Digital Library: Presentation skills

Presentation skills

The presentation of information with clarity and effectively is a key skill to have our message across.

Presentation skills are required in almost every area, and most of us have to give presentations on several occasions.

For some people presentation is their stride, for others is a challenge. It is possible to improve presentation skills. Many people feel terrified when asked to talk to small or big groups. This fear can be reduced with good preparation, which is also the key to make an effective presentation.

There are different types of presentation:

• Presenting or make a speech at a conference.
• Objecting to “something” in a meeting.
• Presenting at a job interview.
• …

All types of presentation require preparation depending on the audience and subject of the presentation.

Good speakers know that they need to do a presentation in a way in which the audience can take the words that they say.

Good speakers possess certain qualities and personality traits. What are these qualities? How can the generality of people develop them?

Good speakers should:

• Be well prepared;
• Deliver unique messages and ideas;
• Provide actionable content;
• Make complex issues seam simple;
• Have charisma;
• Be open to questions;
• Share and give instead of sell and take.

Presentation skills can be defined as a set of skills that enable us to: interact with the audience/recipient; transmit the message with clarity; engage the audience in the presentation; and understand and interpret the mindset of the listeners.

Significance in Times of Crisis (e.g. pandemic) 

Presentation skills in time of crisis are essential as it is necessary to pass the message clearly. Managers need to be able to communicate clearly, concisely, and in a timely manner during times of crisis. They need to be able to remain calm and focus on relaying pertinent information as quickly as possible. The ability to communicate information accurately, clearly and as intended, is a vital skill. In time of crisis it is very important to stay in control of communication. The attention must be focused on the needs and concerns of the audience/recipient.

Therefore, one of the most important skills of client-centered help and support on social level is a sufficiently high level of presentation skills.