Good presentation is an essential tool

PRESENTING, public speaking and general communication skills have never been so important.

So, how can you stand out at a job interview or business pitch?

A great presentation that is truly different is the answer.

Gary Robinson, presenter, broadcaster and the man behind GR Communications, has a few pointers to offer.

“Many people struggle to make effective presentations,” he said.

“My heart sinks when I see the first PowerPoint slide filled with numerous bullet points and dozens of words displayed in microscopic letters.

“It’s not just how the presentation looks, it’s also about the presenter.

“Do they shuffle on to the stage, mumble — and five minutes in, you’re looking at your mobile? Or are they confident and engaging and speak at a pace you can understand?”

Great presentations win business, hearts and minds. Here Gary’s top tips to delivering a winning presentation:

Get to the point

It is well documented that an audience will decide within two minutes whether to engage with you. Get straight to the point of your presentation. If you’ve been invited to pitch for business or attend an interview, research has been done on you or you have been recommended, so you’re already halfway there. It’s now down to you.

Tell a story

Your audience wants to be informed and also entertained. Take them on a journey — don’t just tell them what they already know. Anecdotes and testimonials are effective, as are well-chosen visuals. Use pictures and single words made up of large letters in a clear font.

Your presentation should have a beginning, middle and an end.

Get into presenter mode

It is true that people really do buy from people.