Page 112 - Today’s Business Communication; A How-to Guide for the Modern Professional

WhY MUST I gIvE A MEMORABLE PRESENTATION? 101

• Using a question-and-answer period is often effective. It
is not, however, a good conclusion to your presentation.
“Are there any questions?” is not enough to announce the
conclusion of your presentation.
• Using a strong conclusion, then transitioning to a
question-and-answer session can be effective. For example,
if you started with a story to get your audience’s attention,
return to that story to conclude your presentation. Then
announce, “Now that I’ve reached the end of my presentation,
I’m happy to answer questions that popped into your mind
while I was presenting.” Or, you might try this: “You’ve been
a great, attentive audience. Now, why don’t you tell me what
you thought? Who has comments or questions?”
9. Practice, practice, practice.
• Practice your presentation before a friend or family member
whom you trust to tell you what you NEED to hear, not
what you WANT to hear.
• Record your presentation practice session with a video
camera, camera phone, or other technology. Critique your-
self, looking for ways to polish and improve.
• Practice your presentation even if you’ve given it before.
It’s easy to get lazy and fall into traps by being overly
confident.
• Practice in the location where you are scheduled to present,
if possible.
• Know the layout of the room where you will present.
• Do not fall into a drone, going on and on and on and on
and on with only minimal changes to your inflection.
• Do not ramble.
• Always present as if you were talking with someone you
know, not as if you were reading off notes.
10. Plan, plan, plan.
• Arrive early the day of the presentation.
• Test the equipment in the room before your presentation,
if at all possible.