Do I need presentation skills for a business networking event?
This article was provided by Adam Thwaites, Head of Marketing at The CPD Certification Service, the world’s leading and largest CPD accreditation organisation and home of myCPD Portal, a free online CPD record tool to help manage, track and log ongoing Continuing Professional Development in one simple place.
Do I need presentation skills for business networking?
Presentation skills are an important element to have when looking to promote your organisation at business networking events. However the confidence, knowhow, and experience to give good presentations, and to comfortably stand up in front of an audience of potential strangers does not come easily to everyone. Presentation skills can be learnt, and once the basic skills are in place to speak and present confidently, delivery of your presentations at business networking events will become easier each time it is done.
Presentations skills - simple tips to get you started
Here are some very simple presentation skills tips to help you get started presenting at business networking events.
1. Fear is ok
It is normal to be worried about speaking in public. You are not alone; we all feel it. It is how you manage your fear that is the first step to improving your business networking presentation skills. Most presenting fears relate to simple factors, lack of confidence, lack of control, fear of uncertainty, fear of the unknown. Simply reduce your fears by preparing properly. Prepare, practice, and then practice again. Simple, and effective. Familiarise yourself with the content of your business networking presentation and become comfortable with the sequence of your slides. Test run your introductory speech and your closing summary. Reflect on what went well, what can be improved, and try again. Fear is ok, simply direct it to help reduce your concerns and calm your nerves.
2. Stress is normal
Presenting in front of an audience can be stressful, irrespective of how much experience you have. We all wish to get it right, impress, and represent our organisations professionally. But remember that stress can stop you focusing on what you need to focus on, so let’s not overstress. Your audience are not a foe you must conquer, and it is often you are expecting perfect, not them. Presentation skills advice is to just be human, be helpful, be informative and give it a good try. That’s really all that matters, and most of your audience will be on your side because they admire the courage to stand up and present, and sometimes would rather it be you than them!
3. Take the lead
It is ok to be assertive and take the lead when presenting to a room of people at a business networking event. In almost all circumstances, your audience is in a passive state of listening and learning, and therefore fine to be led by you on the subject you are explaining. Managing and controlling the environment in the right way can help to build confidence in your presentation abilities and expertise.
4. Get to the point
Do not wait unnecessarily to get to the core of your presentations. Attention spans can be short if your audience is not interested, but attention spans grow with interest. Presentations with good case studies and examples help to engage your audience and will improve on your overall presentation skills. Keep information concise, helpful and relevant. Help audience members relate to the points you raise.
5. No sorry needed
It is a common pitfall, mostly due to nerves and fear, to apologise for minor errors and irrelevant factors. Being frank, this unfortunately can display a lack of confidence and control when presenting at your business networking event. Only apologise if there is a real need and there has been a serious error that requires attention. Minor errors can be laughed off, are humorous and even entertaining. Lighten the mood where suitable and relax the environment by being relaxed yourself. Remember it is normal and human to make mistakes. A positive, friendly, and enjoyable presentation is far more important than being perfect.
6. Relax, have fun and enjoy yourself
If you really want to improve your presentation skills, start with the basics. Learn the technology you are using, learn the slides you are delivering, and practice your own skills and abilities. Your ability to relax is half the battle, the other is preparation. Whilst the presentation subject may be serious or heavy, the delivery does not. Good presentation skills are engaging. If you need to know how to relax, take some deep breaths, slow your breathing down, take your time and smile. Have a glass of water ready for coughs when your mouth is dry.
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