The Delta Media P.R. Clinic

Polishing Your Presentation Style

There are few more powerful ways to communicate than a face-to-face presentation. Whether it’s to your board at an AGM, a Parliamentary Committee or a group of potential sponsors, an effective presentation can inform, motivate and completely engage your audience. Then again, a poor presentation can turn an audience off and set you back. So how can you ensure a positive presentation experience? The secret is to be aware of the three non-verbal ways you communicate when you present. The same care you take in choosing your words must also go into choosing your body movements, your voice and your clothing.

Body Movement

The way we move our arms, hands and face can add dramatically to the impact of a presentation. Take care not to stand in one place, even when you have a podium. Ask for a wireless lapel microphone so you can move freely around the room. This will allow you to get closer to, and connect more personally with people seated at the back of the room. And be sure to mentally “liberate” your arms and hands so they can express your ideas too (shaking them out a little like a swimmer before a race is a great way to prepare for your presentation). By moving your body in this way, you’ll be more interesting to look at and your voice will naturally become more fluid and expressive, in keeping with the body.

Voice

The key to effective voice in a presentation is variety. Speaking at one volume, one pitch and one rhythm will often lull your audience to sleep. Look for opportunities to add spice to a particular section or phrase by raising the volume, picking up the rhythm and/or raising the pitch. And always remember the power of a deliberate silence… to draw the audience’s attention. It gives you a chance to breathe and the audience a chance to reflect and anticipate.

Finally, beware the effect nerves can have on your voice. Watch you don’t speak too quickly, too softly or at too high a pitch throughout the presentation. Record yourself practicing your presentation and ask trusted colleagues for their feedback as well.

Clothing

Clothing can communicate a great deal about who you are and what you think of your audience. Presenters should most often aim to be at least as formally dressed as the most formally dressed person in the room. You certainly never want to be the least formally dressed person. By aiming a little higher than the average in the room, you’ll show your respect for the audience and the occasion, and help to build their confidence in you. Beware aiming too much higher, however. If the audience is in jeans and t-shirts, the formal black business suit may be a bit off-putting.

Words matter in communications but non-verbal communication can make your words clearer, more powerful and memorable. By taking advantage of both these channels, your presentations will make a lasting impression.

Bernard Gauthier, MA (Bernard@deltamedia.ca) is Managing Partner of Delta Media. To consult past editions of the PR Clinic or to suggest topics for future columns, please visit the tools section of www.deltamedia.ca.

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