Top 5 Tips for Professional Presentations
By: Lena Bardakjian
Having to give a presentation in front of a group of people is a daunting task. Whether it’s for an individual client, small class, or large seminar it is easy to feel overwhelmed and self-conscious when you’re center stage. Luckily, a professional presentation doesn’t have to be a threat but an opportunity for you to showcase your expertise. Here are my Top 5 Tips for Professional Presentations.
- Ground yourself.
Before jumping right in, take a second to take a deep breath and ground yourself. Look at your presentation as an opportunity to inspire others and share your knowledge rather than a daunting task. Taking a second in between slides or before answering a question will help you remain calm and collected throughout your presentation.
2. Eye contact and poise.
Keeping eye contact with the audience may feel uncomfortable, but it’s critical to communicate with them effectively. This allows you to form a connection with your audience and keep their attention on you. Don’t be afraid to smile, use hand gestures, and intentional movements throughout your presentation to remain engaging.
3. Engage your audience.
A critical component of an effective presentation is keeping your audience engaged. Their attention is vital for your key messages to resonate with them. The best presenters don’t just talk to their audience, they keep them engaged throughout. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or include interactive elements in your presentation to encourage audience participation.
4.Practice, Practice, Practice.
The more you practice, the more confident you will feel when it comes time to deliver your presentation. Try not to rely on notes, they can often be a crutch that negatively impacts your overall performance. It may seem silly but practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to evaluate your pace, volume, eye contact, and poise.
5. Be confident.
Trust yourself. It’s important to remember that you know the content you are presenting better than anyone else. Remaining confident throughout your presentation will allow your audience to trust in your expertise and allow them to feel inspired by your message. Confidence is everything when it comes to professional presentations.
