Do you often do presentations at work?
Confidence and preparation are keys to a successful performance.
Today, Lindsay and Aubrey share how you can effectively and confidently present information at work.
Presentations at work
Aubrey asks Lindsay if she prepares before presentations.
Lindsay says that she practices at home in front of her partner or family members.
This helps her think through things and understand her material.
Aubrey shares she does the same.
Once she didn’t prepare and she underestimated the pacing of her presentation.
If she practiced more she felt she would have done a better job.
Practicing your presentation is vital and in today’s episode Lindsay and Aubrey will share some tips.
A listener asked a question that inspired today’s episode.
How should I practice for a presentation at work?
Evelyn
Practice makes perfect
Aubrey shares that she came across an article on Linkedin that had presentation tips compiled by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
They will share these along with tips based on their own experience.
Here are tried and true reasons to practice your presentation before the actual day.
#1: Builds your confidence
When you know your material, you don’t have to worry how you are presenting.
Knowing the flow of your presentation and how long things will take sets you up for success.
You’ll feel more confident in what you are saying.
#2: Figuring out the timing
Knowing how much time you need to cover things is vital.
You don’t want to rush through your presentation and not emphasize the parts you want your audience to absorb.
Additionally, you don’t want to take too long and run out of time at the end.
You need to leave enough time at the end for your audience to ask questions.
#3: Enhance delivery
When you practice, you get to note and improve your delivery.
You want to connect with your audience.
If you fully understand your presentation, you can help your audience understand the point you’re trying to make.
Your delivery is important in ensuring they receive the message you’re giving.
How should you practice?
Lindsay and Aubrey give several tips on how to practice presentations.
This will help you deliver it effectively and confidently at work.
#1: Replicate real presentations
It’s best to practice a presentation the same way you will present it.
You should test the equipment and time yourself.
Think of a backup plan if something goes wrong.
#2: Get feedback
You can record and ask a coworker or friend to watch and give feedback or present for them live.
Get feedback from both a coworker and friend because each will have a different perspective.
This will give you a variety of feedback you can use to improve your presentation.
#3: Practice answering tough questions
Make a list of questions that you think may come up and have a coworker quiz you.
Your coworker can also add to this list of questions after they’ve heard your presentation.
You can then practice your answers and make tweaks.
#4: Think about the takeaway
The takeaway of your presentation is vital.
Check out our recent episode AEE 2263: What’s Your Takeaway? Be a Better Speaker By Sharing the Bottom Line.
In it, Lindsay shared that 80% of your time should be focused on the takeaway.
What is the overarching idea? Why does it matter?
Your presentation has a goal and to know your presentation was effective, you have to reach that goal.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay to show you how to ask a coworker to help you prepare for a presentation.
In this scenario Aubrey and Lindsay are coworkers
Aubrey: I have an important presentation coming up. Do you think you could give me feedback on it?
Lindsay: Definitely! I’d love to help.
Aubrey: Thank you! Would you want to schedule a time for me to practice it live, or if it’s easier I could record it and send it to you?
Lindsay: Let’s find a time for you to do it live. That way I can ask you some questions that might get thrown at you.
Aubrey: That would be so helpful. I appreciate it!
Takeaway
Here is another episode recommendation from Lindsay and Aubrey to help you prepare for your presentations at work.
You can go check out episode Business English 294: Buy Time, Get Confidence with these English Phrases.
You’ll learn great phrases for buying time during a presentation if you lose your train of thought or when you get tough questions.
Practice before a presentation to build confidence and iron out any kinks.
Use today’s tips to be prepared and confident for every presentation.
Do you practice before a presentation at work?
We’d love to hear from you so share your answer in the comments below.
