10 tips for presenting better

Who escapes being able to present well these days? Job interviews, a convincing pitch for your manager or giving a company presentation. All these activities rely on your presentation skills. In this article we share 10 tips to take your presentation skills to the next level!

Tip 1: Provide 1 core message

Did you know that only 10% of everything you tell is actually remembered by the listener? Therefore, start and end with the core message of your presentation. Follow the structure of: announce, tell and repeat.

Tip 2: Practice as much as Steve Jobs did

Prepare your presentation well, know what you want to say and practice your presentation a few times in advance. This provides extra confidence during your "moment of fame. Steve Jobs' presentations seemed so effortless for a reason; he practiced his entire story in advance.

Tip 3: Go for power posing

33% of communication consists of body language such as posture and gestures. Take advantage of that! A powerful posture creates self-confidence and standing up straight helps control your breathing better which keeps you calm. Therefore, just before your presentation, literally make yourself as tall as possible for 2 minutes. This will help you suffer less from nerves.

Tip 4: Use metaphors to make your point

Research continues to show that your story is better remembered when you work with metaphors. In addition, you make your presentation even more personal in this way, making listeners more likely to be captivated.

Tip 5: Choose images that support

90% of all the information we absorb comes through our eyes, and it only takes 1/4th of a second to determine the meaning of a symbol. Therefore, use powerful images that support your story. Avoid using too many, though. This can lead to confusion for the listener.

Tip 6: Get in the game

Your audience is inclined to do almost anything you ask them to do, as long as it is fun accessible enough. Therefore, add a game element to your presentation and tell the audience in advance that they can win a prize if they remember certain things from your presentation.

Tip 7: Know your space

Make sure you can be understood and your slides are easy to see. To test that really well, before your presentation, sit in the back chair for a while and test the sound and picture of your presentation. In addition, make sure there is enough room for the audience and know where you can walk so you don't disappear from view. By taking in your space well, you can be more responsive to the audience.

Tip 8: Take a break

Pauses are key during a presentation. Both for yourself and for your audience. By taking an occasional sip of water or taking deep breaths in and out, you maintain the calmness of your story and avoid talking fast. Will your workshop last longer than an hour? Then give your audience time for pee or drink breaks.

Tip 9: Speak with passion

Research shows that enthusiasm radiates energy and is attractive. Therefore, speak with passion and enthusiasm. Think about what really gets you excited and incorporate this into your story so you can connect with your audience.

Tip 10: Apply the 10-20-30 rule

Our last tip is about your overall presentation. Try to stick to the 10-20-30 rule. What exactly does that mean? A maximum of 10 slides you show, don't talk for more than 20 minutes at a stretch and use a font in your presentation of at least 30pt.

More tips for improving your presentation skills?

In our online learning platform you will find an extensive range of online training courses aimed at improving presentation skills, such as the e-learning "Presenting like a pro," the webinar "Professional pitching" and much more.

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