Five Things: About a work presentation

Source: Detroit Free Press

Published on: March 19, 2007

By: Margarita Bauza

Most workers already have enough to do. So the last thing they need is a long, dry presentation from a boss or colleague. If you have to make a speech at work, make it worthwhile for everybody, says Joscelyn Andrews, director of Oakland County Area United Way. Too often, the people on the receiving end of presentations don't take much away. Andrews offers up these ways to engage:

1. Never read from a piece of paper. Know the subject well enough so that you don't have to look at anything.
   


2. Humanize the topic. Even if it's a technical subject, use personal stories and examples people can identify with. And remember, not everyone's good at jokes. If you're not, don't start with one.
   


3. Involve the audience. Ask questions, preferably in the first 60 seconds, Andrews said. Start with a good "Has any of you ever ...?"
   


4. Offer handouts at the end. If you give them out at the start, the audience will read them and not listen to you.
   


5. Understand your audience. An example: If you're speaking at a weekend retreat, don't show up in a suit. Wear jeans or khakis.