The John Adair Handbook of Management and Leadership

220 The John Adair Handbook of Management and Leadership

Communication and presentation

i) Personal reminders

Effective speaking – six key principles:

1 Be clear

2 Be prepared

3 Be simple

4 Be vivid

5 Be natural

6 Be concise

Practical presentation skills require you to:

• profile the occasion, audience and location


• plan and write the presentation


• use visual aids (if appropriate)


• prepare your talk


• rehearse (with others if necessary)


• deliver on the day

Good communicators are skilled at listening by:

• being willing to listen


• hearing the message


• interpreting the meaning


• evaluating carefully


• responding appropriately