Message Selection

Every presentation should have simple, clear messages that you can say and that your presentation detail supports. But how do you know which messages to use? And where do you start?

Begin by thinking about your topic. List all the points that you could make to your audience. This long list is the "meta data" on your topic. Will you use all these points in every talk you give? Probably not. So, review the list with your audience's experience and goals in mind and then select the most appropriate messages for that audience.

The more you know about your audience, the easier this process becomes, so always begin by getting to know this very important group.

You may think that setting your objectives before a presentation is the best approach. It is a good start, but it's only half the story. Think about your audience: whose objectives do they care about most -- the presenters, or their own? Generally, they care most about their own, so always ask the group what their objectives are at the beginning of your talk and incorporate as appropriate.

Articulation

Make your message stronger by using your physical being to support your topic.

• Eye Contact: Connect - Make a point - Move on.
  Instead of scanning the audience with your eyes, make direct eye connect with a member of the group, state your point and then move to another pair of eyes to make your next point.
  
• Voice: Get loud to get animated.
  Volume adds natural animation to your voice, which engages your listener's ear. Remember, belief is conveyed through enthusiasm, so make sure you believe in what you are presenting.
  
• Gestures: Natural and appropriate.
  The gestures you use in a presentation should be the ones you use naturally. They should also be appropriate to your content and your audience. When not making a gesture, your hands should fall naturally at your sides.
  
• Posture: Grounded stance, with deliberate movement.
  A balanced stance communicates professionalism and gives a speaker presence. Stand with your feet hip's width apart and with your weight evenly balanced. If you move, move with purpose and re-balance your body.
  
• Vocal Pauses: Replace with a silent pause.
  If you have forgotten your next point, stop talking completely. Move silently from one pair of eyes to another until you have regained your train of thought.
  
• Professional Image/Dress: Professional and appropriate.
  Clothing should be easy to move in, comfortable for you, the speaker, to wear and appropriate for your audience. Final note: if it makes noise or distracts the audience, take it off.