Use this expert advice on how to make your next big talk just a little bit easier.
Structure is your friend.
(But you might still improvise.)
My presentations are usually live workshops, ranging from a few hours to a full five days.
I begin by jotting down ideas or recording themes while driving.
From there I’ll sit down with a cup of tea (a must!)
and structure the timing of my talk or workshop.
I design the exercises I plan on teaching and mentally run through them.
If I had known the power of structure back then I’d saved myself much stress.
2. verify you have a pointand passion.
For phone and Skype calls, the goal is to stay seated.
3. you’ve got the option to never start preparing too early.
There really is no substitute for preparation.
Put in the hours.
Know what your goals are bothforthe presentation andwiththe presentation.
Sound like youre having a conversation, not lecturing.
A top-notch presentation is part art and part science.
Plus youre preparing all your data, charts, and pictures.
But then when you deliver the text it cant sound rehearsed.
It has to seem spontaneous and organic.
Doing that really well, especially with the backdrop of all that prepthats the art.
Sally Kohn, Columnist, CNN Political Commentator
Sally Kohn is presentingWhat Lives Matter?
A Conversation on Humanity and Policing in Communitiesat the Summit at Sea.
Be clear on your message.
My tip is to get out there and present often.
The more you do it the easier it gets.
Also remember that the more you focus your message, the better.
Come up with a Top Ten list related to your topic.
Different strategies work for different people, and different types of presentations.
For me, the more comfortable I am with the material I’m presenting, the better.
The best presentations are substantive, where you are actually conveying something new.
I take a stab at respect the audiences time and use humor or audience interaction to keep them engaged.
I prefer note cards to reading a speech and will often use graphic slides as cues.
The more comfortable you are more enjoyable it is for the audienceso have fun!
