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Here's a great PowerPoint tip. Need to go back? Type the slide number you need to
jump to on the top of the keyboard and hit [Return]. PowerPoint jumps
seamlessly to that slide. Make a mental note of particular slide numbers you might wish
to refer to again.
In any poll of "worst fears", public speaking comes out top; way above
heights, spiders, snakes or death! Rather than give you more PowerPoint
tips here, let me add a few words about presenting in general. Nerves:
If you're not slightly nervous you won't give a good presentation. For the
chronically terrified however (and there are many people like that) here are a couple of proven ways of cutting down on
that sick feeling. These are some I have heard, used, and passed on over
the years. Rehearse! Top of the list comes total
familiarity with what you're going to say. Especially if it's a new
presentation, go through it, in real time, word for word. Do it in front
of your family. Present it to your colleagues. Go through it
yourself, at least once a day for the 3 or 4 days prior to the event. If
you get to the venue early, (which you should) stand at the lectern or wherever
you'll be speaking from - and rehearse! When you come to do it for real,
you'll already have done it so many times, it'll be familiar territory. Breathing:
In those last few minutes before you're called, make a deliberate effort to
control your breathing. Breathe in and out deeply and slowly.
Breathe in and count as you do so, hold it for 2 seconds and breathe out,
counting again. This really works! Firstly it has a physical effect,
slowing the heart rate. Secondly, concentrating on breathing and counting does
not allow those nervous thoughts to totally "take over" your mind. Try it.
Taking Questions: There's an acronym I'll share with you and it's a
really useful reminder of the proper way to deal with questions. TRACT.
Thank the questioner. Repeat the question (most of your
audience probably couldn't or didn't hear it). Answer the
question. Confirm the answer is acceptable. Thank the
questioner again. Don't know the answer? Say so! Be
honest. If you try and make something up, some of your audience will
know! Say you don't know, but you'll find out and let the questioner
and/or the audience know later in the day/tomorrow by email, etc.
(Remember to do so too.)
Finally:
Remember most people do not like presenting. Everyone in your audience
will be on your side, will want to see you succeed and do well. They will give you every
encouragement and the benefit of every doubt. 99% of them would rather be
listening than speaking. You have many friends out there - all cheering you
on.
At the end of your presentation, disconnect from the projector or large screen
before returning to PowerPoint. It is more "elegant" to leave
your audience with the mental image of your final slide rather than the
cluttered PowerPoint working screen or your PC desktop.
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