Because I work with speakers, I often have people asking me for tips about doing presentations. Here are some things I’ve noticed successful speakers do:
They rehearse, rehearse and rehearse
They know their material backwards and forwards. They do full-blown on-site dress rehearsals of their presentations prior to the event even if they’ve done the same presentation many times. This includes testing technology they will use – projectors, Internet connections, microphones and video.
They arrive early for their presentation
Very few speakers can run in at the last minute, get up on stage and speak successfully. Those that appear they can usually have someone taking care of details, such as testing audio/visuals and getting a feeling of the audience, for them. I know because I’ve been that person!
They are prepared for anything and everything to happen.
They know how to cut their presentations short if they suddenly are given less time. They know how to alter their speech if it appears their audience needs more or less information than they originally had anticipated. They can give their presentation without their slides if, for some reason, technology and all back-up plans fail them.
They have an event planner
Ok, this is a shameless plug for my seminar planning services but it’s true. Successful speakers know the value of having someone else handle the details of planning a seminar. They want to be able to concentrate on giving a successful presentation and connecting with their audience.
About Me
- Sharon Hill
- I'm really passionate about helping people plan professional events that get their audiences to know, like, and trust them.
