Presenting You

by Aileen Bennett, professional speaker & communication coach.

You can avoid it, but not for long. Sometime, someday you are going to be asked to make a presentation at work. It may be as simple as standing up and introducing yourself at a meeting or as pressured as making a sales presentation to Donald Trump.

The more time we spend communicating electronically, the more it matters how we communicate when we get in front of people. Today we have fewer chances to make that human impression and those we have, must count. Nothing creates more impact, or stays in people’s memory as long as a well-crafted and well-delivered presentation.

Public speaking has often been cited as the number one fear in the US, however, the research I’ve looked at shows that it is now number two, behind Arachnophobia. After all a speech isn’t going to crawl all over us and into our mouths at night (sorry to all of you who have the number one fear). Fear of speaking can be overcome, and the nervous energy can be diverted to make you an energetic dynamic presenter. It is an essential transferable skill, highly prized in today’s world of communication. 75% of fear can be destroyed by one simple method – preparation. It amazes me how many people show up to a networking meeting unprepared as to what to they will say about their company. You should have, at the very least, a 30 second speech ready for any occasion. What does your company do? What are the benefits to your clients or customers? Have a simple outline to work with and take some time to practice.

Other fears can be focused into energy by knowing how to stay in the moment and learning to keep in peripheral vision (the simplest and most effective method I know). It’s not about getting rid of your butterflies; it’s about getting them to fly in formation.

We’ve all heard the line “it’s not what you say it’s how you say it” and even though your words are important, this phrase holds a lot of truth. If your body language doesn’t match your words then people will believe your body language – every time. The key is congruency. Your verbal and non-verbal communication should match and re-enforce each other so that the same message is being powerfully delivered. For this to happen, you must believe in what you are saying. Acting doesn’t work with audiences; they want good honest human connection.

People often corner me and ask “what do I do with my hands while I’m speaking?” and my answer is “what do you usually do with your hands while you’re speaking?” The key to most body language is to be yourself. Some of us (me included) use our hands a lot, while others don’t, and they are both fine. As the size of your audience increases you will find that you gestures need to get bigger, but they must always remain genuine.

Your vocality (the way you use your voice) will add interest, emphasis and meaning to your 30 second ad, your presentation or your speech. Think of the word ‘yes’- can you say it so that it means ‘yes’, or so that it means ‘no’ or ‘maybe’? The emphasis we add to words changes their meaning to the listener. As a speaker you have the power to make a 10% rise in profits sound very small, or very impressive. You are not just delivering facts, you are delivering interpretation. Remember ‘you cannot NOT communicate’. Everything you say has meaning, so ensure it is the meaning you want.

The best piece of advice I have ever been given is that your speech starts the moment you enter the building where you are speaking and doesn’t end until you leave the premises. I have watched speakers shuffle their notes and seem to be learning words as they sit, waiting to speak. This does not relax your audience or let them believe you are going to be confident speaker. I have also heard great speakers belittle themselves after the event with comments like “I wasn’t  prepared” or “I wasn’t on form today” – this undermines you view of their speech, whatever you originally thought. Act confident, be confident – if you must negate your performance wait until you are safely home and tell the dog.

Above all, be yourself. People want to listen to real people, to connect and share in the experience of your presentation.

Aileen Bennett is a professional speaker, communication coach and author of 'Notes on Shining, tips to improve your presentation skills'. She can be emailed at info@aileenbennett.com. For more information visit www.aileenbennett.com

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