L. Eric Culverson - www.TheCompetenceMyth.net
This discussion series is an excerpt of my book: The Competence Myth - Why your technical skills are no longer enough and what you can do about it (based on 7 Steps to an Awesome Technical Presentation)
The final 2 steps in the overall 7 steps to creating your awesome technical presentation deal with refining your delivery and preparing to take the stage, or the platform, or wherever you happen to be delivering your awesome presentation.
So step 5 is to record yourself on video and yeah, you’re gonna need to actually watch it. I know ..I know that’s not easy, in fact, because we all tend to act as our own worst critic, this can be painful process. But it’s so valuable, because you now get to assume the perspective of the audience, and now you see..what they see.
But to make this the positive, constructive process that it should be, please follow these suggestions.
First: As you watch yourself on video, try to at least minimize the natural tendency to be overly self-critical. Notice I did not say simply don’t do it, because that’s not realistic. You are a professional, and of course you care about how to appear to others at any time, but especially when you’re trying to communicate important ideas and concepts, when you need to speak with confidence, clarity and impact. So when you watch yourself, stay focused on what you could do better. In particular, look at your energy level, you be amazed to see just how much more compelling and engaging your message will be simply because of the energy you bring to your presentation. Try to employ what I call the “EE” principle, Energy and Enthusiasm.
If you record yourself at least twice, I can almost guarantee that you will start to see measurable improvement from the first take, to the second, and each time thereafter.
The final step, number 7, in the overall 7 steps to an awesome technical presentation is take charge. And Present with the confidence, clarity and command you’ve earned through your preparation.
When you take the stage, or walk to the front of the room, pause for just a moment before you begin. Collect yourself. Make strong eye contact. Skip the perfunctory introduction… Hi, my name is Eric Culverson and uhh.. I gonna talk today about the next generation of high speed routers, and uh,, I will talk about the some of the new features and uh..the benefits as a result of those features, OK? Well, I guess that’s OK… How about instead of that perfunctory greeting and announcement that you immediately engage your audience. Ask a question or make a declaration!
Ask a question or make a declaration! As an example.
Today, I'm excited to share with you how our newest high speed routers will revolutionize the industry, with a set of features and capabilities that create a true dinstiction, I'm Eric Culverson and...
Or ask a question that immediately engages your audience.. "What do you think has historically been the biggest bottleneck that effectively limits data rates and packet handling for high speed routers, what if I told you that's no longer an issue, My name is Eric Culverson and...
Assume command of the room. Deliver with energy and enthusiasm throughout. End on a high note! Demonstrate the confidence and clarity you have gained through your 7-step preparation process.
If you follow the 7 steps I have outlined here, in whole or in part, I guarantee it will enhance the impact of your message, you’ll feel better about the process, and your audience will be engaged.
You will be on your way to consistency delivering your “Awesome Technical Presentation”
Thanks for watching this video series, I hope to see you at some point in our proprietary Delivering Effective Presentations workshop, where I can personally work with you on enhancing your presentation skills. See ya.