Wowing them: 10 tips to a more effective presentation.

• Author: Toland, Laura
• Position: Publicspeaking

Rather run into a burning building than tackle a public speaking assignment? You're not alone. With practice and these tips, the most timid accountant can be transformed into a sought-after speaker on the local lecture circuit.

1. Bring On the Data

   When you've made the commitment to speak, the first hurdle is what to say. If the topic is assigned in your area of expertise then you're off and running. If the subject is more general, you'll need to do your homework.

   Devour recent business news reports (see the CalCPA Daily Clips e-mail), professional articles and blogs. Reach out to CalGPA members and committees. Leverage our social media outlets, like our discussions on Linkedln or our blogs on www.calcpa.org.

2. Know Your Audience

   Find out: Who are you addressing? Are they attending voluntarily or is this a captive audience? Partners or young and emerging professionals? What arc the main issues facing this group? Know as much as you can about your audience and speak to what is important to them.

3. Create a Robust Outline

   You will lose your audience within the first two seconds if you read from a script. Use an outline or bulleted talking points, and talk, don't recite. You want people to listen and learn. They should be looking at you, not their smart phones.

   Take a hint from the media. Journalists are trained to grab their readers with the introduction. Pique interest with a relevant and colorful anecdote, quote or rhetorical question.

   Keep it simple, too. People remember no more than three main ideas in any presentation. With the key elements established, support the points with concrete evidence.

4. Check Out the Set-up

   Learn about the room where you'll appear. Large? Small? Visual aid setup? Adjustable lectern? Sound system? Who, if anybody, will be sharing the speaker's table with you? Also, are you the first speaker in the morning, or right after lunch? Knowing all this in advance will diminish frustration or anxiety and help you to prepare.

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5. Use the Tools That Work for You

   Once you have developed your content, deliver it via the format that you think will Inmost effective. Experiment!

   List one topic/point per sheet of paper. Use a large-size type for easier reading.

   Or, try index cards. Hold them in your hand and slide them front to back. They're easier than paper and less visible.

   When considering slides or visuals think: high in quality, low in quantity Many speakers have become too dependent on PowerPoint. You...