The
second presentation technique provides a warning when
dealing with:
Technical
Terms
If you are a specialist in a particular field guard
against the temptation
of using technical terms before a lay audience.
It
may indicate you are highly qualified in your field
but if no one understands what you are saying what's
the point?
Drawing
from history, Abraham Lincoln in his first
address to Congress used the expression "sugar-coated".
A personal friend suggested this phrase was not dignified
enough given the audience that would be hearing it.
Lincoln's
reply?
"If
you think the time will ever come when the people
will not understand what 'sugar-coated' means, I'll
alter it; otherwise, I think I'll
let it go."
The
lesson: Use terms and expressions the audience
can immediately
understand.
Avoid technical terms unknown to your audience. If
you have to use them, make sure you explain them.
Using
a Thesaurus is another great presentation technique
which will enhance your style of presentation:
Use
A Thesaurus
Once
you have selected the material you intend to include
in your speech, make generous use of a Thesaurus so
you use a wide variety of colorful,
emotion-arousing words.
Instead
of using the word 'beautiful' over and over, try alternatives
such as: gorgeous, superb, elegant, picturesque, exquisite,
magnificent. Roget's Thesaurus is available
online at thesaurus.reference.com/
Whether
you are speaking in a large auditorium or smaller
conference room, this presentation technique will
do much to reduce anxiety:
Check
The Environment
If
time allows, become familiar with the room or hall
where you will deliver your presentation. Walk around,
sit in different parts of the room or hall, get
a feel for the environment.
Get
on the platform or stand at the front and pause for
a few minutes taking in the scene before you. This
helps greatly in reducing nervousness
and helps with visualization techniques.
Newer
public speakers will benefit greatly from this suggestion:
Rehearsals
To
express your ideas clearly they need to be clear in
your own mind. Often it's not until we try to put
something into words we realize we don't fully understand
the idea to the extent we thought we did.
That's
why practicing
our presentation out loud,
in private, is so important. Rehearsals
iron out the wrinkles so we do all our fumbling and
groping for words in private so we can present a smooth,
clear explanation in public.
These
presentation techniques can do much to help you put
together a presentation full of great material your
audience will love and help you deliver it in a confident
way that will be remembered.
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Mastering
Public Speaking: 6 Advice Notes For Powerful Presentations
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public speaking techniques, public speaking technique,
