Advice to Novice Presenters

Highlights from an interview with the author and Justin Brustino for ASTD INFOLINE’s “Great Presentations”  Issue (ASTD Press, September 2008). Available for purchase at www.astd.org.

What is the one bit of advice you would give to the novice presenter?

Don’t get bogged down with TMI—too much information! As you sit down, like many novices do, to write your speech using the PowerPoint program, ask yourself one question: “Why have I been asked to speak, really?” No matter your age, experience, or status, you bring something special to the picture.

Try this. Quit PowerPoint and write your reason for speaking on a piece of paper. Then write the goal—the desired outcome you want the audience to leave with as a result of your talk. Last, list three main points—things you need to say to reach that desired outcome. Then, and only then, open the PowerPoint program—and only if you really need visual support. Rarely will the audience remember all the “stuff” on your slides, anyway. The real message is not on the slides; it is in the mood you create and the unique examples you give.

Yes, you have to know the data, but no, you do not have to regurgitate it verbatim…usually. When your job requires you to present material verbatim, you still can overcome the mundane and the monotone. Here are some ways I’ve seen this:

• A young female intern in an OB/GYN residency inserts photos of female African natives from a mission visit to Africa to illustrate how tumors affect their lives.
• An experienced biotech pharmacist tells a story about working with lab mice early in her career to illustrate the benefits of a drug and its positive effect on the little mice.
• A National VP of Training for a high-end foodservice corporation illustrates corporate rules and regulations with “back of house” and “front of house” examples that cause immediate recognition and laughter.

All of these speakers still had the required standard slide set behind them. Yet they made it come alive with their own engaging additions.  Yours may be art, photography, history, story telling, drama, science, math, or sports. Use your uniqueness to avoid the effects of information overload—TMI! Go for information engagement instead.

What is the biggest mistake that inexperienced presenters make?

The biggest mistake inexperienced speakers make is not paying enough attention to the opportunities in the opening. They apologize or minimize at this key point of influence. Here are some typical openings I’ve heard:

“I know you don’t want to be here today but we have to have the quarterly meeting.”

“You don’t know me but I’m the new field sales manager.”

“Well we don’t have much time and I have a lot to say so we’d better get started.”

“My name is Sue Jones and I’ll be talking to you about the dreaded new product launch.”

“I know many of you have heard this before, but here goes anyway.”

“Well, it’s just me between you and lunch.”

Incredible but true! So, how do you avoid sounding like everyone else who doesn’t speak often? How do you assure a stellar opening—even if it’s your first talk before this group?

As soon as you get the speaking assignment, jot down ideas and notes as they occur to you. These ideas may strike you at the oddest times—in the shower, in the car, on a flight, watching your child’s soccer game, or reading the news. You will come up with a current event, some statistics, an analogy, or a short story from your past that will engage the listeners immediately. For example, “Being here today reminds me of my first day as a sales rep. I was eager to make a mark, yet concerned that I did it right.” or “We’re getting closer to the minds of our customers; yet is this enough? It’s like barely missing a goal kick in soccer. We have the strategy but not the results.” Or “Indiana Jones is a movie character I am reminded of as we face the changes before us. We also are smart, experienced, and unafraid. We can meet the most unexpected and difficult obstacles if we put our talents and energy to work.”

Practice your special opening. Even with a short amount of time, you can find practice opportunities. The key here is to either review the words in your mind or say the words aloud when nobody else is around. You are most audience-aware and even nervous at the beginning of your talk, so knowing those opening sentences will give you a boost.

This helps you immediately pull in the audience because you can make better eye contact with them and connect immediately. As a result, you’ll feel more comfortable and in tune for the rest of your presentation. You’ll look and sound like a pro!