Delivering Presentations

Speaking effectively

Types of delivery

• Manuscript Presentations– Word for word reading of pre-written

statement– Commonly used at press conferences

Drawbacks– Sounds mechanical and lifeless– Often unsuitable for oral presentations

Types of delivery

• Memorized presentations– Recited word for word from memory– Commonly used in sales pitches

Drawbacks– Sounds unnatural– Defeats purpose of calming the speaker

Types of delivery

• Extemporaneous Presentations– Planned and rehearsed, but not word for word– Spontaneous and effortless– Should be the delivery of choice– Can be used with notesTips for notes– Notes should be brief– Notes should be legible– Notes should not be irritating the audience

Guidelines for Delivery

• Dress effectively– Appearance is important

• Appear confident before starting to speak– Your presentation begins the moment you

come into view of the audience

• Establish and maintain eye contact– Talking directly to people conveys sincerity– Eye contact establishes a relationship

Guidelines for Delivery

• Begin without looking at your notes– Establish a connection with

your audience first• Stand and move

effectively– Good posture conveys

confidence– Moving around can add life

to your presentation• Use body language

carefully

Guidelines for Delivery

• Vocal ElementsHow you sound is just as important as what you say and how you look

– Speak with enthusiasm and sincerity

• If you don’t seem interested in your topic, your audience won’t either

– Speak loud enough to be heard• Audiences interpret soft voices as a

lack of confidence

Speaking with confidence

Speaking in front of a group is one of the biggest fears of all people– Speech anxiety is common among top

managers– Learn to accept anxiety

• Try not to eliminate it but to control it• Anxiety is usually highest just before the speech

and then decreases

– Ways to improve• Speak more often• Rehearse in front of other people