Increasingly, we are called upon at work to make presentations to groups, both large and small. Our performance is often judged on how professionally we handle these occasions – and how well we get our point across to others.

In an article I read on Fortune.com about calming your public speaking jitters, even Sir Richard Branson says how he “loathe(s) making speeches, and always (has). I deliver a lot of them these days, but it’s almost as true today as it was when I first spoke in public as a student some 50-odd years ago.”

“Back then, my school was having a contest in which we had to memorize a short speech and present it to the other students. If we stumbled at any point, we were “gonged,” which ended the speech. I remember being scared half to death when my turn came and I had to stand in front of my classmates; I still break out in a cold sweat just thinking back to the excruciating experience.”

http://www.ceo.com/flink/?lnk=http%3A%2F%2Ffortune.com%2Fleadership%2Frichard-branson-on-how-to-calm-public-speaking-jitters%2F&id=322746

So it’s not so bad to hear that even Sir Richard gets the jitters as well! Watch this video of him to see his public speaking in action https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpI2wheL85Q

But it’s worth remembering that it’s not just about the speaking part of presentation.

93% of our message comes not from the words we use but from the way we say them and our body language as we say them – a key point for all presenters to remember!

Use these 5 Top Tips to sharpen up your presentation delivery skills.

1. Your words

7% of your message comes from the ACTUAL WORDS YOU USE.

The exact words you choose to use will be largely determined by the needs of your audience. Only use jargon in its rightful place.

Take care to be very specific in your choice of words, as different people can understand the same word in very different ways.

For example, the word ‘frequently’ can mean anything from 40% of the time to 80% depending upon whom you ask! Whenever possible, quantify exactly what you mean to reduce misunderstandings and assumptions.

Always check the spelling on any visual aids that you have prepared. A visual headed ‘Stratergy – the Next 5 Years’ is NOT the best start to your presentation!

2. Your voice

38% of your message comes from how you say your words.

There’s nothing more tedious than listening to a presentation offered in a monotonous tone of voice.

A voice that moves up and down the piano scale is far more interesting. Try to vary the pitch, pace and power of your voice and add variety and emphasis. Above all, speak clearly and speak up! Placing different emphasis on words and the tone of your voice can make a significant difference to the meaning of the words you use.

For example, “I never said Helen was the greatest presenter.” By placing emphasis on a different word of the above sentence, can lead us to EIGHT possible interpretations of the same words!

Expression:- You should show how enthusiastic you are by injecting expression into what you are saying. If YOU are not enthusiastic about your subject then you can hardly expect your audience to be!

3. Posture, movement and gestures

55% of the message you communicate comes from your non-verbal behaviour (body language) – your posture, gestures, facial expression, eye contact, movement etc.

Stand with your head and chin up, your rib cage high and your stomach pulled in. When you’re standing, push your head as high as you can – feel it stretching. Then let your shoulders slump as if trying to lift a heavy object from the floor.

Keep your feet slightly apart with the weight evenly distributed. Make your movements purposeful, for example to change sides or to take questions.

Too much movement becomes a distraction for the audience, so watch out for that.

Avoid unnecessary gestures, i.e. ones that do not help you to communicate your message such as hair twiddling or rattling change in your pockets. Your gestures should be natural, expressive and clear.

The key is spontaneity and moderation.

4. Eye contact

“The eyes are the window to the soul.”

Your eye contact should be a simple, natural expression of your interest and commitment.

It will help you to establish rapport and come across with sincerity and help to maintain attention.

Maintain regular, even eye contact with all the audience not your slides. Scan around like a lighthouse – allow 3-4 seconds with each person. And don’t focus too much on ‘the friendly face’ in the group – or they won’t be friendly for long!

When answering questions, give 80% of your attention and eye contact to the questioner and 20% to the rest of the audience.

5. Avoid creating barriers

Good presenters get close to their audience. A U-shape room layout is ideal for allowing you to move forward and take your message into the audience.

Use a remote control so you can step away from your laptop and easily change slides from anywhere in the room.

Standing behind a desk, lectern or flipchart stand immediately sets up a barrier between you and your audience and should be avoided.

Need more tips and advice for presentation delivery skills?

Check out the new Creativedge ‘Top 10 Tips’ App Want more skills and tips about presenting? Download the new Creativedge apps available now for iPhone, Android and Windows smartphones https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/top-10-tips/id796349890?mt=8

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