Public speaking in a business setting isn’t always easy. Fortunately, there are things you can do to improve. Follow these 6 tips for a corporate presentation that the job done effectively.
1. Who are You?
Introduce yourself. Right from the start it is important to state who you are and why you are the best person to deliver your presentation. List meaningful credentials to give your audience an idea of why they should sit up and take notice of what you have to say. Don’t ramble on—keep it short and sweet.
2. Keep Credible
Now that your audience understands your expertise, make sure you keep them engaged by sharing supporting facts that highlight your topic. Include this information in your slides, in your actual verbal presentation, and make use of stories, statistics, and quotations that back up your claims. Do remember to state the original sources.
3. Shock Your Audience
This is the time to startle your audience into listening. Include unexpected, yet relevant, facts that you can sprinkle in your presentation to get your audience listening–and to keep them engaged. While there might be no getting away from bullet points and paragraphs, the extra information you choose to include makes it memorable.
4. Location, Location, Location
The location of your talk will go a long way in helping you to deliver a knockout corporate presentation. Lackluster buffets, subpar audio and visual equipment, and a drab environment aren’t going to put your audience in a receptive mood. Knowing how to present is half the battle. Choosing the right space to present in could provide the boost you need to succeed.
Both Copelands of New Orleans-Atlanta locations (in Kennesaw and Cumberland) have banquet space available for corporate presentations. The Main Banquet room is the Mardi Gras banquet room and accommodates up to 70 guests. At Cumberland we have a second banquet room, the French Quarter room, which is themed as a New Orleans Courtyard and accommodates up to 30 guests. The Mardi Gras Banquet room has a Full A/V system in both stores, including wireless handheld and lavalier microphones for you to use.
5. Practice Until Perfect
Preparation is the name of the game. All the startling facts in the world can’t save an unprepared speaker. Rehearse your presentation until you can say it in your sleep. Practice advancing your slides, time your speech to be sure you are meeting any guidelines, and make sure your message is cohesive and clear.
6. Q&A Session
Corporate presenters should save time for a little Q&A at the end of their presentation. Don’t get caught off-guard by your audience. Come up with a list of questions the audience may have, then work on your responses. Be prepared to defend what you’ve said, just in case someone brings up a differing perspective.