Presentation Basics In 4 Easy Steps

 To understand the presentation basics of any business or training presentation, you must remember that a presentation can broadly be divided into three to four sections. The opening or the beginning, the middle section where you present your main ideas or problems which you are trying to address, the third section where you present the options for solutions and the last section where you summarize what you have said and call for questions, etc to make it more interactive. Each of these sections must be worked out taking into consideration the following: the quality and content of audience, the time allotted to you for the presentation, the hard and software facilities (Powerpoint, CD, computers, projector, etc) which are available at your disposal.

The quality of the audience will enable you to decide the language in which you will make your presentation. The language and content of your presentation will widely differ if you are asked to make a presentation to the board of directors or the main shareholders of a company or you are making a presentation to a client with a view to acquire their account, or making a presentation to the new employees of your organization. In fact, the quality of the audience will also determine whether you have the necessary presentation skills to address such an audience. 

Coming back to the different sections of your presentation, remember that each section carry equal importance in terms of adding success to your presentation. While you need to look comfortable when you begin your presentation, your deportment should be relaxed yet warm and energetic. You could begin your presentation by being interactive right at the start when you exchange pleasantries. A smiling face and constant eye contact with some or all members of the audience is a big plus point for a presenter. Never fiddle with the pointer (if you are using Powerpoint), or unnecessarily walk up and down the floor or podium – these gestures show that you are nervous and distract the audience. Humor, one of the most proven and successful presentation starters can be used intelligently to break the ice and wake up your audience and put them at ease. 

The middle part of the presentation where you talk about the current scenario which might include both positive and negative scenarios, the important thing to remember is never to sound too pessimistic. Remember people do not attend presentations to hear about dooms day. Make problems look like opportunities in disguise. During this phase, you could still ask for audience interaction by way of what their thoughts are on a particular burning issue faced by the company. Remember you are also doubling up as a moderator here – so do not let the audience take over from you and prolong the presentation with their thoughts and ideas and get into a debate type of situation. If people ask too many questions, politely tell them that you have kept some time at the end of the presentation for questions and answers or you are available during break for refreshments. 

Any successful presentation that begins successfully should end meaningfully too. Never end your presentation abruptly as soon as your Powerpoint slides end. Devote reasonable amount of time where you recap the problems as well the solutions which you could provide to summarize the presentation in a nutshell. Thank the audience for their time, patience and for participating so actively. Use tact and intelligence to answer delicate and sensitive questions from the audience. If you have a friend or a colleague who can authoritatively take on some of the sensitive questions, you could forward the questions to the relevant authorities – but always keep them posted beforehand about your course of action.