Kate Betts Blog

Colin Firth as George VI may have stumbled his way through his speech, but at least he didn’t have the backdrop of a load of over-long bullet points, followed by a laptop that locks him out after ten minutes. And all that after a battle with the temperamental projector that refused to even recognise the laptop to start with.

They do say that people would rather die than speak in public – but is it really that bad?

At Kate Betts Media we now run courses for people to improve their presentation skills. It might be a business presentation to a few colleagues or a larger, more formal setting.

Whatever the situation there are a few tips to remember. Firstly remember: most people do not want you to fail ...unless you are really unpopular!

Just like doing a media interview: you must prepare. Practise, practise and practise. Get a friend or colleague to observe, or record yourself and play it back.

Just like doing a media interview: do not overload the audience. They will not remember most of what you say, so pick out two or three (maximum!) salient points and repeat them.

Just like doing a media interview: keep the language simple.

In contrast to a media interview you need to project your voice. If you are presenting to more than about six people you need to use a more formal and less conversational style. Think Barack Obama.

In contrast to a media interview you need to ditch the umms and errs and use silence for dramatic effect and as time to gather your thoughts.

In contrast to a media interview you have technical equipment to master. So make sure you know how it works. Getting locked out of the laptop because you haven’t used the mouse for five minutes is not fun. In one lecture theatre when I was in front of 150 people not only did the laptop switch itself off, but the projector and all the lights went off automatically too! So make sure you reccy the venue.

And calm those nerves. Breathe deeply; in through the nose and out through the mouth. Remember you are the most interesting thing about your business. Visualise success.