Presentation Skills Open Course

This course is open to anyone who has decided they really want to develop as a presenter. It doesn't so much deal with the "right way" to present, rather it looks at understanding how the environment in which we have to present works, and how individual presenters can "work that environment" in a way which best suits their style.

It is best taken a short time before an opportunity to make one or more real life presentations occurs.

Programme

Opening

During the opening session we combine a look at the fundamentals of presenting, with an assessment of each person's presenting experience and skill and what they would now like to achieve.

Much like our tailored training, each day is structured to reflect the needs and abilities of those attending on that day

The Challenge

We start with a good look at the dynamic in which people have to present.

This section gives an in-depth understanding of the arenas in which presenting takes place: the physical space, body language, audience interaction, etc.

It is based on the mnemonic IMPACT as an easy to remember guide to the main points of presenting.

"The use of the Individual's best skills to convey a clear Message, well Prepared, with good Audience interaction, presented with Conviction and supported by the right Technical backup"

First Presentation

This takes the form of a short unprepared presentation to camera.

There is then discussion about the experience of presenting, what actually happens to people physically, mentally and emotionally.

The presentations will then be played back followed by feedback from the trainer and their own colleagues.

This concentrates on the strengths and style of the presenter. Any real difficulties in style may be noted here by the trainer, but dealt with later in the session. We make a video recording of many of the rest of the day's exercises; however, this is the only time during the day that we will review the tape.

Exercises

This set of exercises may well vary on the day, but are used to reinforce some of the principals of effective presentation.

Making a presentation in under 30 seconds
Putting across a clear message
Using passion
Structuring your support material

Prepared Presentations

The second part of the day is work on prepared presentations.

This is not intended to rehearse the presentations; rather the presentation material is used to stretch the participants and to incorporate the principles worked on earlier in the day.

The emphasis is on preparing the participants to develop over the next few months as they make further presentations.

The session is modified according to the level of the attendees.

With new or less experienced Presenters we work to stretch their capacity and to demonstrate the active working of a presenting dynamic. They are introduced to easy skills and techniques to help raise their confidence and ease the anxiety associated with presenting.

With established presenters we work more to reinforce some basic principles and introduce advanced skills as appropriate. Care is taken to acknowledge their skills and style. Then we move on to specific areas of difficulty where they seem to get wrong footed and don't do so well.

Issues that are incorporated into this session: