Four NLP Tips for impactful Presentations

By: Lenka Majstrikova

Fact:  You don’t have to have aspirations to become a professional speaker; however the ability to be better than a ‘good’ presenter is crucial in climbing a company career ladder or taking your business to a new level.
If you have a need to make presentations, even if it’s just introducing yourself at the meeting, here are a few NLP tips that can help you to make your presentation unforgettable:

1. Give your audience a leverage to listen to you throughout your presentation.

The majority of inexperienced presenters start their presentations with who they are and what they do. Guess what –  people in audience are not interested. They want to know how, what you’re about to say, will benefit THEM. Find an angle to relate the topic of your presentation to people in your audience personally. Case studies and ‘What if’ frames are good examples of powerful starts. Make them know that what is about to follow will fulfil their needs. If you master this part of your presentation, the rest will be easy. You will enjoy 100 % focus and attention throughout your entire presentation.

2. Have a clear outcome of your presentation

What action or actions do you want your audience to make?  What would you like to accomplish by your presentation? Have this outcome clearly in your mind and imagine achieving it. Consider what steps are needed for your audience to take these action(s).

3. Use the power of a story.

Everyone loves a good story. People may forget details of your presentation, but they will always remember your stories. They are a great way to pre-teach the topic, gain interest, and create the state of anticipation and to build rapport with the audience. Use stories related to your topic.  You can find great stories everywhere. The best ones are those with YOU as a main character. Tell funny stories to make your audience much more comfortable. Stories interrupted just before the climax will keep them hooked on what you have got to say next.  Story telling is an invaluable skill shared by all ‘big’ people! Are you a good story teller?

4. Use tonality of your voice for a greater impact.

   38 % of your message will be conveyed by the tonality of your voice. Using your full voice will communicate confidence. To be a more effective presenter, use this as a rule of thumb: Speak clearly and loud enough that if the microphone breaks, you will still be heard. You can improve your delivery by practicing the ‘tape and ape’ technique:
   Choose someone on television who has credibility, in whose words you feel inclined to place your trust—perhaps a newscaster or interviewer. Audiotape a five-minute segment of that person’s speech, and then listen to it several times. Now listen to the first minute and repeat it yourself, emulating the speaker’s tone as much as possible—that means the speed, pitch and intonation. Do the same with each minute in turn, and then try the whole segment. These people are professionals whose job depends on how well they present information—doesn’t that also, in a way, describe you?

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