Presentations

[heavenstar 0]

I need your help!

I am not a public speaker-- AT ALL! In fact, every month at the birthday party, I have to write down the entertainers name in order to introduce them or else I start stammering and Um, Hmm, Uh- ing and forget it!

 

I was just asked to do a 2 HOUR presentation at a National conference in Pennsylvania in October based on my programs and activities relating to Aging in Place.

 

It is such an honor for me to do this-- and a great opportunity, I can't say no. Also, I know I have 2 hours worth of material-- so that isn't the problem.

 

The problem (which is where YOU come in) is how to make the presentation great! When you go to conferences and meetings, what stands out to you? What areas should I focus on?

 

For example, audience participation always keeps me interested-

But, handouts don't- they just give me somehting to doodle on- especially if the speaker is boring!

 

Thanks

[Miguel 4]

Hi Heaven Star!

Be Confident.. Whenever I do speaking presentations it’s hard to not get nervous. Just know that you know your material and you’re just teaching others how to be better. Be Humorous, it’s important to not show your nervousness and being humorous helps ease the discomfort of being in front of others.

 

You will be GREAT!

 

-Miguel

[Sara 0]

I need your help!

I am not a public speaker-- AT ALL! In fact, every month at the birthday party, I have to write down the entertainers name in order to introduce them or else I start stammering and Um, Hmm, Uh- ing and forget it!

 

I was just asked to do a 2 HOUR presentation at a National conference in Pennsylvania in October based on my programs and activities relating to Aging in Place.

 

It is such an honor for me to do this-- and a great opportunity, I can't say no. Also, I know I have 2 hours worth of material-- so that isn't the problem.

 

The problem (which is where YOU come in) is how to make the presentation great! When you go to conferences and meetings, what stands out to you? What areas should I focus on?

 

For example, audience participation always keeps me interested-

But, handouts don't- they just give me somehting to doodle on- especially if the speaker is boring!

 

Thanks

 

It sounds like you already have some good ideas. Handouts for me are great ... I can add notes and not have to spend my time writing in a frenzy instead of listening to the speaker. Knowing your material, and the way you'll present it, is the most important part .... practice practice practice. Also, be very careful to have inflection in your voice ... monotones put me into a dead zone.

 

Graphics keep interest up and keep attention on you and what you're saying.

 

Basically, I think you have all the basics you need. You don't have to be an entertainer, just be yourself and enjoy your talk. I won't tell you to picture the audience in their skivvies ... it works for some but I just get tickled and giggle rather than present my topic LOL. If you aren't comfortable looking folks in the eye ... look at their forehead or at the very top of their head.

 

Best of luck to you! I bet you'll do a bang-up job of it!

[heavenstar 0]

Thank you guys so much for the feedback! I feel better already!

 

I am going to be using a slide show and also a few videos--the topic is Aging In Place, so I might use a questionnaire for the participants to use in their own facility to determine the need for certain programs. I think that will be one handout. I will also hand out a much shorter version of the slideshow presentation with different ideas for programs on it.

 

THANKS THANKS THANKS

Angie