching folded arms for Speaker’s stance (shown in the image above).
Distribute eye contact evenly, using limited notes.
And most of all, look like you want to be there.
A gentle smile will help you achieve that.
Your inner confidence breeds the audience’s confidence in your message.
The more they believe in you as a speaker, the more they’ll believe in what you have to say.
Our Presentation Skills Masterclass is live at this link and ready for you to dive into.
If you want to take yourself to the next level and influence everyone around you, sign up today.
It’s time to invest in you.
And if you’d prefer to learn face-to-face, get in touch with us to arrange a session.
Andrew McFarlan is Managing Director of Pink Elephant Communications.
You can read more about him here.
Presentation Skills Masterclass blog written by Andrew McFarlan.
Presentation Skills Masterclass blog edited by Colin Stone.
Photos and images in Presentation Skills Masterclass blog by Pink Elephant Communications.
12th April 2022 Featured in: Our courses blogs By: Pink Elephant
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