Professional Presentation Skills

What You Will Learn

Plan

• A simple 5-step presentation process.
• How to plan a successful presentation every time.
• 18 key questions to ask the host of the presentation.
• A structured worksheet to gather the most relevant information about your audience.
• 10 quick tips for approaching different types of audiences.
• A variety of proven methods to generate ideas for the content of your presentation.
• How to organize your ideas to shape a compelling message.
• A step-by-step worksheet to plan the critical aspects of your presentation.

Write

• How to consistently write the most engaging and professional presentations.
• The 3 fundamental components of a strong presentation.
• How to write a catchy opening to hook your audience and hold its attention.
• How to craft and convey the heart of your message.
• 7 powerful techniques to reinforce your key speaking points.
• 9 transition techniques to create a smooth flow between key points.
• How to write a memorable closing that will move your audience to action.
• A practical worksheet to summarize the key components of your presentation. It’s so simple, you’ll want to use it for all types of presentations.
• When to use visual aids to reinforce your spoken words.
• Step-by-step procedures for creating effective multimedia presentations, flipcharts, and handouts.

Prepare

• How to prepare all the little details to avoid unforeseen mishaps and dreaded disasters.
• A detailed checklist to ensure that you have covered all the bases before your presentation.
• A fail-safe presenter’s emergency kit.
• The 10 best seating arrangements to maximize visibility for either large or small groups.
• A list of 12 useful reminders to avoid problems when traveling.
• 9 preventive measures to foil any potential catastrophes.
• How to create "cheat sheets" to jog your memory as you speak.
• 12 tips to groom and dress yourself for success.
• 8 rehearsal techniques to eliminate nervousness and anxiety.

Deliver

• How to apply a 6-step presentation flow to all types of presentations.
• How to enhance your speaking skills so that you’ll sound like a pro.
• How to avoid the most common speaking errors.
• Tips for finding the real power in your voice.
• 9 simple yet effective exercises to enhance your vocal variety.
• How to use eye contact, gestures, facial expressions, and movement to focus attention.
• How to avoid over 30 distracting habits that can have a negative impact on your presentation.
• How to grab and hold audience interest.
• How to incorporate visual aids into a smooth delivery.
• How to anticipate tricky questions.
• 4 proven techniques for generating questions from your audience.
• The 4-step S.K.I.L. method for answering questions clearly and tactfully.
• Over 20 strategies for handling challenging questions with confidence.
• How to keep your cool when dealing with a hostile questioner.
• Over 35 strategies for dealing with difficult people.
• The top 10 ways to recover when you start to lose your audience.
• How to deliver a credible presentation, even when you’re caught unprepared.

Evaluate

• How to get specific, tangible feedback so that you can constantly refine your skills.
• 3 practical methods for gathering feedback on your presentation.
• A simple yet thorough evaluation form to gauge audience reactions.
• 70 criteria for conducting a thorough self-assessment.
• Over 30 possible questions for soliciting concrete feedback from peers.
• 10 best practices for developing effective self-coaching strategies.