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The real success of every presentation is leaving your audience with something of value. What do they get out of spending time listening to your presentation?

Many people believe that they need natural brilliance in speaking and presenting well. They believe that they need to be polished, smart, witty and charming all before they actually start to build a speech. Those attributes can come naturally, but most often, they come as a result of passion, knowledge and practice.

One of the most important factors in a successful presentation is serving the needs of your audience. Going back to the idea that you need to leave your audience with something of value, caring for your audience’s needs doesn’t require perfection. You can make mistakes during your speech and it’s going to be okay. The projector equipment can fail and it’s still going to be okay. You don’t have to include humor in order to be a success. True perfection in public speaking is more like being successful at reaching your audience.
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As a professional speaker, everything you do the minute you walk into the room sets the tone for your message. Without even speaking one word, you can determine just how many people you will reach because their engagement with your message depends on you; not on them. You can have a great topic and great presentation skills, but if you are not able to communicate the passion you have about your topic, none of it really matters.

Expect the Best

Go before your audience expecting to make an impact. People aren’t interested in what you know. They want your information for themselves and passion is the “grease” that lubricates that passage of information. Do you expect your audience to receive what you have to say? Do you communicate that you’re excited to be there and you’re excited that they are there as well?
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One of the reasons that many people fear taking the podium is because they are afraid of being the focal point of everyone’s attention and they don’t want to make a fool of themselves. There are several things you can do to put your best foot forward every time. Here are 10 of them.

1. Take the time to prepare well for your presentation.

Preparation enhances your confidence and it’s also an opportunity to refine any weak areas in your presentation.

2. Begin and end your presentation on time.

Arriving late to your presentation is simply unprofessional; not to mention that it won’t win you any points with your crowd. Also speaking over time shows your audience that you don’t value their time.
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In any presentation, there are basic pieces of information that an audience expects to receive from the presenter. You are the problem solver presenting a solution that will benefit your audience. Even if you are just blessing the newlyweds at your best friend’s wedding, you still have questions that must be answered. These questions are the classic five Ws and an H: who, what, when, where, why and how. Read on to better understand what I mean.

Who

Who is your target audience? What would they like to know about regarding your topic? Do they have any preconceived notions about your material? What are their concerns? Are you addressing the “who” you targeted in your research? When you address the “who” of your message, you are better able to relate with your audience. They will feel like you are speaking directly to them. They will give you their attention because they feel like their needs are being addressed.
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