Memorable Presentations - Part 2

This information comes from:
Presentation Helper

KISS.
Reduce your presentation to simple concepts and your audience should be able to follow you. If you go beyond their understanding they will switch off.

Don't use PowerPoint sound effects.
It may seem funny to have applause at the end of a slide, or a screeching sound for a new bullet point, but it will turn off your audience.

Check out the room before your presentation.
Make sure the room has everything that you need and make sure the presentation works on the screen. If possible go up the day before - or at least an hour beforehand. This will avoid any nasty surprises during your presentation.

Don't drink the night before - and certainly don't get drunk.
Alcohol recovery or a hangover can destroy your presentation. Alcohol will drain all of the enthusiasm from your voice. And if you've had a drink before you go on, your voice could be slightly slurred. Best avoid it, the time for a drink is after, not before.

Don't lock your knees.
When you get to the lectern, unlock your knees and act as if you were about to catch a ball. It will relax you and make your presentation flow much more smoothly.

Leave handouts.
You have gone to a lot of effort to produce your presentation. Leaving handouts will reinforce your messages and help your audience remember your presentation. Always include your contact details so that audience members can contact you.

Memorize your presentation.
Do not read from your notes, unless you are frozen or not prepared. Reading sounds flat and stilted. If you have learned your speech, it will sound natural and you will even have the chance to ad lib if the opportunity arises.

If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
People think that they can "wing it" but, in reality, those who appear to be "winging it" are often very well prepared. Give your presentation at least five times to the wall, friends, and neighbors before giving it to your designated audience.

It takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.

Mark Twain

Off the cuff should mean well planned. You may have heard the tale about the man who accidentally left a dinner wearing the impromptu speaker's coat. In the coat pocket was a small pile of notecards with his speech written on them. The speech started with the words "I never expected to be asked to speak this evening!"

The professionals do it - so why shouldn't you?