Most training and development professionals enter the field knowing that their role entails a considerable amount of time in front of learning groups. While today’s learners participate in online, blended, and web-based programs as well as classroom training, they expect the learning leader to be an accomplished presenter—no matter the format!
If it has been awhile since you’ve assessed your presentation style and ability in front of groups, take a moment to review the tips below. Many of them apply to webinar presentations as well as those that are face-to-face. And the tips will help you with other aspects of your job that require making presentations; for example, when you’re called upon to
- present the new training curriculum to your team…
- impress the boss with your budget plan for 2008…
- welcome all the new employees in the auditorium…
- or generally make a great speaking impression in little time.
Remember, every time you present, you are being considered, observed, and judged for bigger and better things.
1. Look the part right from the start.
Your professional dress, hair, handshake and handouts will set up that you mean business. For women, pants and a jacket with a conservative line and a firm lapel are optimal. This choice allows you to move just about anywhere, use a microphone if needed—(the firm lapel works well for lavaliere microphones)—and yet maintain your style and femininity. You can show your individuality with a bright color, simple jewelry, and well-groomed hair. Both men and women should always wear a jacket of some kind (casual or formal, depending) to the presentation; you can opt to take it off if needed. Men should keep in mind that a tie and/or nicely tailored casual shirt set a tone and make an important professional first impression. The absent-minded professor look is not the look to go for!
2. Really, really think through your opening.
All speakers say “Thank you for coming.†Come up with a more meaningful statement that gets right to business like “If you’ve read a newspaper in the last year, you know how our customers’ businesses have struggled through this economy.†Or ask a question that gets them involved like: “How many of you are finding former customers harder to close this season?†If you plan and use these simple openings, you really will stand out as almost nobody else does.
3. Involve the group ASAP.
This doesn’t mean you have to have your audience sprinting around the room and coloring flipcharts but it does mean you need to break them out of passive mode and into active mode. Ask them questions, ask for a show of hands, pass out a handout with startling information, or ask one key person to comment on something. When you involve your audience, you accomplish two purposes; you connect them to you and you manage your nervousness. When someone else is talking, the focus moves away from you and you can listen and tie in what is said to your next point. You should also bring nametags for a larger group; first names only in large marker print work best.
4. Don’t fall into the “Too much, Too fast, Too apologetic†trap.
If the meeting or training event is running late or questions begin to take too much time, don’t try to squeeze everything in. Let the group know without over-apology that you’ll focus on what you think they’ll be most interested in and then you will just skip through some slides and help them master the most important information. Their questions are almost always more important than what you planned to say anyway; consider it an honor if you get a lot—it means they care! By all means, you must cover the important material your learners need to succeed; but just don’t rush through it.
5. Think beyond the product.
Everyone in business has a product or service to sell. If you focus on “results†or what the product brings, does, causes, etc. instead, then you will be gearing your presentation beyond the ordinary. Every time you start listing numbers, percentages and qualifications, you tune in to the analytical side of your audience but you lose the emotional side of the sale. We as humans recommend, refer, and buy based on feelings…about the service, you as the presenter, or the trust we have around the whole picture. Get the listener focused on his or her problems or customers and how you have solved similar problems and met similar needs in the past. Get the learner focused on the why’s behind the what’s of the topic and you will set yourself apart from most presenters.
6. Be prepared with your best savior stories.
Tell them how your company’s approach saved the sale, saved a good client, or saved the day! Use specific names and dates only as needed; the key is to communicate the concept. Today’s audiences say they love success stories because they can immediately apply the concepts! And don’t forget to throw in a “what I learned from my mistake†story of your own or someone else’s if it seems appropriate and motivational to the group. Think of the difference between seeing an ad for a new cell phone vs. calling three of your best friends who have the model for their testimony. Which will you believe? Encourage learners to share their own stories as well.
7. Don’t let hecklers or negative comments get to you.
Some people just can’t tolerate listening; others have something else going on in their lives and you happen to be the easy target. Someone with a sincere gripe or question may also be present, but treat them all similarly. Acknowledge that you see what’s going on: “Sam, I’ve noticed your strong response to these ideas. Is there something you’d like me to address?†Respond to an angry comment similarly; “Joe, I can appreciate how you feel, and we also don’t like this situation. What we can do is….†Always take control; the other learners expect you to and consider it part of your job as the learning leader.
Finally, remind yourself that you and only you care the most about the outcome of your presentation. Review these tips frequently and remember that you make a new impression with each group you address. Set yourself for success with each program you present. You never know who is watching, commenting, and recommending you for future projects.
