Step 8: “When it comes time to deliver your presentation, get to the meeting
room early. Check the equipment. Walk around. Greet people as they
arrive and chat with them.”
Here are more tips:
Start planning and organizing as early as possible.
Review your outcomes and what you know about the audience and
the room site. Create your outline to include:Purpose
Organization
Introduction
Conclusions
Delivery choices
Visual aids
Memorize your opening and conclusion.
As for your delivery, practice, practice, practice! Exercise just beforehand: Sit in a chair and press your hands together.
Sit in a chair and push your feet to the floor. In the chair, put your
hands on the seat, and push down-pull up.
Use positive affirmations, such as “Today my message will impact
others!” The purpose is to reverse the negative talk that our inner
critic supplies. Stand, and you will get better results. Do not stand behind a lectern
or podium, however; stand to the side. Use cards to remind you of
important points.
Move to a different location, such as back and forth between two
charts or two flipcharts. Avoid the “pacing lion” syndrome, because it
is very distracting. Draw people in by making eye contact. Vary your eye contact so you
connect with everyone.
Use gestures above the waist—no hands in pockets or behind your
back. Watch actors on TV with the sound off, and see how they
move.SET AN EXAMPLE^211