10 Tips to Create - and Deliver Effective Presentations

Standing in front of a group of people to give a presentation or to make a speech can be quite nerve wracking. However, with practice and some simple tips, you will feel much more confident. Here are 10 tips to help you create effective presentations and speeches.

1. Never write a presentation word for word.
You'll fall in love with your words. You'll want to memorize it. Unfortunately, if you forget a phrase it's easy to be tripped up trying to remember those wonderful words you wrote.

2. Create a list of objectives for presentations.
Lay out what you want to accomplish. If your primary goal is to close the sale, think of the individual steps you'll need to get to that point.

3. Create bullet points for each point.
Drill down into your objectives. Take each point apart.

4. Carefully craft an opening and closing statement.
These two areas are the ones that should be rehearsed. You'll want to make sure your words are crafted to command attention.

5. When creating the body of your presentation start with your main idea, expand it but make sure you finish by referring back to your starting point. This creates a closed circle. Your audience has the opportunity to realize how interconnected your ideas/points were.

6. Speak with your audience in mind.

7. Don't be afraid to involve your audience.
Ask questions that lead them to your ideas.

8. Slow down your rate of speech.
Formal presentations require you to slow down. It helps people understnad and absorbs your points better.

9. If using PowerPoint, don't just parrot the bullet points on the screen.  

Expand on the information. Tell stories to illustrate your points, if applicable.

10. Never spend your time looking at the screen or with your head in a briefing book. 

Look up. Smile! You'll be glad you did.