Dr Martin Wucher

"The most useful and compact presentation skills package that I know. A MUST for everyone who needs to make himself heard in business."

Anita Warren - Editor, Internal Publications - Sappi Limited

"I did my first 'real' presentation earlier this week - in Austria - and it went absolutely great! Remember what I said about being really fearful of standing up in front of a crowd? Well I did it - calmly and confidently, and all I can say is that I have Paul and his workshop to thank for it. It really works - thanks for helping me overcome my biggest phobia of about the last 15 years!"

Assessment Prework

"Assessment" involves no teamwork – both presentations will be solo. The first presentation will be a 2-minute warm up – you will receive your brief on course. The 2nd (big) presentation requires prep work. This time you will be presenting a topic specific to your current working environment.

What must you bring?

  1. A presentation (see Prework for details)

  2. Your presentation skills manual

  3. Your AV CD of your last presentations done on course

This presentation must be prepared and adequately rehearsed before attending the "Day 3" session.

Your presentation must be from your current working environment: something you have worked on, are working on or will be working on.

You can make use of visual aids – please note that they must enhance your message/sell and must look effective (review your notes!). If you make use of PowerPoint, ensure that you have practiced using a computer beforehand (presenters will be penalised for inappropriate slides, lack of preparation and poor interaction with the delivery and the visual aid). If you have a notebook computer you may bring it with you - it is advised, however to have a back-up made anyway. A flash drive is recommended, but you may burn it on to a CD, or bring you laptop with the presentation on it.

Your presentation must between seven and eight minutes – this includes 2 minutes to manage Questions and Answers – so a maximum of 6 minutes for your prepared presentation.

Guidelines

  • Read your notes and review your tape before your begin
  • Complete your presentation and visual aids two days in advance to give you time to put in a few dry runs (practise!)
  • Use cue cards.
  • Remember to:
    • Target the presentation to your anticipated audience.
    • Structure the content (intro, body, Q&A then Close) using the presentation structure on page 19
    • Understand and deliver a powerful message using effective eye contact, body language, tone of voice and words – ref page 28 to 31
    • Convey understanding, stimulate interest and (wherever possible) persuade the audience to take a course of action
    • Prepare for “curve balls” from the audience – anticipate possible questions (see Questions page 32 to 33)
    • Think outside the norms of visual aids, intros and closes
    • Read your notes regarding visual aids (pages 19 to 22) BEFORE you use them – remember they should enhance your message, not become the message
    • Practice in the mirror or test-drive it on someone at home
    • Focus on getting your audience to participate, as this results in buy-in.
    • Deliver double the punch in half the time by remaining focused on the outcome of the presentation
    • Don’t waffle – especially when answering questions.
    • Adhere to the time limit!
    • Bring your great, confident attitude with you.

Suggestion: Get a good nights sleep before any important presentation - including this one!