We’re back to event season and there’s no better time to brush up on your presentation skills to help deliver a powerful and memorable talk. Whether you’re new to speaking or a seasoned pro, an event organiser, exhibitor delivering product sessions or on the main stage at your next event, these essential speaker preparation tips will help you deliver impactful presentations that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Let’s dive in!
Know Your Audience
Understanding who you’re speaking to is key for tailoring your message. Are you addressing industry experts, beginners, or a mixed crowd? Knowing your audience lets you pitch your content at the right level, use relevant examples, and connect more effectively. Research your audience’s demographics, interests, and pain points to ensure your message resonates. If you don’t know what that is, ask the event organiser for their audience profile, which should contain all the information you need.
Early Preparation
Timing is crucial; starting early allows for thorough preparation and practice. Begin by outlining your key points and objectives – what are you trying to convey and what do you want your audience to take away from your conference session. Gather data, statistics, and examples that support your message if relevant of course. Ensure you allocate sufficient time for creating slides, rehearsing, and refining your presentation, which can often be left to the last minute. Early preparation helps you feel more confident and reduces last-minute stress.
Craft a Powerful Opening
The first few minutes of your presentation are critical for grabbing your audience’s attention. Start with a compelling story, a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question or an impactful (but short) video clip. A powerful opening sets the tone and engages your audience from the outset. For instance, “Did you know that 75% of people fear public speaking more than death?” instantly captivates and intrigues (which by the way is called Glossophobia).
Structure Your Content
Organising your presentation in a clear and engaging manner is essential. Use a logical flow with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Break down your content into easily digestible sections and use headings and subheadings to guide your audience. Incorporate storytelling techniques to make your message more relatable and memorable. It’s important because it helps to keep your audience engaged but also gives you a clear structure to follow, and you can more easily recall key facts or points.
Engage with Visual Aids
Visual aids can enhance your presentation, but only if used correctly. Keep your slides simple and uncluttered, using high-quality images and minimal text. Avoid reading directly from your slides and instead, use them to complement your spoken words. Videos and props can also be effective, but ensure they are relevant and add value to your message. For example, if you’re discussing a problem like audience engagement at events, you could demonstrate this by using an audience response platform such as CrowdComms Mobile Event App, to gather live feedback from the attendees.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Rehearsing and refining your delivery is crucial for a polished presentation. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or perform in front of a trusted friend or colleague. Pay attention to your pacing, tone, and body language. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become. It also gives you a chance to ensure your presentation slides (if using them) flow with your talk and ensure you are within the allotted time.
Manage Nerves
Stage fright is common, but there are strategies to overcome it. Deep breathing exercises, visualisation techniques, and positive affirmations can help calm your nerves. Remember to stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and arrive early to familiarise yourself with the venue. Help yourself to be calm before you go on stage. Confidence comes with preparation and practice and sometimes, just pushing your comfort zone a little. One of our speakers regularly takes 10 deep breaths before they walk on stage with a big smile.
Ask for Presentation Feedback
Post-presentation feedback is invaluable for continuous improvement. Encourage your audience to share their thoughts and suggestions and don’t be afraid to receive perceived criticism. Reflect on their feedback and identify areas for enhancement – constructive criticism helps you grow as a speaker and delivers more impactful presentations in the future, great for you or your business!
The Art of the Speaker Conclusion
Ending your presentation on a high note is just as important as starting strong. Summarise your key points, reiterate your main message, and leave your audience with a call to action or a thought-provoking takeaway. “Remember, every great presentation starts with preparation. Are you ready to make your next one unforgettable?”
Professionalism on Stage
Your body language, eye contact, and overall demeanour significantly affect how your audience perceives you. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use natural gestures to emphasise your points. Dress appropriately for the occasion and maintain a professional yet approachable presence. These are some of the basics of speaking on stage or presenting in front of an event audience, but they can make a huge difference in how your message is received.
Bonus Tip – don’t be funny if you’re not.
Humour can be a powerful tool for engaging your audience, but only if done correctly. If you’re not naturally funny, don’t force it. If you force in an in-joke or a forced one-liner, and it doesn’t land as you’d hoped, it may fall flat or even worse – create an awkward atmosphere and you may then lose pace as you carry on through the presentation.
Instead, use your natural personality to connect with your audience and inject humour only if it feels authentic. Remember, the most important thing is delivering a clear and impactful message. So don’t feel pressured to be someone you’re not just for the sake of trying to be funny. Stick to what comes naturally and focus on delivering a memorable presentation that resonates with your audience.
Remember to be always yourself while incorporating these tips into your speaking style for maximum impact on stage.
And above all else, have fun! After all, passion and enthusiasm are contagious and make for a truly unforgettable presentation.
