Eddie’s Energy Bars Blog

I cringed today, as the students in my macroeconomics class made presentations, some of which were completely butchered. Today, I decided to make a list of things you should do to give your audience a stellar presentation:

1. Rehearse
I can’t put more emphasis on this. It is so crucial to rehearse your presentation. Rehearsal is important for a couple of reasons. First of all, it makes you seem more professional. A sloppy presentation seems like it was put together the night before. Chances are that it actually was made the night before. Secondly, you will feel more comfortable presenting in front of people. Even if you go over your presentation with friends or family members, the more times you practice, the better you will get at it, and the more relaxed you will be when the presentation day comes. Lastly, be prepared to answer any questions that might be asked. This will again show professionalism, and that you know what you are talking about.

2. Eye contact and body language
Many presenters don’t know this, but how you stand can really play off how your presentation is received by your audience. If you are using note-cards, you should practice with them first, that way it will seem more fluid. Making eye contact with your listeners is important because it shows that you care about your presentation. Looking down at the floor or continually at the PowerPoint slide will make it seem that you are not interested in making sure the listeners understand the topic. Body language is very important as well. Whatever you do, do not stand there with their hands in your pockets or your arms folded. These are signs that you are not interested at all in the presentation, and you would rather be doing something else. Instead, fold your hands in front of you, in back of you, or use your hands to talk, letting the listener know you are engaged in the topic.

3. Use the PowerPoint as an aid, not a presentation
Microsoft is a god-send for creating PowerPoint. We all know that, but it is important to use it as a tool, and not the presentation itself. A lot of people read straight from the PowerPoint, and they think they are making a great presentation, when they are really not. It is even worse when you have a note-card that you read from which includes, word for word, what is on the PowerPoint slide….Do you think you’re really helping your cause? I don’t think so. Using the slides as an aid to what you are talking about. The slides are for the audience so they can visually follow along while listening to your comments on the subject.

Hopefully, I have given you some great tips for making a fantastic presentation. These skills are so essential in both the entrepreneurial world and your personal life that they can’t be taken lightly. I use my presentation skills not only in the classroom, but also when I pitch my healthy homemade energy bars to stores in Vermont. If I make a horrible presentation, the store will be less likely to carry my product.

So when you have a presentation coming up, be sure to review back to these points, and you will do a stellar job!

Have a great day!

Michael Adams
Eddie’s Energy Bars