Presenting skills are approaches to making maximum impact when introducing ideas to others.

Knowledge bank

A presentation is a fast and potentially effective method of getting ideas across to others.

It is a key skill which can be used effectively in the classroom, though should be used sparingly. It will also be required at many interviews, particularly for senior posts, and is necessary when pitching for projects or bidding for funding in the education market place.

A really good presentation allows you to sell an idea or a service or in some cases yourself. Excellent presentations have certain key features in common:

• You look the part – you are dressed appropriately to build a relationship with your audience.
• You have crystal-clear objectives in terms of what you want to get across. A maximum of three key objectives is usually enough for a 30-minute presentation.
• You are well planned and have clear and well-thought-through points to make, and present reasoned arguments backed by data.
• If you are using a presentation system, such as PowerPoint, your slides should have impact through being succinct of word and visually stimulating.
• You come across clear, relaxed and confident.
• You build rapport with your audience by finding out as much as possible about them and their interests. Weave relevant stories and anecdotes into your presentation to catch and keep their attention. Make your opening remarks show that you understand their difficulties. You should give good eye contact and confident body language.
• You put your own personality into the presentation by sharing appropriate personal information.
• You allow people to ask questions, at the end of your presentation.

Structuring a presentation is key. One way to do this is:

• Connect to the problems the group face and to them as people.
• Make the objective clear and deliver your key messages.
• Exemplify your key points with stories, data and images, reiterating your key messages again.
• Summarize again, verbally and visually, your key points.
• Leave the audience with a poignant question or tap into their emotions through something appropriate but unexpected, such as a quote, story or poem.

The 4MAT system can be a useful structure for presenting information to appeal to a wide-ranging audience. It consists of the four key questions:

• What is it that you offer? Define the problem and the solution.
• Why should the audience be interested? Give the reasons why they should take you seriously, providing data where possible.
• How does what you offer work? Give the processes and details of the steps involved.
• What if they were to go for the ideas/service you are offering? Outline the key benefits to adopting the approach you’re suggesting.

With all of the above in place it’s time to deliver. Many people find themselves well prepared and rehearsed, but then nerves get the better of them. Having a ritual can work well as you step into the presenting arena. Here are some rituals that work well for some people. It’s best if you develop one of your own:

• Imagining a pool of golden light on the floor where you will stand. Picture yourself standing in the pool of golden light feeling great, relaxed and certain of your material. As it is your time to step up, step into the golden light and feel the warmth and calmness fill you. Pause, and then begin.
• Before the presentation, imagine a time you felt really good, really calm and really successful, bring the feelings up that you had as you think about that time. When the feelings are strong and real, pinch your thumb and forefinger together on one hand to anchor the feelings. Repeat this with other remembered events and also when you naturally feel good. This will set up an anchor which you can fire off when you are about to present, by pressing your thumb and forefinger together. Anchors remind your brain how to feel good.
• Have a set of affirmations or positive phrases that you say to yourself in your head before you present, e.g. I am an amazing presenter, I am confident and connect with my group easily and effortlessly. You may not believe this at first, but reinforcing this positive message over and again will bring forward the best in your abilities as a presenter.

Above all else, set out to enjoy presenting, enjoy your message, be passionate, and be yourself, and your audience will love you!

Ask yourself

• What are your successes as a presenter?
• How are you currently doing with your presenting? What is working well and what would you like to change?
• What are you currently saying to yourself as you prepare to present? Is it supportive or otherwise?
• What steps might you need to take to improve your techniques further?
• How can your presentation skills be used in the classroom context? What aspects are appropriate and what are challenges for classroom-based learning?

To do list

• List your strengths as a presenter. Then video yourself in a presenting situation and get used to focusing on the things you do well as you watch it. Have a friend help you with this.
• Seek constructive feedback on your approaches to presenting.
• Take a course in presentation skills where you can have a safe opportunity to practise and receive tips.
• Consider seeking help with irrational fears about presenting, this could be from a coach, hypnotherapist or timeline therapist.

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