There are many different types of “presenting”. Any form of communication can, at least to some extent, be approached as a presentation. Talking 10 people in a room through a PowerPoint presentation whilst seated requires an element of presentation. The same goes for a three-person team meeting, a conversation with your supervisor or even a 30 second conversation in a lift.
Honing your ability to communicate/present can improve the first impression you give off, the extent to which people will remember you and the way in which your capabilities will be perceived. Below are some basic pointers to bear in mind when communicating or presenting inside (and outside) the office.
Preparation
Confidence comes with preparation. If you are confident talking about a subject and you understand the content and structure well, you are more likely to project confidence and discuss the topic with a level of understanding that appeals to your listeners. You will also be more competent at answering questions, which will inevitably reflect upon others’ perceptions of your competency in relation to a particular topic. If giving a pre-prepared presentation, rehearse. Time it. Ask for feedback from a friend or colleague in advance.
When preparing a presentation, think: who am I talking to? What is the timeframe? What can I do to ensure the listener feels that they have benefitted from the presentation?
See the other parts in our communicating and presenting series to further refine your skills.