Oral Presentation

An oral presentation can be defined as a practise of explaining and showing the content of a particular topic to an audience. There are many types of oral presentation such as introducing new products, sales presentation, informational and motivational presentation, interviews, briefing and many more. Basically there are three main purposes for giving an oral presentation. That is to inform, to persuade and to build goodwill. Giving speech or an oral presentation to clients or customer is very important to each and every sales and marketing staffs. However, it is a sad to know that some of the sales and marketing staffs are unable and struggle when they were asked to make an oral presentation in front of their clients or customers. This situation could lead to losing customers as insufficient information delivered to them. There are many reasons for these situations. There will be a solution for every problem and difficulties. Let us look into the problems faced by sales and marketing staffs in an oral presentation and ways to overcome these problems.

A number of sales and marketing staff possess lack of confidence and they are fear of public speaking. Even some experienced people would feel an adrenaline surge at the beginning of an oral presentation. For some, however, an oral presentation can create a paralyzing fear that makes the presentation process difficult. What you can do at this point of time is, sit quietly and contemplate your fears. Prepare a detailed list of each and every single aspect that you fear in connection with an oral presentation. The aspect that you might include to your list may be wrong pronunciation of words, misspeaking, stumbling as you walk to the stage, spilling water on yourself if you take drink while presenting, losing your place in your notes, or mixing up your note cards. After you have prepared the list, come up with a solution for every fear and write these solutions next to the fears. Banish any thoughts of inferiority or failure from your mind and focus only on one thought that is "I can do it". "Practise makes perfect". Practise gives a person who is going to give an oral presentation confidence. A presentation should be practised to the point where it is almost memorized. Once this is done, the fear, lack of confidence and adrenaline rush that you had experienced at the beginning of a presentation will not distract you from delivering the content of your presentation. It is because you will be well versed with your presentation.

Another problem faced by the sales and marketing staff is presenting a boring oral presentation. This can be resolved through few steps. Firstly, you may use a visual aid such as slideshows, poster or relevant props to complement you presentation. Giving your audience something to look at as you speak will capture and attract their attention. However, please bear in mind that the visual aid should not detract from your oral presentation, only strengthen it. Secondly, keep your notes or brief memory cues handy. For your information, index cards to work well as note cards. If at all you begin to forget the points in your presentation, please bear in mind to avoid boring the audience with several seconds of "aaa...., ummm, eerrr" to jog your memory.

Another way to prevent your audience from getting bored is by rehearse the presentation daily, at least few days before the presentation date. Get to know the topic thoroughly and do not forget to get a feel for the progression of your talk to make it more exciting for the audience. Run through the presentation completely, including the introduction, main points and conclusion as well. The best way is to practise in front of a mirror to increase your level of confidence. You may also insert some humour during your presentation where appropriate. Try to include relevant personal anecdotes and clean jokes to loosen up the audience. For example, if your are delivering a presentation on sales of children toys, a comedic story about preventing adult from playing with children toys will get you a few chuckles and the audience's attention.

Another aspect that you need to look into is movement. It will be very handy if you could practise you presentation in the hall or room where you will be present it. If you can't make it, at least simulate the environment may be in your office or at home. This will enable you to check the equipment and to get comfortable in the room or the hall. If you are using a podium or lectern, kindly ensure that it is placed where you want it. If someone had made a presentation before you, note kindly note where you want the lectern placed in case it is moved prior to your presentation. Remember that standing behind the lectern for any length of time separates you from audience members when your objective is to bring yourself closer to them. If you are nervous and need to refer to your notes, walk behind it again when you feel it is necessary. Bear in mind, speakers who spend their entire presentation behind the podium can be perceived as aloof. Use movements to establish contact with your audience. Take at least two steps to avoid one step dance and then get back into position. Stay for few seconds to avoid pacing. Getting physically closer to your audience increases their attention and interest as well. The ideal public distance of 4 to 12 feet primarily and occasionally get as close as 18 inches to 4 feet. If you are feeling very confident, you may walk between the rows of the audience's seats. This might attract the audience to follow your presence while you deliver your presentation. Please take note to dress nicely and do not forget to make regular eye contact with the audience. One of the best methods to engage your peers is to make a great impression before you even begin to present. By looking and performing like a professional speaker, you will promptly win over most of the audience.

Gestures can be defined a form of body language which is also a part of your overall visual picture. They are visual reinforcements of the words and ideas that you are trying to communicate the audience. Gestures include hand, arm and the head movements, which can enhance your presentation or detract from it. Have you ever had a conversation with someone who "talks with their hands''? Certain cultures it is accepted and commonplace addition to spoken communication. In Malaysian culture, some hand gestures, as an example finger pointing and fist raising can be interpreted as hostile or threatening. Another negative related to gesturing concerns the position of your hands and arms. During an oral presentation, men frequently stand in the "at ease" position, which is commonly used in the military. They cross their hands behind their backs, and they keep them there. Or, they cross their hands low in front of