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Communicating effectively through presentations
- 1. European Public Health Alliance Communicating effectively Tamsin Rose Brussels, 19 December 2005
- 2. Its not just what you say but how you say it. Most communication is nonverbal communication, e.g: Eye contact - signals interest in others and builds credibility. Facial expressions - smiling is contagious, perceived as likable, friendly, warm approachable. Gestures - unanimated speakers seen as boring, stiff, less convincing. Posture and body orientation - how you walk, stand, sit. Erect but leaning forward signifies receptiveness, alertness. Open, exposed body is best to create trust. Proximity or distance - use of space and relationship to audience - think about whether to use a podium or not.
- 3. The voice is a musical instrument Tone - e.g conversational, unstrained Pitch and Timbre - think about resonance Rhythm - speed and flow of your words Pauses or silence - can be effective, Volume - increase or decrease to match messages Inflection (I love my car, I love my car, I love my car ). Modulated voices are easier to listen to, remembered well and perceived as more interesting. Use your voice to change the energy and dynamics of the audience.
- 4. Preparation makes all the difference Do your homework - who is the audience (numbers, nationality, background), who are the other speakers, what is your time allocation Practice reading out loud the whole speech or presentation. Get used to the sound of your voice. Check the timing, identify areas where the words don’t flow well. Practice re-focusing your eyes quickly from the distance (audience) to close-up (text). Practice projecting your voice , breathing from the diaphragm. Sip water …avoid heavy meals, coffee or tea just before you speak
- 5. Story-telling is an art we all know Start by brainstorming all the ideas you can produce on the subject. Think about what this audience should hear (key messages) and eliminate the unnecessary facts/issues. Re-order your key messages into a logical order . Think about concrete examples you can use to illustrate the ideas, look for graphics, maps or photos to add to your presentation. Remember to take the audience with you on a journey. Plan your presentation with a starting point, a few key landmarks on the way and a final destination. If your time is cut short, you can go straight to the destination. Share and publish your presentation to increase the impact
- 6. European Public Health Alliance 39-41 Rue d´Arlon B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel : +32-2 230 30 56 Fax : +32-2 233 38 80 [email_address] www.epha.org