4 Critical Pillars for Persuasive Presentations most Executives should be using. Part 2
/In the introductory blog of this series, we explored the first 2 pillars of my powerful communication strategy: Language and Pronunciation. We uncovered their integral roles in executive communication.
This piece will focus on the remaining 2 pillars: Presentation Techniques and Voice & Body Language.
3. Presentation Techniques
Rather than immediately diving into PowerPoint to craft your slides, let's start at the very beginning. Ask yourself:
• Why am I presenting?
• What are my communication objectives?
• What changes do I wish to ignite?
• How should my audience feel after hearing me?
• What actions do I want them to take in response to my presentation?
I urge clients to construct a concise communication goal, embedding emotional phrases and action-oriented verbs that mirror the change they seek within their organisation. This becomes the ‘fil rouge’ (one of my favourite French expressions!) or the common thread interweaving your words, slides, voice, and gestures, guiding your presentation from start to finish.
Have you heard of the 'primacy recency effect' in learning? This concept demonstrates that individuals primarily recall the first and last things they hear. Therefore, mastering presentation techniques involves crafting powerful beginnings to captivate your audience instantly, and strong endings to leave them with clear expectations and an understanding of the next steps.
Looking ahead to next year, 2024, experts predict that 75% of our meetings will be online, and it won't stop there. Presentations and conferences are set to go the same digital way. So, what does this mean for you? Well, your PowerPoint slides are going to be the main act, the superstar of the show, while you get tucked away into a tiny box on the screen. Brace yourself, the era of PowerPoint taking centre stage is fast approaching!
Interestingly, few clients seek assistance with slide creation, even though it's an area where all professionals could use some guidance. Often, their fantastic ideas and improved messaging, after some language, voice and body work, get overshadowed by overloaded, static, and sometimes, dull slides. To combat this 'Death by PowerPoint', I've developed a 7-step 'Think Visually' process to turn professionals into 'mini designers' capable of creating compelling visuals without needing to be graphic design experts.
The results speak for themselves, as my clients tell me whilst it takes more effort and preparation, it’s easier and feels great to present with an engaging, animated deck.
4. Voice and Body Language
Our voices are intricate instruments that often go unexplored unless we take singing or acting lessons. This means we are not taught how to use our voice and so don’t appreciate the power we have. This is crucial as when we begin to speak, we create an impression just like our physical appearance does.
• Are you aware of how you sound?
• What does your voice convey about you and your expertise?
• Do you naturally have a charismatic and varied voice, or is it somewhat monotonous?
You see, our voice is a habit, a set of behaviours we've developed over time, often influenced in our younger years by those we admire. We use it effortlessly and feel comfortable with it.
But are we using it optimally?
The good news is, like all behaviours we can change and optimise our vocal persona, much like a musical instrument, to engage our listeners so they listen attentively and are inspired to change.
Moving onto body language, studies reveal that our nonverbals comprise up to 60% of our communication! Although this statistic is widely disputed, the true figure is still considered to be high! You see, our brain rapidly makes multiple millisecond judgements, based on sight and sound, from the moment we meet someone. Posture and our gestures are crucial, as they affect our perceived authority and leadership capabilities. And as a result, you can exert more influence on your audience.
To help my clients, I've broken down body language into five segments: posture, movement, eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures. Each plays a unique role in amplifying your messages and enhancing your presence, online and in person.
Start Mastering the 4 Pillars
It’s very evident that mastering these 4 pillars can drastically improve your public speaking skills and magnify your impact. However, becoming a proficient speaker takes time, practice, and guidance.
Public speaking often induces fear and stress, which can inhibit your growth as a professional. The symptoms can be crippling: a racing heart, your mind goes blank, a shaky voice etc.
Enlisting the help of an experienced communication coach is important, providing invaluable guidance in overcoming any obstacles you might face as well as feedback on what you’re doing well and what can really improve your performance.
Having coached clients globally, I've found these anxieties and obstacles to be very common, affecting everyone at all levels throughout an organisation and across all disciplines.
If you're ready to master these communication pillars and conquer your fears, then I invite you to book a consultation with me. On this call, we'll identify your main challenges and strategise the key pillars that are going to elevate your speaking skills so you and others will quickly see noticeable improvements.
There’s never been a better time to uplevel your communication skills. Schedule a consultation today and embark on your journey to becoming an impactful and confident public speaker.
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10 Practical Presentation Techniques to Make a Bigger Impact in Each & Every Talk (+5 Bonus tips for Non-Native English Speakers)
If you would like to discuss your organisation’s (corporate, NGOs, Associations and Universities) Public speaking or Presentation skills needs, I offer free 30-minute consultations through my site. I’d love to meet you