Sharpening Your Presentation Skills
Pause from time to time: When you're leading a training session, your delivery matters just as much as your content. One of the easiest ways to improve your presentation is to use pauses effectively. A well-timed pause can do more than just give you a breath—it can emphasize important points and help your audience stay focused. Don't rush through your material. Instead, allow moments of silence to let your message sink in. Think of it like adding punctuation to your speech—it gives weight to what you're saying.
Practice you presentation: Another big step toward becoming a better presenter is to practice—yes, actually practice. Don't tell yourself you don't need to practice. The first time you deliver your training should never be the first time you go through it out loud. You don't have to memorize every word, but you should at least talk through the key points. Whether you're rehearsing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or mentally running through the flow, this kind of preparation builds a "mental script" that keeps you on track during the session.
Watch out for filler words and sounds: Filler words and sounds are those non-lexical utterances like "um," "ah," "like," "you know," and "stuff like that." If you catch yourself using them too often, try recording yourself during a practice session. Listening back can be eye-opening. When you hear yourself the way others hear you, it's much easier to recognize and fix the habit.
Don't repeat words too often: While you're at it, pay attention to words you might repeat too often. Words like "actually," "technically," and "therefore" can lose their impact if they're used in every sentence. Vary your language to keep your speech natural and engaging.
Know when it's appropriate to apologize. If you're late or you've made a mistake during your presentation, a sincere apology shows respect and accountability. But don't apologize just because you feel nervous or underprepared. Most of your audience won't even notice your nerves unless you point them out. Own your space, and focus on the material—not your anxiety.
Enjoy the experience: Remind yourself that you're going to have fun, you like working with people, and you're excited to share this information. Positive self-talk is powerful. When you tell yourself the session is going to go well, you help make that outcome more likely. A good attitude is contagious, and when you're having a good time, your students will too.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-5. When training a new subject, never tell yourself _____.
You forgot to answer the question!