Public Speaking: Executive Presentations

Even veteran managers often feel butterflies in their stomach the moment they hear the term ‘presentation.’  This is mainly because of the inherent fear of: “How will your audience judge you.” Since most of us often feel our preparation to be inadequate, our confidence takes a beating and we tremble with the very thought of making a presentation. However, if you are an executive and wish to climb up the stairs of success, you need to have proper executive presentation skills. So, if you already don’t have it, make the move today to get trained.

To begin with, you should have good command over the subject of your presentation. However, you should also know how to use some presentation skills resources, which in turn can make a huge difference to what you say. PowerPoint slides and charts can help you a lot with your executive presentation. Make sure to use a balanced mix of facts and images to generate the right impression. Too much of any one of these can spoil the whole event.   

If you are using charts, know when and how to flip them. Use your hand closer to the stand to point to the chart and flip the pages. Using the hand that’s away from the stand will have to cross over your body and the chart therefore blocking you and the chart. This may distract your audience.

You should also maintain eye contact with the audience and take proper pauses to drive home your point. Don’t rush through your presentation. Rather, pace it evenly, or mix and match the pace - speeding up a bit sometimes and slowing down at other moments, to give a roller-coaster feel to your voice and presentation.

Lastly, be confident. Have some back-up plans ready should you get stuck somewhere. Admit that it’s just human to make mistakes. So, if you make some blunders, don’t freeze with fear. Rather, act smart and cover up for them by either using your presence of mind or making the charts or slides come to your rescue.

In brief, prepare well, polish your executive presentation skills and make the mark once you are out there.