Presentation Skills Tips From a Pro

Do you have a presentation coming up? Are you worried you might forget something? Here are ten preparation tips I've learned from 20 years of giving speeches and training sessions:

1) Confirm the time, date, location and number of people in the audience.

2) Prior to your session, interview 3 or 4 people in your potential audience to determine their needs, as well as their training likes and dislikes. That will help you tailor your presentation to your audience for better results.

3) Pack a "presenter's kit" with your audiovisual materials, handouts, markers, masking tape (for taping up completed flipchart pages), pens, and anything else you normally use during a presentation. Keep this bag ready at your desk so you have everything in one spot when you need to make a presentation.

4) Avoid excessive caffeine before your presentation. Caffeine will heighten any feelings of nervousness you may have.

5) Eat a light meal or snack before presenting. An empty stomach magnifies nervous feelings while a heavy, fat filled meal may make you feel sluggish and less alert.

6) Arrive at your location early so you can get set up your presentation.

7) Most people feel nervous when they begin a presentation. Also, most audience members remember the last thing a presenter says. So, practice your opening and closing statements until you can deliver them smoothly.

8) Have a glass or bottle of water available. Take a sip of water to keep your throat moist and your voice clear.

9) Have a clock available so you can keep track of time. You can purchase a small, travel clock and place it on your podium or table. (If you keep looking at your watch, the audience members will start looking at their watches.)

10) Smile! You will feel happier and more energetic and your audience will respond more positively to you.

Related tips:
This article gives 7 questions you should ask before your next speech or presentation. This related story shows you don't have to be perfect, to have an impact.