Bright Consultancy

Comms Skills #2: What NOT to do when you’re presenting!

Usually, when I write these tips, I’m in favour of advising what to do, rather than what not to do. However, on occasion, I spot a spectacular example of what not to do that perfectly illustrates why it’s not a good idea to do it. And so – ta da – today’s tip is…don’t write your speech notes on your hand. Please. Just don’t. It doesn’t make you look smart.

Most people facing an important presentation worry about remembering the key points of their presentation. It’s important to have a strategy for remembering your content.

I’ve worked with many clients in the past who push themselves to memorise entire speeches word for word. This is not a realistic strategy, and, even when successful at remembering, the effort of recall tends to suck the life out of the speech.

Some people like to read a script word for word. Unless you are a gifted orator, or a practiced lecturer, this is not a good idea. Many people’s ‘reading out loud’ voice is not very interesting, plus there is a strong tendency to look at the script rather than the audience.

So what’s the solution? Well, here are 3 strategies that have worked well for many of my clients.

• Own your own content. Content is a lot harder to remember when you get someone else to write it for you. Write it yourself – getting help if you need it – and be 100% behind everything you say.
• Imagine your talk like a shape, seeing the beginning, middle, and end. Imagine your talk is a journey, and get to know its geography. Where will you be taking people? Note the content ‘landmarks’ along the way. These signposts will help you link the key points of your talk together.
• Make a crib card. Reduce your talk to its key points. If you’ve written all of it out, reduce each paragraph to a single phrase that stands for the point of the paragraph. Then reduce each group of phrases to a phrase. When you have 5 phrases or less, write them in order on a small card. Study the card regularly, rehearsing the talk in your mind, seeing yourself remembering the material effortlessly. Put the card in your pocket when you speak just in case you need it (you won’t).Now who, I hear you asking yourselves, would be dumb enough to write their prompts on their hand? Well, here’s your answer: Yes, it’s Sarah Palin, courtesy of Sky News.

Tags: Communication skills, leadership, Leadership Skills, motivation in business, Preparing a great presentation, Presentation skills, Presentation Tips, Presenting a workshop, presenting mistakes, Sarah Palin's Tea Party Interview, self improvement