March 20, 2008     EZine Articles

SPEAK CONFIDENTLY AND PERSUASIVELY: 10 TIPS FOR THE BUSINESS STAGE
by Kathy Reiffenstein

Spencer Tracy, the American, Academy Award-winning stage and film star, was once asked for acting advice by a young colleague. “Just learn your lines,” said Tracy, “and don’t bump into the furniture.”

“Just learn your lines”…although that’s critically important preparation for stepping onto the business “stage” to make a presentation, it won’t be enough. The business presenter must also be adept at a myriad of other presentation skills.

Here are ten tips to ensure that your next time “on stage” brings you a standing ovation.

1. Practice, Practice, Practice….Out Loud!

Practice etches your speech content in your brain, boosts your confidence and helps quell your nervousness. But running through your presentation in your head isn’t enough. You never make a mistake there! Practice out loud, in your actual venue or an approximation of it, and use the hand gestures, voice tone and pitch, visual aids and props that you will in the real presentation. Tape (audio or even better, video) yourself for real insight into how the audience will hear and see you.

2. It’s All About the Audience

Believe it or not, your audience wants you to succeed. They have shown up because you have information they want. Learn as much as you possibly can about your audience – what they already know, what concerns them – and then analyze how your presentation will address that information. Harness their energy by making eye contact and interacting with them.

3. Be Clear What You Want the Audience To Do

Have a concrete objective for how you want to move the audience. Is your presentation strictly informational? Are you attempting to change opinion? Are you asking them to do something as a result of your words? Be clear in your own mind what you want from your audience and you’ll be much more likely to communicate exactly that.

4. Leave Enough Time to Get Centered

If you’re running around dealing with last minute logistics (or just finishing your last slide) before you get up to speak, your delivery will show it. Make time before your presentation (even if you have to go to the restroom for some solitude) to gather your wits, breathe deeply and visualize your success. Five to ten minutes will work. A half hour would be better.

5. Know Your Space

Familiarizing yourself with the specific place you will stand to deliver your presentation will help qualm nerves and uncover any potential problem spots. This isn’t always possible, but try your best to get into that conference room or hotel ballroom prior to speech day. At the very least, get a picture of the room and understand how the chairs and tables will be arranged.

6. Packaging Counts

Much as you might like to believe that the words of wisdom you dispense are what will most impact the audience, please don’t overlook the impact your appearance will have. Respect your audience by paying attention to your grooming – if you need a haircut or a manicure or a new suit, get it before the presentation. Clothes may not make the (wo)man, but they do make an impression. Make sure it’s the one you want.

7. Be Provocative and Memorable

Engage your audience immediately with an opening that grabs them – ask a question, share a startling statistic, tell a story. Close with something equally memorable. Too many presentations peter out with a Question and Answer period and attendees escaping in small groups. After a Q&A, take back control and briefly summarize the two or three things you want the audience to walk away with – by asking a question, using a quote, issuing a call to action.

8. Hands Attract Eyes

Don’t fidget, play with your hair, jewelry, glasses or rattle change in your pocket. Do, however, develop powerful hand gestures and use them sparingly to underscore your most important points. To see a master at work, watch Bill Clinton give a speech.

9. Don’t Commit Murder by PowerPoint

Honor your audience’s intelligence by not reading your PowerPoint slides. Any slides you use should contain key words and phrases as a memory jog for the audience, not the complete narrative. That’s what you’re there for.

10. Once Upon a Time

Stories are a powerful tool for creating memorable presentations. They are the glue that holds the facts together. Incorporate examples to make your points come alive and craft these examples into a story. This will help your audience identify with your point and remember it. Don’t, however, tell a story off the cuff. Stories are only powerful when they are well rehearsed.

So follow Spencer Tracy’s advice to “learn your lines” plus incorporate these ten tips into your presentations and you’ll be a star on the business stage. Oh yes, and don’t bump into the furniture.