10 Steps to a Compelling Presentation

"Wouldn't you think, with all this at stake, that presentation skills would be one of the highest priorities in a person's life," exclaims Jeffery Gitomer. The fear of having to appear in front of colleges or a large audience can be overwhelming. There are ten basic steps to creating a compelling presentation. These steps will provide you with the knowledge and security to perform.

1. Believe in yourself. You can avoid being scared to get up in front of the room by being well prepared. Prepare by going over your delivery, humor, content, and gestures. In front of a mirror or friend is most beneficial.

2. Ask yourself these questions.

1. What's the time limit?
2. What's the strong point of my message?
3. Am I engaging?
4. How can I persuade the audience?
5. Is my message clear?
6. Is the delivery the best?
7. What do I want the audience to do when I am done?
8. What do I want the audience to say about me?

3. Record yourself. An audio or visual recording can help you to see odd gestures or flow of the presentation.

4. Listen to the recording many times. Hearing is an easy way to memorize your speech.

5. Make a videotape of the actual presentation. Watch it twice and make a "never do that again" list and good points you recognize.

6. Relax. Take deep breathes or look far ahead during the presentation.

7. Don't thank anyone at the beginning. Start like you' re in the middle of a conversation.

8. Dress to impress. First impressions are crucial.

9. Use transferable concepts. They will engage the audience.

10. Have several signature words, phrases, and gestures. They also are engaging and make a compelling presentation.

These ten steps work for students, professionals, or the average person. Easy to understand and can be applied to any situation producing a positive result. The most common reason people fail at presentations is they are nervous and it shows. People can't trust you if you don't appear confident in the presentation. Don't be afraid of ridicule or have a limited view of yourself. Appear to be the center of the universe! Joining a support group, like toastmaster.org, may help with your skills. Call a radio station and gain some free and anonymous confidence. "Your audience wants to get to know you, to like you, to have confidence in you, to believe you, to trust you, to understand you, to learn from you, to smile or laugh, and feel like you value them," explains Jeffery Gitomer. Jeffery Gitomer is an author and wrote, "Little Green Book of Getting Your Way."