Presenting as a Professional

Setting the Right Tone

Think for a moment about a presentation or workshop that you attended and really liked. What was it like? Was it fun? Did you feel a "part of the show?" Did you feel a connection with the presenter?

Most of the people who come to your presentation are there because they are interested in the subject matter. However, according to Arnold Sanow, in his article It's Not Just What You Say…It's What You Radiate, only 7% of the message that people perceive comes from the words that you use. Thirty-eight percent of what people perceive is from your tone of voice and 55% is from your body language. In order to set the right tone, you must look at not only what you intend to say but also how you will say it.

People know if you really believe in what you are saying - if you really believe in what you do. That enthusiasm adds energy to your presentation and pulls people into the learning process.

One other way of conveying a high energy level is to move while you are presenting. Don't hide behind the podium or lectern - get out and move around the audience. The only reason to stay behind a podium is when you require a microphone and a mobile one has not be provided. It's always better to give up motion in order for people to be able to hear what you have to say. However, motion is important in a presentation. It keeps people involved as they visually track you across the room. You don't have to choreograph all the right moves - just move. Sometime moving closer to a group that is having a side bar conversation can help quiet them down - the rest of your audience will appreciate it. In other cases, moving throughout the room allows you to more closely connect with the audience and encourages them to ask question and actively participate in the presentation or session. Leave the podium behind and enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with your audience.

Presenting as a Professional

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last updated 11-06-03