Oral COMMUNICATION –

            Having given presentations in many countries and carried out dozens of recall exercises I appreciate the fleeting nature of oral communication.

A speech is like a journey. It has a purpose and a destination.

            Your first and last statements are the most important. Prepare them well.

            Most people confuse an audience with clutter by making too many points. Three points are ideal.

A Handful of Tips to improve the recall of your next presentation

* Who will you be talking to?

            Find out as much as you can about the people likely to attend the meeting.

            How many are expected?

            What are their beliefs, attitudes, and values?

            What do they know about your topic and what do they want to know?

 * Why are you making a presentation?

            Write down your objective in one sentence.

            What actions do you want your audience to take after your talk?

            If it is an after-dinner speech it should be entertaining. It still needs to have a worthwhile message.

             Try to tell them something new and helpful – make it entertaining and interesting.

            Focus on a simple clear message.

* At the start

            If you plan to give a handout at the finish tell your audience you are going to do that when you start, or better still, get the chairperson to do it.   

            Establish a rapport with your audience and for them to get used to your voice. “Did you know I went to school in this town?” “I started my career here.”

            A funny story can help establish an early rapport and get people’s attention.

*  Keep your presentation simple

            If you want your talk remembered don’t make too many points.  The ideal number of points is probable three.

            Three points made three times is a sound rule for recalling your message. Tell your audience what you are going to say, say it, then summarize what you said.

* At the finish

            In your final message punch it home with energy and vigor.

            Answer any questions to clarify your message – loud and clear so all can hear.

            Make sure your audience can hear the question being asked. It’s wise to repeat it and edit it if required.

            Give a handout to remind people of your message.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“The end of  your next presentation should be a climax, NOT an anticlimax!”

Source: “Persuasive Ways. ‘Tricks of the trade’ to get your ideas across”. First published by  Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House, the Singapore Institute of Management, Kogan Page Ltd, U.K and in Hungarian by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado.  Also published as the “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia and as an e-book and sold by Amazon.com.