PRESENTATION RELEVANCE the public speaking tip

Make it relevant – the public speaking tip that just can't be ignored.  Public speaking training urges the need for relevance as the number one principle of public speaking – no matter whether it's a trade show presentation or a corporate presentation.

This month we look in more depth at some of the presentation techniques available.  As you will see, most of them can be applied well before you even get in front of your audience.

Your Presentation – Making It Relevant

If there's anything worse than listening to a tedious and unimaginative presentation then it has to be actually giving that tedious presentation. It's not that you can sense the boredom of the audience you can actually see it in their entire body language – restless limbs – turning heads and eyes looking elsewhere.

But it doesn't have to be that way. If you know your audience and what makes them tick you are on you way to making an effective presentation. Some simple measures are essential:

• Use examples or case studies for illustration.

• Tailor your examples around a specific industry or sector of the economy.

• Mention by name some of the organisations known to the audience.

• Cite examples involving organisations represented in the room.

• Refer to topical issues involving the audience, their respective organisations or their industry.

• Understand the theme of the main event – if you are speaking at a conference.  Repeating previously-aired subject matter won't build your appreciation society.

• Review the synopses of other presentations and/ or presenters.  Investigate whether previous years presentations are available for your oversight.

• Work out what they expect from you and then consider a contrary view for the audience.  It would be memorable.

• Provide the right level of detail for your audience. Broad brush strokes might not be enough for the actuaries convention but would probably do fine for the CEO conference presentation.

For an approach to public speaking that can prove both rewarding and effective - plan ahead.