slides should correspond to the main points you want to make,
with the proviso that you do not overload the slides (see penulti-
mate section in this chapter). You can then print the PowerPoint
slides full size and use them as your notes, with some brief and
easily read annotations if you need them. The slides can also
serve as handouts. Audiences are accustomed to these and no
longer expect lots of prose, which they don’t read anyhow.
At conferences it is usual to issue the handouts in advance.
This can be slightly disconcerting to the speaker, as members of
the audience may bury their heads in the handouts and appear
to be paying little attention to what is being said. Some speakers
insist on the handouts being issued after the presentation, but
this is not always allowed by the conference organizer. In these
circumstances, it is up to you to make what you say as interesting
as possible so the audience does pay attention.
- Prepare visual aids
As your audience will only absorb one-third of what you say, if
that, reinforce your message with visual aids. Appeal to more
than one sense at a time. PowerPoint slides provide good back-
up, but don’t overdo them and keep them simple. Too many
visuals can be distracting, and too many words, or an over-elab-
orate presentation, will distract, bore and confuse your audience.
(See penultimate section of this chapter on the uses and abuses of
PowerPoint.)
- Rehearse
Rehearsal is vital. It instils confidence, helps you to get your
timing right, enables you to polish your opening and closing
remarks and to coordinate your talk and visual aids.
Rehearse the talk to yourself several times and note how long
each section takes. Get used to expanding your notes without
waffling. Never write down your talk in full and read it during
rehearsal. This will guarantee a stilted and lifeless presentation.
Practise giving your talk out loud – standing up, if that is the
way you are going to present it. Some people like to tape record
themselves but that can be off-putting. It is better to get someone
to hear you and provide constructive criticism. It may be hard to
take but it could do you a world of good.
276 How to be an Even Better Manager