Tips for Crafting Memorable Presentations

One of the groups I’ve been a member of for the last six years is a women’s organization whose members are professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs. A few months ago, I decided to try a different tactic in my introduction at one of our meetings. Instead of my usual 30-second open-table introduction, when it was my turn to speak, I explained why I introduce myself in a certain way…sharing it as a quick speaker tip.

“When you’re introducing yourself, make sure to begin and end your introduction with your name. Why? If the person listening to what you do and what you have to offer is still interested by the end of your introduction, repeating your name at the end will make it easier for them to remember you.”

That tip earned me another invitation to present to this group. What did they ask me to speak about? Public Speaking Tips of course!

What I love about the speaker tips I shared in my 30-minute talk is how relevant they are to speakers at any level. For newer speakers, they provide information on important items to keep in mind when seeking opportunities and building their talk. For experienced speakers, they’re timely reminders of things that are sometimes easy to forget.

1. Don’t assume you know your next audience… unless you actually know them! And even if you do, you still need to do your due diligence research before you start building your presentation. If you don’t, you could forget, or skip over, something it needed to be an on-topic audience-pleasing success.
2. Always write your own introduction, and personally deliver it to the person who’s going to introduce you. Your introduction is a narrative you have total control over. It should share how your expertise earned you a place on this stage. It should also provide a lead-in into your talk, so you don’t have to waste time re-introducing yourself when you start talking.
3. When it comes to people asking you questions, figure out what works for you. Personally, I like my presentations to flow more like a discussion, so I encourage people to feel free to interrupt me with their questions. I also like to stop and ask my audience if they have any questions before I move on to my next talking point. Other speakers prefer to have their audience hold their questions to the end. It doesn’t matter which style you prefer, as long as you let your audience know.
4. Attention spans aren’t what they used to be! PowerPoints and such can definitely make a big difference. But, before you say yes to speaking, and definitely before you start building a digital presentation, talk to your event planner. If their “stage” can’t support your digital/virtual requirements, you’ll need to adjust accordingly.
5. Being on stage is about more than selling what you have to offer. When you’re speaking to a group, just by virtue of being in front of them representing your business, you’re quietly selling. When you share client stories, you’re quietly selling. There’s no need to scream package A, B, C. Just clarify what you can and can’t do with the event planner first, and then figure it out from there.
6. Be the last to leave (except for the planner of course ). Too many speakers exit the stage and then pack up and leave before anyone has a chance to talk to them. Don’t be that speaker! Some of the most valuable conversations you’ll ever have will take place after you speak.

Happily, people asked questions and made comments when I shared these tips… just as I had planned. Then, following my own speaker-tip advice, my talk ended similar to the way it began: “Thank you for having me here today. I hope I’ve provided you with speaker tips that will help you build your next presentation. Remember, I’m Beth Stoller. And where can you find me? At the Podium!”