BUS603: Managing People

Contribute to the success of your presentation by optimizing the environment. 

1. CHOOSE A "RIGHT SIZED" ROOM

People are sensitive to how full a room is. Choose a room that will accommodate the expected number of guests but not leave much room left over. A lot of empty space can make your turnout look weak and detract from your impact. 

If you can't change the space, remove extra chairs and pull the remaining ones into a semi-circle. In a space with lots of extra chairs, people will naturally sit near the back or far apart from each other. Having people squeeze into fewer chairs gets them talking to each other and increases the anticipation level in the room. 

2. CHECK YOUR TECH

Technology is both a blessing and a curse in presentations. To help reduce the stress and increase the success, use the following technology checklist:

• If you are relying on slides or a microphone, make sure you arrive early enough to practice.
• Bring extra cords and connectors.
• Bring a printed copy of your notes and slides.
• Check the volume on a microphone and know how to change it.
• Test out the remote control - or bring your own.
• Most crucial - create a backup plan in case your tech fails you.

3. PUSH THE PODIUM ASIDE

A podium is a good place to keep your water bottle, but don't hide behind it. People trust you more when they can see your whole body, and you'll be able to use the floor space to keep your audience's attention and make your points clear. Similarly, don't just stand beside the screen. Your slides and visual aids are there to support you, not the other way around.

Make sure to bring appropriate adaptors if your tech device is not compatible with all systems; i.e. Mac vs. PC.

4. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

Yep. Three times. That's the magic number for confidence and success. Don't write out your talk word for word and try to memorize it - that approach uses a different part of your brain that's not as nimble. If you try to deliver a memorized speech and lose concentration or forget a word, you feel sunk. But if you have good notes and practice your talk three full times in front of a co-worker (or even your smartphone's camera), you provide your brain with a solid but flexible framework. Practice also gives you an innate sense of timing, helping you know whether to stretch or cut your content to end on time.

5. PLAN TO SHOW UP CLEAN AND TIDY

Make sure you show up fresh, clean, and dressed one step above the audience average. Depending on the importance of the event and your own fashion awareness, asking for dress advice can be useful. Wrinkles, baggy knees, uneven hems, and stains are all distracting and reduce audience confidence.