Giving a presentation, whether to a small team or large group of clients can be a daunting task. You want to engage your audience, inspire them and make sure they remember your message long after you’ve left the room.
Along with beautiful, striking slides, your presentation technique matters. It’s definitely worth having a few strategies up your sleeve to pull out at the right moment. Here are some of our top tips on how to engage your audience while presenting.
1. Be confident and enthusiastic
It should be immediately obvious that you are enthusiastic and passionate about the material you’re talking about. After all, you can’t expect your audience to get excited if you aren’t yourself. Speak with a clear, confident voice and this will come across during your presentation.
2. Explain your objectives
You certainly don’t want to start off by confusing your audience as to what you’re actually meant to be talking about. Right from the beginning, inform the crowd why you’re there and why they should listen to every word you have to say.
3. Involve your audience
The last thing you want while presenting is to face a crowd of sleepy faces. By involving your audience they will be significantly more switched on and interested in what you have to say. For example, if you notice someone looking particularly interested in what you’ve said, you could even address their acknowledgement and emphasise further on this point. Ask your audience questions, ask for volunteers or encourage the audience to participate in group work and discussions.
4. Tell a story
Give a relevant, intriguing and preferably humorous story that has an element of surprise and a memorable conclusion. The audience should take away a clear learning lesson and solidify the objectives of your presentation. Telling a story is an impactful way to help demonstrate a point.
5. Include interactive elements to your slides
Presentations shouldn’t rely on 2D words and images on a blank canvas, that simply won’t cut it anymore. Including questionnaires, quizzes and interactive graphs that involve audience participation will improve their concentration and keep them inspired.
6. Be creative
For example, if you’re presenting a product, you could physically bring it in to demonstrate to your audience what it does exactly, involving their participation. If you’re presenting for a hotel, create an engaging video to elaborate on the experience they could potentially have. The variation and mix of content would be unexpected, and a fantastic addition to your presentation.
With these strategies in mind, you’ll be able to walk in the room with confidence. And of course, as always – practice makes perfect!
Do you have any other tips to share?
For more information, contact us via info@companyapp.co.uk.
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