Effective Business Presentations

UCSD LAMP PROGRAMJack Farnan

Successful Presentations Result From Good Process

PreDesign Design

PostDelivery Delivery

Predesign

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.”

- John Wooden

Develop a Presentation Checklist

Who?

What?

When?

Where?

Why?

Who Is My Audience?

• Emotional Triggers

• Level of Interest

• Expected Outcome

• Previous Exposure

Age Gender

Profession

Ethnicity

Consider How People Learn and Retain

Information

Consider How People Learn and Retain

InformationDetermine level of awareness of the

subject matterGive thought to retention problemsBe SimpleAnticipate confusion or misunderstandingWork hard at making comprehension easy

Consider How Your Audience Receives

Input

AudioTactileVisual

What Does Your Audience Need To

Know?

One Central MessageTwo to Three Main Points

(Keep it Simple!)

Establish A Schedule

• Don’t procrastinate• Develop a project plan• Identify data sources• Be specific on deadlines• Schedule a dry run

Where Do I Present?

• Determine your delivery format• Arrange for your equipment needs• Determine your facilities requirements• Plan ahead for emergencies• Develop a checklist - Location (address, building,room) - Contact information - Directions - Time (time zone)

Thwart Murphy!

Why Am I Giving This Presentation?

Why a presentation? Why Now?

?

Why this presentation? Why Me?

Good Predesign Ensures Good Presentations

Get your thinking up frontUse a presentation checklist

- Who? - Where?

- What? - Why?

- When?Determine one clear messageDevelop a strategy

Design

“Good design is a lot like clear thinking made visible.”

Alicia Wheeler

Build an Outline For Success

1. Introduction2. Key Idea3. Body (supporting ideas)4. Conclusion

Vary Your Introductions

Joke Quotation

-Striking Statement

- Historical

- Illustration

- Personal

Keep It Short and Simple!

KISS

Follow the Rule of Sevens

• Limit words per line to seven• Limit lines per visual to seven• Fill in details verbally • Use progressive disclosure as needed

Good Visual Design Enhances

CommunicationClarity - Enhances comprehensionComposition

- Gives proper emphasis

Eye Appeal

- Attracts and holds attention

Simplicity

- Enables focus

Develop Creative Conclusions

- Summary- Personal- Illustrative- Quote- Stimulative

Delivery

“Speech is a mirror of the soul: as a man speaks, so is he.”

-Publilius Syrus (46 B.C.)

Success Depends on Your Opening

- Be Confident- Be Prepared- Be Lubricated- Be Dressed- Be Excited- Be Yourself

Remember That You Are An Expert

- Envision the end state- Focus on success- You are critical to the meeting- You know something the audience doesn’t- You are worthy!

Don’t Be a Slave To Your Visual Aids

-Talk to the audience, not the visual aid-Use a remote control when possible-Use transition slides if necessary-Determine the singular message of each slide-Move around the room if and when appropriate

Hold Your Audience’s Attention

Speak clearly and vary your tone and speed

Express – don’t impressDevelop points systematically, move your

audience along in a planful wayMaintain good eye contact throughout the

roomGenerate enthusiasmBe genuine

Be Aware of Your Body Language

Be Aware of Your Body Language

Be Aware of Your Body Language

Be Aware of Your Body Language

75% of your message is delivered non verbally

Your mannerisms speak louder than your words

Conduct an attitude check before show time

Ask for feedback for future calibration

Mannerisms Detract From Clear

CommunicationDon’t be a pacer – Move organicallyDon’t be a scratcher – Keep your hands off

your bodyDon’t be a jingler – Remove items from

your pant pocketsDon’t be a maestro – Control your use of

the pointer, whether laser or standard

Practice the Art of Handling Questions

-Listen to the entire question-Repeat the question-Answer seriously-Give expansive answers-Measure feedback-Anticipate questions and prepare

The Ultimate Key To Success…

PRACTICE!

The Last Step in The Process

What is the shortest word in the English language that contains the letters A B C D E F?

The Last Step in The Process

Q. What is the shortest word in the English language that contains the letters A B C D E F?A. Feedback

Climb To The Top of Your Profession

Develop the skills to become an outstanding communicator