We’ve all been there, working on a fantastic new idea spending hours of time dedicated to a project, and then you just need to inform your colleagues of it with a presentation and suddenly all your nerves become your focus. You worry that maybe they won’t like it, what if they ask lots of unanswerable questions, what if the presentation is just really badly organised or difficult to understand?

Why worry? Once you have taken the time to ensure that you know the full ins and outs of your idea and make it clear where there is a need for development, then it is far easier to create a successful and interesting presentation.

Firstly, imagine what it is that you want to gain from the presentation. Are you trying to persuade or motivate? Once the aim has been addressed, then developing the content of the presentation is far easier. Then, you can work out how you will present your ideas and the tone of the presentation. Is it a celebration of a previous success or something more serious, possibly changes that are going to affect the people at the presentation?

Considering these ideas allows for an eye opener of what may be the best way of presenting. Will it be based upon lots of facts and figures involving charts and data graphs, is it going to be productive to give out packs of information to everyone, or will you encourage note-taking? These are all worthy points of consideration; the message won’t be easily translated if the audience feels obstructed by your means of communication.

The basic guidelines to remember whilst actually presenting, are:

1. Maintain eye contact wherever possible.
2. Try to look up from your material every 10-15 seconds.
3. Speak a bit louder and a bit slower than when you’re speaking normally.
4. Stand comfortably.
5. If you do use handouts, leave space for note making.
6. Try to avoid holding sheets of paper, it highlights your nerves!

Make use of the tools or facilities available to you, if you can use an OHP or laptop then consider it; the presentation appears far more professional and interesting rather than bits of paper with notes scribbled down. Consider investing in products that will aid you presentation, if it’s a regular task then it will become a vital tool. If you have any further tips that are tried and tested or you feel a bit stuck for ideas for presentation tools then contact us at marketing@worklifehome.co.uk and we will do our best to help you.

If you liked this article try our simples tips on presenting ~ presentation tips

And if you need any presentation equipment then Worklifehome shop is the place for you - worklifehome shop