Sometime back, I happened to buy a gadget called Apple TV,
probably one of the cheapest from the apple product range. I was introduced to
an amazing new world of connectivity. I could not only mirror my iPhone or iPad
on the TV but I could also watch the YouTube.
Although there are plenty more features in that thingy, the
feature I liked most is TED (an acronym for technology, entertainment, and
design) talks. The site features presentations that they consider “ideas worth
spreading”. Watching the presenters got me pondering about how to improve my
personal presentation skills and be a better speaker.
After all our professional life encompass presentation,
presentation and presentation. Our personal life is no different either. Only
people with good communication skills can dream of being successful in life.
I have shortlisted some of the aspects that intrigued me and
thought to be useful. I would much appreciate different opinions.
Design
The first part obviously is to Design or compose what has to
be presented. The second part is to deliver it to have the maximum impact. Life
is fast and therefore it is important to develop effective opening. An equally
effective closing will leave a lasting impression.
“Build Unshakable Self Confidence”
Need to develop greater self-belief in one self and his
ability. This will help to communicate with so much conviction that the
listeners shall get convinced.
Know your audience
It is very important to identify what the audience needs to
know, be it an individual or a group. It is prudent to adjust the presentation
to suit the liking and disliking of the audience.
Professional speakers use survey to know the audience before
preparing the presentation. It is quite common to witness the speaker mixing
with the crowd and having a chat before going up on the dais. This allows the
speaker to get a pulse of the audience allowing for some last minute tweaking.
“Be at ease” while making a presentation
The effective opening is the first milestone achieved and
without doubt “well begun, is half done”. To complete the remaining half, one
has to continue while remaining interesting and flexible. He of she has to be
at ease all through presentation and the best way to achieve that is by
maintaining the true self. Many a time we try to be someone else and stay more
focused on attaining that persona rather than the presentation.
“Think clearly under pressure”
Difficult or pointed questions will be thrown out by the
audience. Appropriate response during uncomfortable circumstances will
demonstrate confidence and distinguish the special from the ordinary. Clarity
of thought will only come with thorough knowledge.
“Win others over” to
your way of thinking
The purpose of presentation invariably is to win other over
to our way of thinking. While the obvious prerequisite is demonstration of the
depth of subject knowledge, this also requires greater energy and enthusiasm
while trying to persuade and influence the audience.
I subscribe to TED talks too. Really find the talks very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI really can't dispute any of the bullets. Except perhaps design. If not accompanied by self confidence and knowing your audience, it won't do you any good
ReplyDelete