Often, I’m asked, “How can I improve my presentation?” My response is,“Asuccessful presentation is measured by the impact it has on those who are listening. You need to focus on how well you present your delivery and ensure your listener is engaged”.
However, oftenlisteners are engaged by what they see as compared to what they hear. The following are some facts to consider:
- Approximately 7% value is based onyour selection of words.
- 38% on the tone of your voice.
- Facial expression accounts for 55% in a face-to-face presentation.
Therefore, when presenting to an audience via thetelephone your focus is on how well you present and that your presentation is well thought out to make up for the loss of visual.
To be an effective presenter you should establish some sort of emotional connection with yourlisteners; without an emotional connection your message may not be completely understood. Additionally, you must present with a high level of energy to keep your listeners engaged. Enthusiasm and passion in your delivery is not only motivating but convincing!
The following are helpful tips to help you present better:
Know Your Audience. Be sure your presentation is gearedtoward the market you are seeking to present to. You need to be prepared based on whom you’re presenting to and adjust your presentation accordingly. For example, if you’re speaking to a high-level decision maker such as a CEO your presentation would need to be on a different level than a mid or low-levelemployee. Not to say the CEO is more valuable than others, it’s because the level of decision making, and expectations may be different.
Do Your Research and Know the Facts. Do your homework andbe an expert on the topic. Obtain the facts from reliable sources that can validate your claims. Your presentation must be relatable to your listener. When doing so, your listener will be impressed with what you know.
Customize Your Presentation.Design your presentation according to what you will say that is convincing and attracts your listener. Your objective is to talk with your audience instead of reading your presentation. This further impresses your listener that you are knowledgeable about their wants and needs.
Prepare Yourself. When you are prepared this increases your level of confidence and your listener can hear this confidence in your delivery. Role-play different scenarios and be prepared for any issue you might encounter. This is especially valuable to help minimize your nervousness when presenting to those you have not fully established rapport.Have your key points decided upon ahead of time and be prepared to address questions and objections when they surface.
Present Your Material. Remember you are the expert on the subject. When presenting over the phone, use the same gestures as you would in a face-to-face situation; such as,the use of facial and hand expressions. When using your body language,it emphasizes and paints mental images to your listener.
A major aspect to a successful presentation is remembering that you are the presentation.