Establishing the 7 key components of successful presentations are going to differ from person to person. But those with experience should be able to share some common ideas when it comes to giving a great presentation. The truth is successful presentations can be considered a science of sorts, and these are the components you want it to be based on:
1. Preparation
In order to give a successful presentation, you have to show up prepared. This means practicing in front of the mirror, or even in front of friends and family if you have to. But get familiar with the material you’ll be presenting. At the same time, gear up on information.
The fact is that the more prepared you are, the better you are going to feel about giving the presentation. Instead of being paranoid about what might go wrong, you’ll feel in control and able to handle the situation. Also, consider the type of presentation you are giving. Is it one where you have to train others? Are you providing a course? Or are you just explaining the figures for the business for the last year?
2. Confidence
If you don’t believe in the quality of the presentation you are giving, neither will your audience. If you appear awkward and irritated, your audience will play off this energy. So, when you step in front of the people that will be watching the presentation, do it with confidence.
Establish that before you even drive over to the place where the presentation is taking place, you are going to be confident and calm throughout. And before the big moment, take a deep breath, put the negative thoughts at the back of your mind, and focus on what you’ve properly prepared.
3. A Backup Plan
There is the off chance that something might go wrong during the presentation. And for the most part, it can be a technical issue. Keep this in mind if you are using several tools and equipment to do the presentation. More importantly, be prepared if your equipment fails you.
4. Clear Communication
One of the most important aspects of a successful presentation is clear communication. Everything you say and every idea you convey should easily register with your audience. But this can’t happen if, for example, you don’t pronounce clearly enough.
Focus on being loud and clear during the presentation. The last thing you want is people complaining they couldn’t hear what you were saying half the time.
5. Engage Your Audience
Even the greatest presenter can’t save bad material. So, a big part of a successful presentation comes down to using material your audience will find interesting. In other words, avoid long boring speeches. Rather ask a few questions and provide interesting statistics.
The point is that you should bring your audience into the presentation. And you do this with presenting something they can actually enjoy, appreciate, or enjoy.
7. Maintain Attention
While it might sound like a presentation is about one party talking and the other listening, there are no rules that say you can’t get the audience involved somehow. This can be very helpful in terms of keeping the attention of the audience.
Remember, you want everyone to listen right until the end. You don’t want to lose your audience in the first five minutes when you still have thirty minutes of presentation left.
Use The Right Tools
The last component is to use the right tools and equipment. Depending on the type of presentation you are giving, it might be necessary to have additional props/tools/visuals on hand. These help to make the presentation more engaging as well.
Of course, every expert will have his or own list. But these 7 components of successful presentations should serve you well on your journey.