The Easy Step by Step Guide to Giving Confident Presentations: (Easy Step by Step Guides)

Making a presentation strikes fear into the hearts of many people. This guide is designed to get the reader through a presentation, if not actually allowing enjoyment. Topics covered in the book include: how to research and prepare a presentation; how to structure a presentation; how to manage information overload; how to use scripts, prompts, visual aids and handouts; how to handle questions; how to use voice and body language to the greatest effect; and the importance of self-belief.

Table of Contents:
About the author Acknowledgements Introduction How to use this guide What you will learn from the guide Different types of message Is a presentation the right medium? Defining the primary aim What am I seeking to achieve? Why is this presentation being made? How would I recognise success? Why are you the presenter? Stay focused In summary Do you need to know it all? Sourcing information Collating data Choosing the information to include Too little time? In summary Your audience The basic information needed Your audience - your invite Your audience - invited by others Attitudes of the audience Invitations that work Audience knowledge level Sterotyping your audience Building a rapport Special needs In summary Location, location, location! Choosing the location Special needs Room layout Directions are always useful Plan a welcome Timings at the location Refreshments First thoughts - visual aids Setting your 'stage' Health and safety In summary The audience don't always listen Structure and signposts Basic rules of structure The beginning The middle Progressive theme Narrative theme Analytical theme Persuasive theme Picture-painting theme The ending Whet the appetite or give them a feast? In summary To script or not to script? The script Prompts to be wary of Recommended prompts Avoid losing your way Handouts Distribution of handouts In summary Choose your visuals Controlling visual aids Visual aids - the equipment Setting up your equipment Using the equipment Pre-developed visuals Free-flowing visuals Format of visuals Keeping the audience on the point 3D visuals A box of tricks And if there is no visuals ... In summary Asking your audience to participate Types of participation Taking questions Answering questions - basic rules Answering questions - hints and tips Closing question time Humour Political correctness Handling hecklers In summary You are a visual aid Make an entrance Your appearance Being heard Microphones Silence is power Sit or stand? Walk the talk If if itch, do I scratch? Irritating habits you never knew you had Eye contact Smiling can be good Reheasing it as one set piece In summary Believe it Believe in your message Believe in your audience Believe in yourself Nerves are a good thing Believe to be believed Conclusion Prepare, prepare and then prepare Rehearse, rehearse and then rehearse Learn for the future

About the Author :
Brian Lomas is a business consultant and trainer based on the south coast of England. He is a visiting lecurer at the Southampton University School of Management and has written The Easy Step by Step Guide, Stress and Time Management, also published by Rowmark.

Review :
This book is clear, reader friendly and full of helpful hints for both novices and the more experienced presenter. I refer to my copy often and have found the summary sections and the highlighted hints invaluable as a checklist during preparations for my nex presentation. Helen Glasspool University of Southampton.