How To Be An Effective & Successful Presenter

 

My 11-year old’s class is working on STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.  The teacher sent out a call to parents requesting their help teaching these subjects.  Since I failed all STEM type classes in school I replied that I couldn’t be of assistance but would like to be, to which the teacher responded I could teach them, as little STEMers, to effectively present their ideas on stage.

On it.

So, in full disclosure, this is a very simple course I put together for my daughter’s class of 6th graders, yet I feel it applies to anyone looking to become better at the craft.  And luckily, I’ve been working for a full year on my next Online Training Course called “Stage Craft & Presence”, and this is a pared down version of what will be taught if you want to join us.

 

1. PREPARATION

a. Take the time to research, create, and gather the thoughts you want to talk about

b. Carefully craft your presentation, either word for word, or in an outline, of the points you want to teach

c. Read, practice, look up at the pretend audience as much as possible, only glancing down occasionally

d. Create a visual experience for the listener as we remember 70% of what we see compared to 15% of what we hear:

1. Include photos, slides, graphs, or charts

2. Utilize quotes, points, graphics to enhance the story or lesson

e. Consider utilizing every talent you have, such as comedy, singing, playing an instrument, memorization, problem solving, or solving a Rubic’s cube – do something that will impress and shows off your gifts!

f. Be Entertaining – The most effective presenters have a way of being entertaining while educating

g. Be Engaging – In what way can the Audience DO something, rather than just sitting and listening?  Either clapping from laughing, dancing, filling out your hand-outs, discussing points with one another and their experiences, etc.

 

2. PRESENCE

a. Before showtime, ensure that you are fully Present: voice warmed up, body energized, eyes and face able to move

b. Clothing & Appearance – What you wear and how you look speaks volumes about who you are, how you care for yourself, and the degree to which you want to be taken seriously or not

c. Be Confident – If you have worked hard to create this presentation be confident you are ready to give it

d. Know your Stage and The Area – Find the Answers to these Questions before going on Stage:

1. Will you use a mic?  How should you hold the mic?

2. Can you use slides?   Did you bring slides on a laptop or your phone?  Can slides connect to the system?

3. Are you using music or showing a video?  How will music be played or amplified?

4. Who will be introducing you and what will they say?

5. Confirm how long they would like you to present.

e. Awareness, meditation, self-talk and mantras – This performance is a gift to the audience and to you: Be Present

 

 

3. PERFORMANCE 

a. Command the Stage – Act like you are The Boss and know what you’re talking about

b. Look forward, up at the audience, do not bury face in notes or read words, glance quickly down and back up

c. Smile, look happy and inviting, and be serious, sad, or excited, depending on the emotion you want to evoke

d. Body – Stance, posture, use of hands, where to be on stage, when to walk, when to pause

e. Voice – Pitch, elevation, enunciation, dynamics in tone, to tell a story, joke, or quote

f. Power of the Pause – When you’ve said something profound or funny, always pause to drive it home

g. Gracious in receiving applause, adoration, and acceptance

h. How to handle a tough audience (not watching, not participating, checking their phones, etc)

g. How to get a Standing Ovation – Power of suggestion, be so good it’s natural, manufacture one if necessary