31 Tips to Becoming an Effective Presenter
When I was about ten, I was shy, a prime example of an introvert. One evening, the PTA had a magician entertain the kids. I was so amazed with the show and quite comfortable sitting on the floor and watching him perform. Then the magician asked for volunteers. Why I volunteered, I will never know. On the stage, all my excitement changed to fear. I was so terrified, my whole body froze and I couldn't speak. To my embarrassment, he had to call on another volunteer--my friend--to help him. I was not that terrified again but I maintained a fear of being in front of an audience for many years. Have you been asked, or told, to give a presentation at work, at an event, or for a community organization? Perhaps you've been asked to participate in an interactive seminar and you simply felt uncomfortable.Perhaps you are an experienced presenter but you've been presenting information rather than engaging the audience. As a chemist and as a computer consultant, I gave presentations during my career; however, I hardly interacted with the audience. I merely presented the information. Generally, I would stand behind the lectern while the slides projected onto a screen placed in the center of the room. At the time, I really preferred this setup because I didn't feel comfortable giving a presentation, and the more the focus was off me and on the slides, the better I felt. Do you feel that way?In my experience, many scientists, engineers, computer gurus, doctors, entrepreneurs, and many others are very knowledgeable in their vocation or business but they are uncomfortable in doing presentations. They do not have the experience of speaking to groups. Most likely, they, like me, did not take any workshops or classes in communication skills. If they had to speak to an audience, they simply learned by trial and error or from their peers who knew no more than they did. This book is for those who are reluctant to deliver presentations and for those who want and need to understand the techniques of presenting effectively and want to improve their presentation skills.