Page 50 - Twenty Four Lessons for Mastering Your New Role

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Presentation skills aren’t
that important
Regale your audience

The ability to deliver a compelling presentation adds a valuable tool
to your management arsenal. You’ll stand out from the pack by show-
casing your charisma and confidence in front of an audience.
The key to win over a small group is to see yourself as a discus-
sion leader rather than a public speaker. Instead of adopting formal
mannerisms and recite a prepared speech, you want to spur a dia-
logue that holds everyone’s interest.
Managers are often called upon to speak before an audience.
You may need to lead staff meetings, brief senior executives on your
unit’s progress, or give a presentation at a meeting of your trade
group or professional association. Even if you dread the prospect of
public speaking, don’t shirk from these opportunities. Welcome the
chance to learn by doing and refine your skills.
Strive for authenticity when you’re speaking. Ideally, you want lis-
teners to come away from your presentation saying, “Now there’s
someone who’s natural on stage!” The more conversational you
sound, the more people will pay attention and believe you. If you
clear your throat repeatedly, speak in an artificially deep voice or
appear wooden instead of animated, you make it harder for the audi-
ence to accept you as credible.
Make your first minute count. Begin by grabbing everyone’s
attention with a captivating observation, a telling anecdote or a star-
tling statistic. Start by talking to the person seated farthest from you.

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