Business Presentations
Don't Have to be Boring!

by Steve Wilders

The biggest problem with a boring presentation is that the audience is not listening! If they don't listen, they won't do what you want them to do, i.e., buy your product, endorse your idea, take the action. Even more important, a boring presentation will impact your personal credibility.

Bottomline, your presentations should be informative, interesting and even exciting! There are two principles to follow to ensure your presentations are dynamic:

To begin with, 97% of your message is delivery - how you use your voice and physical skills. Of your physical skills, eye contact ranks #1. Looking directly at individuals ensures people's attention and enables you to determine if your message is hitting home. By looking at your audience, you also let them see the excitement, commitment and confidence that you feel. Remember, the eyes have been called the window to the soul.

Movement is another aspect of your delivery that can create a variety of reactions. Average presenters are locked into one spot. You establish intimacy by stepping into your audience, give them space by stepping back, and create excitement by moving quickly.

A third part of your delivery is gestures. Most people use their hands when speaking one-on-one. But put someone in front of a group and all of a sudden the two appendages we use the most are uncontrollable noodles, frozen in unusual places, or fidgeting with anything available. When used effectively, gestures add control and supplement your message - they can help demonstrate the points you are making.

You can spread your arms wide to include everyone. By placing your palms down in a slow, easy manner, you relax your audience. Hands and arms don't have to be moving continuously. They can rest at your side but, when you do use them, bring them up over your waist.

I have seen it hundreds of times. An individual will be presenting what he/she says is the "most exciting," "greatest ever," or "extremely important" whatever but this person looks like he/she just had a root canal. Your facial expressions must be a direct reflection of what you are saying. If it's exciting and great, then you must show that in your face. If it is serious, you must reflect that too. One stone-faced look through the entire presentation tells your audience you're either frightened or don't really believe in what you are saying. While I'm on the subject, one of the most difficult things for new speakers, nervous speakers and even some "experienced" speakers is to smile. Yet a smile can relax you and relax your audience.

There is no other tool that can have as great an impact on your audience's interest level with such little effort then your voice. A simple inflection, a slight increase in volume, or even a change in speed can take your presentation from light and easy going to serious and urgent. Your voice should be used like an instrument, with variety in pitch, volume and speed.

The second major principle in giving presentations relates to content. When you recall presentations you found most interesting, you will realize these presentations had many stories and personal examples to support the points being made. Stories add a personal touch. They make it easier for listeners to understand.

Examples, especially those related directly to your audience, drive home key points and also make it easy for listeners to understand and accept what you are saying. Facts and statistics are needed but tend to bore the audience. Too many stories and examples may confuse your audience. Strive for a blend of stories, examples, facts and statistics.

Business presentations don't have to be boring! Remember, your delivery and your support materials are crucial to your success. You can do it!