Move the Room! - Three Keys to Delivering a Knockout Presentation by Kristin Mackey

Move the Room! - Three Keys to Delivering a Knockout Presentation
By Kristin Mackey, Professional public speaker

So you have to give presentation…here are my proven secrets.

KEYS
1. Know Your Content
2. Organize Your Content
3. Deliver Your Content Well

How to Know Your Content

Giving a presentation on a subject matter instantly makes you the expert. If you are standing in front of any size group, you are now the expert of the content you present. The best way to BE the expert is to properly prepare for your presentation. You can do this in three ways:

1. Practice presenting your content with pen and paper nearby and note any areas in which you stumble, can’t explain or have a gap in your understanding. If you have a feeling that some areas run smoother then others, target the rough spots. If any areas make you nervous, master the content until you can answer most questions.

2. Use the Internet to get the latest information available on your topic. There will always be someone in the room who likes to be vocal and will point out the many things they know about the subject. So be prepared to acknowledge their insight and move on.

3. Keep your expertise in check when challenges arise. If someone decides to challenge you with amazing cutting-edge information that you missed, simply thank the individual for the new found morsel, ask the group to jot it down (if it genuinely appears valuable) and then ask the group if anyone else has any ideas that would also add value. Move on.

How to Organize Your Content

Think hourglass (MACRO/MICRO/MACRO).
Your message should always start off with a global snapshot of what you will be discussing and why. Diving right into detail or anything too specific is easy for the person well versed in the subject, but makes no sense to someone new to the content. You can organize your presentation in three ways:

1. MACRO - A simple overview of the entire presentation in the form of a quick outline, objectives or “pillars” that will be discussed

2. MICRO - Move into greater detail, using photos, statistics and graphs (mix it up)

3. MACRO - Close the presentation by recapping key points and reiterating your message and objectives; finish with something light (a fun quote, joke or interesting photo)

Key tip: Always, always START and END your presentation STRONG.

How to Deliver Your Content Well

This can feel like the toughest part. Public speaking is a big fear for many, but you don’t have to be scared. The number one reason folks fear public speaking is that they are too focused on self image, rather than being passionate about the content. I always advise folks to be composed, poised and professional, but be natural and authentic – it translates better. Your audience feels how you feel. If you feel relaxed, they will. If you get nervous, they get nervous with you (many feel compassion and awkwardness at the same time). Presentation attendees are people…just in a group. There is nothing to fear with people gathered to hear about things you’d like to share with them. Here is how you can deliver your presentation flawlessly:

1. Create the right internal emotional landscape by properly preparing and organizing your material.

2. Practice often! It is best to do so in front of someone who can give good feedback.

3. Research your audience, know the room ahead of time and make changes that feel right.

4. Have a mini cheat sheet on an index card (micro/macro/micro) should you freeze or lose your train of thought. It serves as a handy and visible anchor.

5. Use symbols if you need to organize a more extensive cheat sheet to “tip” you off to a concept or idea you forget. Yes, it feels safe to bring the whole facilitator manual or detailed article and hold it, but that is not presenting – that is reading. As soon as you are in front of folks, your eyes cannot catch tiny words. Again, macro/micro/macro concept. Pictures and symbols trigger memory.

6. If you have control of time, do not speak for more then 20 minutes (attention spans drop afterward). This excludes seminars and workshop designed to be longer, with the objective of education. Exercises and movement are part of seminar design for a reason.

Key tip – Content with emotion is the most powerful way to get/keep attention. Stories, jokes etc. delivered with animated facial expressions, good body language and visuals add IMPACT. Even if you are presenting facts, try to weave in “emotional content” to keep participants engaged!

The more you present, the better your own personal style will be. Like any craft (and presenting is a performance skill) you will achieve excellence the more you do it – but you must start (fear and all).

Go forth and share your cool ideas with the world!