IT SHOULD be your moment in the spotlight – your chance to shine. Yet more people fear public speaking than spiders, flying or even death! Whether presenting an important project, or just putting your point across, being able to present your ideas is a key career skill. Make your event memorable for all the right reasons...

Do your homework

Preparation is vital. People often make the mistake of focusing their presentation on themselves, rather than on their audience. Don’t just think about what you want to say – think about what they will want to hear. Are they senior board members or junior staff, colleagues or external clients? Any inside information you can find out beforehand, and include in your speech, will help win over the crowd. Research the venue location. List any equipment you will need and check it is available, set up and working before your arrival. It is sensible to have a plan B in case of glitches, such as a power cut or a last minute room change.

First class delivery

Everyone dreads having to sit through a presentation that starts boringly or rambles on, so keep it focused and short. Get audience attention at the start by challenging an assumption, or setting a scene. Use simple everyday language, avoiding jargon, clichés or elaborate words. Keep your message punchy and direct. Build interest. Start by asking your audience what matters to them. Explain how you’re going to address that, using key points and illustrations.Then explain your point, relating back to their needs. Conclude by explaining how this new info will bring them nearer to their goal.

Make a lasting impression

Matching your appearance to your message helps you come across as authentic and professional. Athletes have a time-honoured rule that you should wear nothing new on the day of a big race! Ensure your outfit allows you to ‘dress down’, simply by removing a jacket, for example. Use dashes of colours or appropriate accessories that will help you stand out from the crowd.

Body Language

Only 7% of the message you deliver is in the words you say.The rest is via body language and voice intonation. Face your audience, shoulders relaxed, keeping your hands loose by your side. Too much gesturing comes across as false and distracting, so practice your speech in a mirror to iron out unhelpful mannerisms.There is no point making a speech if no one can hear you, so speak up and check your volume with the audience at the start, if unsure. Make plenty of eye contact with different members of the audience throughout your speech, using a sweeping ‘lighthouse’ technique. And remember to smile!

Read: Perfect your Presentations, by Steve Shipside (Dorling Kindersley, 2006).