You have an important announcement to make, an anniversary to celebrate, or a new product to launch, so you decide to organize a corporate event. Whether you opt for a plenary session with workshops or a large company party, you feel it is important to open the event as CEO. However, giving a presentation to a large audience is not something you do every day. We have put together a number of tips for public speaking for you.
1. Good preparation is half the battle
Many people feel nervous before giving a presentation. There is simply no better way to control your nerves than to be confident in your story. That starts with the basics. Ask yourself: what do I want to achieve with the presentation? Do I want to inform, convince, activate, motivate, or entertain others? And know your audience, so you can tailor your message to the target group.
2. Storytelling
Next, gather as much information as possible about the subject and write a story. Stories are easier for the audience to remember because they appeal not only to people's minds but also to their emotions. Every story has a clear structure: an introduction, a core, and a conclusion. Use examples for clarification, metaphors, statistical data, or tell an anecdote. This makes a presentation more dynamic.
3. Visual presentation aids
Do you want to use visual aids such as slides (overhead projector) and digital aids (especially MS PowerPoint)? Keep in mind that aids are meant to support your presentation, not replace you. Therefore, do not use too many slides and do not put too much text on them. The best TED presentations use photos, animations, and limited amounts of text. People remember an idea better when it is linked to a photo.
4. Practice makes perfect
Most great speakers have achieved their high level through a lot of practice. So practice your presentation, say the text out loud, so you know how long your presentation will take and where any bottlenecks are. For example, a TED presentation should not exceed 18 minutes. TED director Chris Andersen said, "18 minutes is long enough to be serious and short enough to hold the audience's attention." In addition, your voice volume, articulation, and intonation are important. Tip: film yourself to see what could be improved! When giving a presentation, it is a good idea to visit the event space in advance. See where you will be standing, where your audience will be, and soak up the atmosphere. This will help you familiarize yourself with the location.
5. Personal presentation
The way you present is just as important as the content. Have an open attitude, maintain eye contact with your audience, and stand with your feet firmly on the ground to make a stable impression. You can change position occasionally, but limit walking around to moments of rest. In other words, incorporate movement, because too much movement can come across as restless. Supportive hand gestures enliven your presentation, but again, don't overdo it.
6. Connect with your audience
Try to engage with your audience without them speaking. Address your audience directly by using phrases such as "As an employee of…" Or ask rhetorical questions: "Imagine…", "Who among you has not…", "Ask yourself if…". Interaction makes a presentation more natural. And don't be afraid to make a joke: humor makes your audience more receptive to your message.
7. Question and answer session
The audience is bound to have questions. This is often a sign that your presentation has sparked their curiosity! If you don't like questions being asked during your presentation, indicate at the beginning that questions will be answered at the end. It may be a good idea to repeat questions to make sure everyone has heard them. This also allows you to check whether you have understood the question correctly.
Business events at SugarFactory
Many companies have already organized corporate events at SugarFactory. Your event visitors will also be amazed. Each space at SugarFactory has its own story thanks to the preservation of original elements of the former sugar factory. SugarFactory has several intimate event spaces that can accommodate smaller groups of 50 people or more. However, De Middenfabriek, the largest event space at SugarFactory, can accommodate up to 7,000 guests. The possibilities are endless. Don't hesitate to contact us to discuss the options, without obligation!
Professional speaker
Would you rather hire a professional speaker? We previously wrote an article to help you find the right speaker for your corporate event. You can find our tips here. Another option is to choose a chairperson who can support you.
