PRESENTATION SKILLS

From Finny

Speech or Self: More Important?

“People trust their ears

less than their eyes.”

- Herodotus

“One who forms a judgment on any point but cannot explain it clearly might as well never have thought at all on the subject.” - Pericles

Before the Presentation

• Get a good night’s sleep! *6-8 hours (not over / under)

• Eat a legitimate breakfast! *carbs, fats, calories = energy! *caffeine curse

• Use the restroom at least 5-10 minutes before! *don’t make us wait

• Make sure you have water available

Don’t Worry

• Preparation saves!

• Think positive

• Most nerves aren’t visible

• Simple visuals

Essentials

• Dress impeccably• Establish eye contact

early• Intro = Life (or death)• Be present • Speak clearly (practice)

Speaking 1: Tongue Twisters

I am a thistle sifter. I have seven sieves of unsifted thistles, and seven sieves of sifted thistles…because I am a thistle

sifter.

The sixth sheik’s sixth

sheep’s sick.

Double bubble gum

bubbles double.

Rubber baby buggy bumpers.

Speaking 2: Pauses

• Credibility

• Gravity

• Variety

Pausing Example

“They build your basic character. They mold you for your future roles as the custodians of the nation's defense. They make you strong enough to know when you are weak, and brave enough to face yourself when you are afraid.”

-Douglas MacArthur

Speaking 3: Loudness

• Mics are half the battle

• Standard + 30

“Secondary Matters”

• Movement

*intention

• Gestures / Expressions

*hands, face

Adrenaline

Anxiety vs Excitement

Time

• Keep track of time

• Don’t make it obvious

• Copy of PowerPoint

The End

• Make sure it ENDS!

• Summarize, Emphasize, Inspire

• SMILE!

• Thank your audience