Whys & Wherefores

Sir, how can I make my presentation skills more effective?
-B.Aadhi, Class IX ,

Progress High School, Warangal
Giving a seminar can be a fearful proposition. Like most public speaking engagements, a seminar is the perfect opportunity to learn some skills and hone your craft of communicating effectively and listening deeply. Conquer your fear of the unknown and get started planning an insightful seminar. Firstly, be confident that you can do a great job.

Before you do anything, think about what kind of people you'll be presenting to. Knowing your audience will guide you in your preparation. When it comes to making any kind of speech or giving a presentation, it's best to have an outline to work from to make sure you highlight all your key points. Reading from a script often sounds too formal and doesn't allow for much eye contact.

Start with your introduction. This should inform your audience of the topic on which you're speaking and its value to them, plus give a very brief overview of the points you plan to discuss. Move on to the body of your seminar and make a list of points you want to touch on. You need at least two points to get your message across; three is better.

Under each heading in your list, write out a couple of details to help guide you when it's time to present. Finish with your conclusion. This should be brief but tie in each point you made during the seminar. It should leave your audience on a positive note and give them some kind of action to take, if applicable.

Try to create your visual aids such as pictures or anything that will help your audience visualize what you're saying. The goal is to get your message across clearly. The aids also help break up your seminar into chunks so you avoid monotony. You should appear relaxed yet professional; you should feel comfortable with what you're saying. Get feedback from others and make revisions as needed.

Also practise your gestures and mannerisms. A mirror can help with this so you see if you're being too dramatic or too stiff. It can also help you get to know your gestures and behaviour. Arrive to the seminar location early so you can get set up. Pass out any materials you want to use and set up your visual aids.

This includes preparing the technology you will use in your seminar, like a computer or an overhead projector or an LCD projector. Greet your guests as they come in. Speak up and speak clearly. Speak slower than you normally would in a conversation so people can retain the information. Periodically ask if anyone has any questions and clarify things as you go.

Thank your audience for their attention when you're wrapping it up. Stay for a while after your seminar to see if anyone has any questions, feedback or comments for you. Although you follow all these tips, make necessary changes in a flexible manner as per your requirement. All the best.