This was featured in my Friday 5 newsletter a couple weeks ago, and the feedback was great. So here it is for future reference, and I even added a couple things.
“I was at the Normandy invasion.”
Last night, I gave a talk to about 50 people and that was my opener. Of course, it was jarring. The audience was mostly people over 60 and it was pretty obvious that I was not alive when that happened. I was quoting a former music therapy patient, and it led me right into a story. That strong hook grabbed their attention and I used that momentum for the remainder of the hour.
I’ve given many presentations, some awesome and some a little more on the “meh” side. Last night was a success, and I attribute my successful talks to a few useful strategies. I’m going to share those with you in today’s Friday 5. Starting with a strong hook and/or story is a bonus 😉
Broaden Your Idea of Preparation
Don’t just prepare the presentation – prepare your brain and body. Get good sleep for a few days prior. Eat brain food. Yesterday, my pre-talk meal was a total nutrient supplement drink called Athletic Greens – it’s basically like drinking a salad – and…wait for it…sardines. Then I took a short, 20-minute nap as my talk was in the evening.
Calm Your Nerves
Prepare like it’s the most important talk you’ll ever give. BUT, when it’s showtime, remind yourself that this one day and just one presentation in your expansive life, and it’s one of millions of events happening the very same time. I take the pressure off myself by mentally zooming out on the event as far as I can. By minimizing the significance, I can be more relaxed and have more fun.
Make Friends With the Audience Before Your Talk
If you have an opportunity, get to know your audience. Make friends with them. Get them on your side. You will also have the benefit of feeling like you’re presenting to a friend, even if it’s just a few people in the audience that you have met. Bonus points if you say their name or incorporate them into a point you’re making during the presentation. “I was talking with Jane before we started, and she asked a great question…”
Read the Room
Know your material so that you don’t have to stare at your slides or your computer. Scan the audience, making eye contact with as many people as you can. If they smile, smile back. If they’re not smiling, smile first. Do what you can to make each person feel like you’re talking to them individually.
Get Feedback
Reward yourself for a job well-done, even if it doesn’t go as planned. You did it. Some things probably went really well. Some things could be tightened up. Reflect on that, and also seek feedback if you can. Keep honing your skills. Being a great presenter is a skill that can be improved, not a natural gift. Keep at it. Look at it as opportunities to grow, and most importantly, to share your message through connecting with others.
Bonus
When telling stories, try to talk in the present tense. It’s more captivating. Explain what you’re feeling/thinking as things are happening.
Exercise! If I have a big meeting, presentation, or anything else for which I need to be sharp, I make sure I get in a good exercise session in the morning.
Know your points, but don’t try to memorize. Trying to memorize a talk verbatim has gotten me in trouble. You miss one thing or get a little lost and thus begins the panic.
Take it easy on the caffeine. The last thing you want is an elevated heart rate.
Lastly, be yourself. People prefer authenticity, even if they don’t agree with everything you’re saying. Plus, you’ll have way more fun than if you’re trying to be something you’re not.