Page 3 of 9
Using Notes During a Presentation
Here are some ideas for using notes if you have to use them during your speech. There is technology available for you to see your notes on your laptop and have your actual slides projected on the screen at the same time. But if you want to use paper notes, here are some ideas.
Imagine this. You had your slides all set for your presentation but wanted some extra notes to remind you of a particular point. You jotted your thoughts down on a piece of paper and planned to use those notes when you got to a certain point in your speech. When you came to that point, you looked at your notes but couldn't read them. Your handwriting was too small and somewhat illegible. Because you couldn't stop, find your glasses, read the notes, and then speak, you continued without them. BUT, at that point, you were a little flustered and upset with yourself. Maybe the audience noticed or maybe they didn't -- but you felt uneasy for the rest of your speech.
Rule number one: Make sure any notes you plan to use when speaking in front of a group are readable. "Readable" means you are able to read the notes when standing with the paper on a desk in front of you. You can see each word with a quick downward glance. Print your notes; don't write them by hand. Use a twenty-four-point type size.
Now that your notes are literally readable, make sure they are concise and make sense to you. Don't use complete sentences. You just want some bullet points that remind you of what you want to say.
Rule number two: Do not write out your whole speech in speaker notes. You cannot possibly use those notes when presenting. Have as few extra notes as possible. You should spend most of your time connecting to your audience, not reading your notes. And always end your sentences looking at someone, not at your notes. Here's what you should put in your speaker notes:
If you write speaker notes for others, here are some ideas to include:
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
If you still feel you want some more presentation-type training, but have taken several presentation programs, take a theater course. There are many theater or improvisational movement/acting classes. You practice improvising on the stage. How can this help you when presenting? You learn to listen better to everyone because your next line depends on what was just said. You learn to enjoy the anticipation of not knowing what will come next. You may have had a plan for what was to happen next, but frequently had to give up that plan when the scene didn't go in that direction. You begin to appreciate your ability to flow with whatever is happening. Don't these all sound like skills you need as a presenter? Take a course. It will help you become a more relaxed, energetic presenter. Plus, you will have fun at the same time.
Plan with the Location
Be prepared. Based on our experience, everything goes wrong or fails to work at some stage in the life of a presenter. The best approach to dealing with all conceivable eventualities is to invest time up front in contingency planning and meticulous checking of details. One presenter has this to say: "I am careful, redundant, cautious. I have low expectations. I haven't had a 'fatality' in years." First, you need to work with the people who are setting up the room and in charge of the equipment. Don't just discuss the details with the conference organizer. Speak with the people in charge of the equipment. Frequently, the equipment requirements list doesn't make it to the actual people in charge of setting up the equipment. Speak to them yourself, if you can.
Confirm the date and time in writing. You may not think it is necessary. Here are several stories from people who didn't want to waste time confirming in writing. "I didn't confirm my presentation time and they had me speaking in the morning and I had it listed for the afternoon." "After much discussion, I thought we agreed on a day. No memos were sent. I had the wrong day on my calendar and was teaching elsewhere that day. Imagine my shock when I heard on my voice mail, 'Where are you? We expected you at 9 A.M.'"
You arrive at the hotel or company. You're about to set up your equipment. Are you ready? See the Location Checklist below for details that you should have discussed before your arrival.
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
