Course Outcomes

This introductory presentation skills course will:

  • Provide participants with an understanding of the essential elements of a presentation.
  • Give participants an easy framework for organizing information.
  • Supply the group with a handful of techniques for using body language to their advantage during a presentation.
  • Offer solid suggestions for using PowerPoint and other visual aids to support their messages.

Course Overview

In addition to subject knowledge, a great presenter has two unique qualities: platform presence and confidence. This confidence comes from knowing what to say and being comfortable in the spotlight.

During this basic presentation skills workshop, participants will practice the skills and explore the processes that will make them better speakers and presenters.

Program Objectives

At this program’s conclusion, participants should know how to:

  • Gain rapport with an audience.
  • Choose a presentation structure and organize information.
  • Manage stage fright.
  • Leverage body language during a presentation.
  • Present with confidence and professional presence.

The following outline highlights some of the course’s key learning points. As part of your training program, we will modify content as needed to meet your business objectives. Upon request, we will provide you with a copy of the participant materials prior to the session(s).

Workshop Outline

Understanding How It Works: Communication

To begin, participants will identify their platform strengths and set learning goals for the day.  Next, they will discuss the characteristics of strong speakers along with the mistakes to which novices often fall prey.

Let’s Get Organized: Choosing a Structure

If it’s not organized well, even important information will often be ignored or dismissed by an audience. During this part of the workshop, we will explore popular ways of organizing information and practice using various tools for structuring a presentation. 

Opening and Closing: Designing Strong Starts and Ends

It’s often said that an audience will remember the first words a speaker utters and the last.  Whether that’s true is debatable, but nevertheless, a strong opening and powerful close can set the tone for a talk and strengthen a presentation. This workshop component offers ideas for creating strong openings and closings.  In this part of the course, participants will practice multiple options for introducing information and concluding remarks.

Getting Ready to Jump: Positive Self-Talk and Confidence

A big part of being great on stage is having a smooth start.  During this part of the course, participants will learn how to build their self-confidence through preparation and positive self-talk.  We will explore several tips and tricks for appearing comfortable and building rapport with an audience.

Body Language Basics: Getting the Most from Yourself

Great body language can support and enhance a message, while distracting body language can destroy it. This workshop component explores the value of planned body language and how to choose purposeful movements that will support specific points during a presentation.

Curtains Up: Stepping on Stage

This program concludes with a final practice exercise.  Working in teams, participants will deliver a short presentation illustrating the points they learned during the course. Following the activity, the facilitator and class members will provide positive feedback and suggestions for improvement. 

At the end of this basic presentation skills course, participants should have an understanding of what it takes to command a stage and effectively present information.