Presentation Tips for Leaders

As a leader, you will be called upon to give presentations to your employees, outside stakeholders, or perhaps even the general public. Although the thought of public speaking might make you nervous, one of the best leadership skills you can develop is the ability to give an effective presentation to an audience. The following suggestions will help you focus on what’s important to include and avoid when delivering your message to others. Provide only the most necessary information What specific information do you need to give to your audience? Know this ahead of time so you can avoid giving them too much information to sort through. If something is not necessary to effectively convey your topic, leave it out. Remember that a good speech is not always a long speech, so don’t add content just because you think you need to fill time. This will only bore your audience. Make sure your main point stands out and isn’t cluttered with the “fluffy” stuff. Your presentation is not a race, so don’t rush things As tempting as it might be, don’t speak quickly just to get to the end of your presentation. Your nerves and your audience will thank you if you take a breath and take your time. If you’re nervous about your presentation (and most of us are when it comes to public speaking), schedule time prior to the speech to practice your speech in front of the mirror or with a trusted friend or family member. Use this practice time to focus on speaking slowly. Then, during the actual presentation pick an object in the room and use that as a visible reminder to slow down. Include stories in your presentation There will be occasions when you will be expected to speak for a longer period of time. Good presentations are full of examples, stories and anecdotes that help your audience connect with you, understand your message and remain engaged. As you share these stories, project your knowledge and confidence by using a strong voice and finding individuals to make eye contact with. Give your audience actionable steps The best speeches and presentations leave the audience with something to hold on to and put into action. Think of Martin Luther King and his “I Have a Dream” speech, or some of the more inspirational inaugural addresses. These speeches make people want to stand up and do something and you want your speech to do this, too! Give your audience an action item that is immediately doable and will make them feel like they are personally contributing towards positive change for your company. Convince them to turn these ideas into action! It’s not enough just to suggest to your audience that they do something. You need to be sufficiently persuasive so they fully understand why they need to act. Appeal to their logical, emotional and ethical sides, giving solid reasons why their work is so important. Present the alternative: what might happen if they don’t take action? Most importantly, you need to believe in your own message. Your audience will easily see through you if your presentation is flat and you don’t appear invested in what you are talking about. Deliver your words from the heart and you will make the powerful connection necessary to inspire others. Conclusion Leadership skills for project managers fall under a large umbrella. You need to be an excellent communicator, both in one-on-one situations and in larger group settings, and you need to be confident and comfortable sharing your company’s progress, plans and mission with others. By planning and practicing your delivery, sharing stories and anecdotes that relate to the message, and exuding passion for your work, your presentation will undoubtedly be a success.