Guess what? Your boss has just asked you to give a short presentation to top management next week. How you present yourself at meetings can make a big difference in your career, your professional status, and your self-esteem. We offer tips for delivering an effective and dazzling presentation at your next meeting.



1. Speak Up.

Before it's your turn to speak, make sure you contribute something to the meeting. The feeling of having all eyes on you can be overwhelming. Get that sensation out of the way fast by asking a question or commenting on another issue. Everyone will look at you, and you won't be such a curiosity when you get up to speak.

2. Stand Up.

Even if the presentation is to a group of peers who don't normally stand up, do it anyway. The formality suggests you are serious about your message and you consider it worthy of their attention. If you're the only presenter to stand up you'll have the advantage of being different and, therefore, more memorable. It may feel awkward at first, but the increased attention you command makes it worth the effort.

3. Stand Close.

When you're nervous there's a natural tendency to step back away from the group or hide behind a table or podium. Don't do it. Physical barriers only put distance between you and your audience. If you want to have maximum impact, stand as close to your audience as you might if you were talking one on one, 2 feet away.

4. Keep it short.

Every good presentation has an agenda and a timeline. Find out how much time has been put aside for you and aim to be finished early.

5. Visualization.

Remember how fun it was to see what the other kids brought to show and tell in kindergarten? That's because the visual element of a presentation usually is the most memorable. Whether you use props, slides, or a slick Power Point, people will remember things they see. So don't just stand up and talk about your subject, show it.

6. Save Handouts for Last.

When handing everyone in the group a big stack of paper before the presentation all eyes will go to the paper, audience members will start reading ahead and tune out the presenter. Remember, participants can read for themselves. Present the highlights of your subject and distribute your paperwork when you finish. You want to be the center of attention during the meeting.

Copyright 2006 Dennis Sommer