Keeping up Appearences

The Vital Seven Seconds

Most people will make their first impression of you based on your first seven seconds. Normally, this is just the time spent on entering the room, and introducing yourself.

So how do you make a good first impression?

a. Introduce yourself, and use your full name. In most cases, you might as well say you're late John Paul II, they won't care. The reason you're using your firm handshake and nonchalant full name-statement, is to show you're self-confident, and 'know' what you're doing.

b. If you have persons you know in the room, and that you're certain that they know you back, give them a nod, and concentrate on the ones you're supposed to make an impression on.

c. Be confident. You 'know' where to go, you 'know' what to do.

Content and Structure

When planning what to say, it's equally important to think of a logical structure for the content. Think hard and long about what it is you really want to say. Think about this:

1. What's the purpose of the presentation?

2. What's in it for your audience?

3. What's your main message?

You should be able to contain all of this in a sentence like: “The purpose is ......, so that.......”. This sentence, or a somewhat similar one, should be your opening.
Also remember to say the most important first - don't hold back.

So - how to build a logical structure? Take a look at this chart first.

a. Start by making it absolutely clear what you're going to talk about, why you're going to talk about it, and what's in it for the audience. (= the main message)

b. Then you go over all the subjects your going to be talking about (for instance: “I chose a 'light' typographical expression, mainly sans-serifs...” ) (=Support messages)

c. When you've gone over all of these, you may go back, and go over the finer details. (For instance: “As I mentioned before, I chose to use some sans-serifs, mainly the 'Helvetica Neue' typeface due to it's blah blah blah...” )

Another thing you need to remember is - is it relevant? Additionally, try thinking about your transitions between subjects. Having a good flow between your subjects is always positive.

When it comes to closure: Point back to, and sum up your main message and the individual support messages; and point forward to how what you just said affects your audience.

The Talking

Ok, the main reason for holding any presentation is to talk, right? So what does the holy books say about the talking itself?

a. Use tone variation. Monotone voices are sleep-provoking and downright boring. Variation provides life to your presentation.

b. Volume provides power and authority. That might be a good thing - as long as you don't yell to your audience...

c. Drop all sounds and words that have no meaning whatsoever, like 'Ehh', 'like', 'right?', '*cough*', 'let's see', 'umm...' and soforth...
Instead of these noises and words, just shut up! Take a short break. This is the hardest thing of all. But if you're able to shut up in stead of using the 'umm'-sound, you've come a long way. The same goes for when you're getting questions - Don't say anything until you know what to answer. At least not 'umm'...

d. Bring water. Take a sip when you're uncertain of what to say. Buy yourself some time.

e. If your presenting to someone who's experienced at holding presentations, keep in mind that these are people who knows how you feel, and who will probably cut you some slack...

Body Language

This is probably the most important section. How your body communicates is highly important, and something you should pay particular attention to.

a. Looking directly at people is always the best. But if you're talking to a group - distribute your attention all over. It's easy to attach yourself to one friendly face. One who's smiling and nodding. I tend to be that sort of person, and I once had to keep up the act for two straight hours, because the (incredibly boring) speaker wouldn't look away.

b. Keep looking at one person 'till you've finished your sentence and made your point. Don't look down, or break eye contact untill you're done.

c. You want your audience to be happy, right? Well, then you'll have to smile first. The more you smile, the more the audience has to smile. Anything else would be rude. In addition, smiling helps ease up some of the facial muscles; so start smiling as soon as you enter the room.

d. Using hand gestures to underline important points is a good idea, but don't overdo it.

e. Don't walk too much around. Stand relaxed, with your feet slightly parted. Standing is best, since it allows for a better flow of air to your lungs.... --------