Presentation skills podcast

In this presentation skills podcast, Davina and Alexa discuss an important communication disconnect.

Having conversations is a natural and often delightful part of work and life.

Yet making formal presentations can give even seasoned presenters butterflies.

What if you could merge the two?

Dr Alexa Chilcutt shares practical ideas for doing just that.

She suggests that it is not just feasible but helpful to make your presentation feel like a conversation.

You’ll enjoy this conversation where she shares her wisdom around executive communication. Here are three topics we covered to whet your appetite:

Use your nerves to energise your presentation. As she put it, don’t ignore the butterflies. Make them fly in formation.

You are your presentation, not the slides. Make your delivery conversational, even if on a stage or on Zoom. Recording yourself as part of your preparation will help you overcome your ticks and avoid being stiff.

Remember that your audience will hear only 50% of what you say and retain about 25% of it, according to a Texas Christian University study. More is not better.

You'll enjoy what Alexa has to say about techniques for improving your presentation skills.

Timestamps

0:05 – Get to know Alexa

6:39 – Alexa’s strategies for better presentations. Tip 1 – Begin with two questions. Ask yourself 1. Why is this relevant to my audience? and 2. What do I want my audience to remember, understand or act on?

13:09 – Tip 2: Lead with meaning. Shift your mindset from ‘here is what I’m knowledgeable about’ to ‘here is what my audience is interested in’ and share that early on.

23:59 – Tip 3: Look at it as having a conversation, rather than giving a presentation.

30:00 – Be aware of your delivery style, your body language and your voice.

33:45 – Learn to not be so hard on yourself and utilise those butterflies.