Presentation Skills

Course Description

In this 2-day course, new and experienced presenters learn how to prepare presentations and deliver them confidently, persuasively, and powerfully. Participants learn a step-by-step process and use a set of worksheets to learn skills that can be applied to a variety of types of presentations. Participants will give a minimum of three presentations and will receive developmental feedback after each presentation.

Course Objectives

• Learn a step-by-step process for developing and delivering a presentation.
• Learn how to deal with nervousness, how to handle questions, and how to project enthusiasm.
• Get practice in developing and giving presentations by giving several presentations.
• Know how to organize a presentation using the Introduction-Body-Conclusion format.
• Know how to research and analyze a topic and determine a focus for the presentation.
• Know how to choose words and sentence structures appropriate to an oral presentation.
• Know how to engage the audience and make the presentation interesting
• Know how to develop and use visuals effectively.
• Know how to handle objections and other kinds of questions.
• Understand the role of intangible aspects of an effective presentation such as energy projection and audience rapport and how to achieve them.

Course Length: 2 days

Course Outline

Day 1

1. Introductions

Groups of 3 – Make a list of things you want to learn about making a presentation by the end of the two-day course. One person in each group will: 1) introduce self and others, and 2) present the group’s list.

1. Course Overview – Three main objectives:

• Learn a step-by-step process for developing and delivering a presentation.
• Learn how to deal with nervousness, how to handle questions, and how to project enthusiasm.
• Get practice in developing and giving presentations by giving several presentations.
• Introduction
  • How to engage your audience – Discussion
  • Types of presentations
  • Presentation delivery methods

1. Presentation 1 – Tell a story.
2. 7 Steps to Successful Presentations

• Step 1 – Choose a topic/Clarify your objective.
• Step 2 – Define your audience.
• Discussion – Who is your audience? List the characteristics.

1. Activity – How to Introduce a Speaker

Participants interview a colleague, whom they will introduce on Day 2, when the colleague presents.

• 7 Steps to Successful Presentations
• Step 3 – Identify the main point and 3-5 supporting points.
• Step 4 – Write the presentation.
• PowerPoint Presentations
• Tutorial – How to create a PP.
• Process – Participants work with their partners, or individually, to make a Power Point presentation to use in their presentation.

Day 2

1. Presentation Language
2. 7 Steps to Successful Presentations
   • Step 5 – Add Visuals.

1. 7 Steps to Successful Presentations
   • Step 6 – Practice the presentation. How to get feedback.

• 7 Steps to Successful Presentations
  • Step 7 – Deliver the presentation.
  • Project a positive image.
  • Handle nervousness.
  • Handle Questions and Objections.
• The Role of the Presenter
• Final Practice

1. Presentation 2

• Each presenter is introduced by his/her partner.
• Each presenter receives feedback from the instructor following the presentation.
• Summary
• Making changes in your presentation content and style.
• Using your worksheets and other tools.