GIVE STRONG PRESENTATIONS
WHY IT MATTERS
Leaders lead through the words they speak and the ideas they can convincingly communicate. A leader can’t fulfill their role unless they can stand in front of small and large groups of people and teach, discuss, share, persuade, and present. Leaders know it is their job to communicate in a way that gets everyone on the same page, excited about the planned direction. Leaders that give strong presentations can persuade people’s thinking, align them to their ideas, win them to their cause, and empower them with knowledge. Leaders that can’t give strong presentations, and fail in their efforts to educate, direct, and inspire those who fall under their leadership, won’t ever be able to create the understanding and unity required for sustained success.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Leaders that give strong presentations know how important it is to get their message communicated correctly the first time. They concern themselves with being understood, as well as not being misunderstood. They use presentation opportunities to set direction, give instruction, unite people, create energy, and provide critical information. They know the only thing more important than having the right message is being able to present that message powerfully.
Leaders that give strong presentations make careful preparations to understand their audience before they ever walk onto the presentation stage. They do their homework on their audience. They tailor their presentations to match the needs of each unique situation. They anticipate audience questions and concerns. They know what matters to their audience, and plan how to share their key ideas in ways that really connect with those to whom they are speaking.
Leaders that give strong presentations ask for feedback. They are humble enough to know they can’t succeed alone. They believe the more perspectives they can get on their presentation the better it will be. They ask for feedback on their content, test out their ideas, and allow people to critique their delivery. They take direction and feedback and incorporate what they learn into their approach.
Leaders that give strong presentations portray a definitive presence and tangible confidence when they are in front of people. They are careful to not come across as cocky or arrogant, but they speak clearly and authoritatively. They are enthusiastic, but also authentic. Their presentation style makes people want to listen to their message. They organize their thoughts in ways that are easy to follow. Their thinking intuitively builds upon itself as their presentation progresses. They use stories, examples, metaphors, anecdotes, videos, audio, music, and pictures to bring their presentation to life.
Leaders that give strong presentations aren’t lecturers. They allow for two-way communication during their presentation. They are not rattled by good questions or public challenges to their ideas. They break from their presentation to lead spontaneous discussions and can return to their prepared message at just the right time. They focus on teaching, not just speaking, and can adjust in the moment to make a certain point clearer. Their focus is on ensuring their message is actually understood, and not just delivered.
BELIEFS
BEST PRACTICES
SELF-REFLECTION
PSYCHOMETRIC 360 QUESTIONS
Leaders lead through the words they speak and the ideas they can convincingly communicate. A leader can’t fulfill their role unless they can stand in front of small and large groups of people and teach, discuss, share, persuade, and present. Leaders know it is their job to communicate in a way that gets everyone on the same page, excited about the planned direction. Leaders that give strong presentations can persuade people’s thinking, align them to their ideas, win them to their cause, and empower them with knowledge. Leaders that can’t give strong presentations, and fail in their efforts to educate, direct, and inspire those who fall under their leadership, won’t ever be able to create the understanding and unity required for sustained success.
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE
Leaders that give strong presentations know how important it is to get their message communicated correctly the first time. They concern themselves with being understood, as well as not being misunderstood. They use presentation opportunities to set direction, give instruction, unite people, create energy, and provide critical information. They know the only thing more important than having the right message is being able to present that message powerfully.
Leaders that give strong presentations make careful preparations to understand their audience before they ever walk onto the presentation stage. They do their homework on their audience. They tailor their presentations to match the needs of each unique situation. They anticipate audience questions and concerns. They know what matters to their audience, and plan how to share their key ideas in ways that really connect with those to whom they are speaking.
Leaders that give strong presentations ask for feedback. They are humble enough to know they can’t succeed alone. They believe the more perspectives they can get on their presentation the better it will be. They ask for feedback on their content, test out their ideas, and allow people to critique their delivery. They take direction and feedback and incorporate what they learn into their approach.
Leaders that give strong presentations portray a definitive presence and tangible confidence when they are in front of people. They are careful to not come across as cocky or arrogant, but they speak clearly and authoritatively. They are enthusiastic, but also authentic. Their presentation style makes people want to listen to their message. They organize their thoughts in ways that are easy to follow. Their thinking intuitively builds upon itself as their presentation progresses. They use stories, examples, metaphors, anecdotes, videos, audio, music, and pictures to bring their presentation to life.
Leaders that give strong presentations aren’t lecturers. They allow for two-way communication during their presentation. They are not rattled by good questions or public challenges to their ideas. They break from their presentation to lead spontaneous discussions and can return to their prepared message at just the right time. They focus on teaching, not just speaking, and can adjust in the moment to make a certain point clearer. Their focus is on ensuring their message is actually understood, and not just delivered.
BELIEFS
- If you don’t know the needs and characteristics of your audience you can’t prepare a presentation that will connect with them.
- Don’t try and do too much with any single presentation. People can only remember and absorb so much at any given time.
- You can’t approach a presentation as a lecture. Presentations need to be crafted conversations and allow for dialogue and discussion.
- Using stories, media, examples, and metaphors will help people not just understand your key ideas, but remember them.
- In your approach and presentation style you need to be confident and direct, but not arrogant and overbearing.
- The presentation must look good, but looks will never substitute for content. Fancy slides don’t matter if your content is lacking.
- Practice makes perfect. Don’t give your presentation for the first time in front of a live audience.
- The purpose of a presentation is to change minds and hearts, not just share ideas or provide entertainment.
BEST PRACTICES
- Base your presentations on data and facts.
- Match presentations to their audience.
- Use stories to bring your key points to life.
- Explain things in ways that others understand.
- Seek feedback on your content and style.
- Use media and graphics appropriately.
- Practice presentations before giving them.
- Speak clearly and with obvious conviction.
- Have a good sense of timing and pace.
- Make presentation adjustments on the fly.
- Test your thoughts and ideas with others.
- Show poise when things take unexpected turns.
- Make presentations visually appealing.
- Break from your script to allow for dialogue.
- Create a comfortable atmosphere for others.
- Don’t cram too much into one presentation.
- Know your audience inside and out.
- Regain attention if you lose your audience.
- Maintain a definite sense of direction.
- Organize ideas in ways that are easy to follow.
- Keep eye contact with your audience.
- Project credibility and self-confidence.
SELF-REFLECTION
- Do I take time to plan how to get people to listen to me, or do I just assume people will listen to me?
- Do I know what matters to my audience, or do I only concern myself with what I want to say?
- Do I think about how to change hearts and minds, or do I just expect people will accept what I have to say?
- Do I anticipate audience questions and comments, or do I show up unprepared to answer their inquiries?
- Do I get as much feedback and perspective as I can on my presentations, or do I hesitate to ask for feedback?
- Do I practice my presentations before I give them, or do I think I can just show up and “wing it?
- Do I rely on convincing content to make my presentations feel legitimate, or do I rely on “bells and whistles?”
- Do I use multiple media and strategies to present my message, or do I rely on the traditional lecture format only?
- Don’t think that one good presentation is all you need, and forget that follow-up is what makes sure a message “sticks.”
- Don’t overdo things to the point your simple message gets lost in the bells and whistles of your presentation and delivery.
- Don’t be so confident in your ability to present that you just show up and talk instead of really preparing for success.
PSYCHOMETRIC 360 QUESTIONS
- I can’t give a presentation standing behind a pulpit.
- Keeping in “simple” is the key to any good presentation.
- I welcome any question during my presentation.
- I am told that I communicate well.
- I’m comfortable in front of both small and large groups.