Presentation Skills Development

BAAZIGAR Your Way Through Networking! If you know me, you know I’m a big introvert. Starting conversations and making small talk? Let’s just say it feels as comfortable as wearing stilettos on a hiking trail! Yet, in our line of work, being shy isn’t an option—networking is crucial. Slowly but surely, I’m finding my way in this social maze, and I’d love to share some tips that have helped me along the journey: 🔶 Leverage Your Strengths: Introverts excel at listening and engaging in meaningful conversations. Use these skills to your advantage. Instead of feeling pressured to speak, focus on asking insightful questions. Example: At an event, you might ask, “What inspired you to pursue a career in [industry]? 🔶 Set Achievable Goals: Before attending an event, set a realistic goal. It could be connecting with three new people or exchanging contact information with two professionals. Tip: Write down your goals to keep yourself accountable! 🔶 Prepare Your Elevator Pitch: Craft a brief introduction that highlights who you are and what you do. Make it compelling. Example: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [Your Profession] passionate about [specific interest]. I enjoy connecting with others in [industry/field].” 🔶 After meeting someone, send a follow-up message thanking them for their time: You could say,“It was great meeting you at [Event]! I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic]. Let’s stay in touch.” 🔶 Quality Over Quantity: Smaller, more intimate events are often a better fit for us introverts. 🔶 Be kind to Yourself: It's okay to feel a bit nervous. Take breaks, breathe, and focus on building real connections, not just collecting business cards. What are your best introvert networking tips? Follow Aaina Chopra✨for more! #networking #events #branding #marketing #socialmedia #career

Most presentations don’t fail at the beginning.   They fail in the last 30 seconds.  A weak closing leaves your audience thinking:   - Wait… that’s it?   - What am I supposed to do with this?   - I already forgot the main point.  But a strong closing ensures your message sticks.   It makes your audience:   - Take action instead of just nodding along.   - Walk away feeling, “That was worth my time.”   - Remember your message long after you finish speaking.  --- 9 Ways to Close a Presentation with Impact  1. Bring It Full Circle      Reference your opening story, question, or statistic.  2. Issue a Clear Challenge      Push your audience to take action.  3. Drop a Memorable Quote      People forget slides, but they remember powerful words.  4. Close with a Story      A personal example makes your message stick.  5. Make a Bold Prediction      Leave them thinking about the future.  6. Ask a Thought-Provoking Question      Keep the conversation going beyond the room.  7. Go for the Emotional Close      Make it personal. Make it meaningful.  8. Reinforce the Key Takeaway      If they forget everything else, let them remember this.  9. Give a Clear Call to Action      Don’t just let them listen—tell them what to do next.  --- The last words you say are the ones that stick.  Don’t let your presentation fade out. End with purpose.  What’s one closing technique you need to use more?  Save this for your next big presentation.   Share it with someone looking to level up their speaking skills.   Follow Jay Mount for more insights on leadership and communication. --- 📌  Want more like this, check out Growth Steps https://lnkd.in/gbynuG9X

Most people start presentations the wrong way. Whether it’s a pitch, a keynote, or a team meeting, how you open sets the tone for everything. Here’s how to grab attention and keep your audience engaged 👇 Tell them what to expect—right away. People don’t like guessing games. Before you start, set the stage: - What’s this about? - How long will it take? - What key points are we covering? Even in a casual team meeting: “Hey guys, quick update today—should take about 30 minutes. We’re covering X, Y, and Z.” Simple. Clear. No confusion. Open with a story. Facts are forgettable. Stories stick. Your opening doesn’t have to be about the topic—it just has to hook people in. Example: “I just got back from Finland with eight friends. We toured 27 of the greatest saunas in the world in just eight days. Wild experience. But today, we’re talking about something just as intense—[insert topic].” Now they’re locked in. Why this works: ✔️ People love structure. ✔️ Stories make you relatable. ✔️ You control the energy in the room. Most speakers jump straight into slides. Big mistake. Set the tone first. Next time you give a pitch or presentation: 1️⃣ Start by telling them what to expect. 2️⃣ Hook them with a quick story or icebreaker. 3️⃣ Then dive in. It’s simple—but it works every time. What’s the best opening to a presentation you’ve ever heard? Drop it below.

Your team thinks you’re clueless. Your approach screams "American". And they're unconvinced. Kara Williams, an engineer from Boston, learned that the hard way. She flew to Munich to pitch carbon reduction strategies to a room full of German executives. She was confident. Prepared. Right to the point. She opened her presentation with a bold statement and recommendations for how to take action. But she barely made it through her first slide before the questions started flying: ➡️ “Please tell us more about the research you conducted." ➡️ “How many people did you interview?" ➡️ “What methodology did you use for analyzing the data?" Kara felt the group was attacking her credibility and became defensive. But what she saw as aggression… was actually a cultural difference in approach to reasoning. In Germany, where deductive thinking is built into the fabric of the education system, building your argument by first proving the principle before moving to application reigns. Introduction, thesis, anti-thesis, synthesis. In the US, where inductive reasoning prevails, getting to the point and sticking to it is more desirable and often more persuasive. Her next trip, Kara tried a different approach: “I began with the concept— this is the problem. Here are the details about the research done. I left time for debate and discussion before moving to recommendations... I focused first on WHY, then on HOW... I got the funding". Here’s the bigger truth: though most are unaware, the ways you seek to persuade others and the kinds of arguments you find convincing are often deeply rooted in your culture’s philosophical, religious, and educational assumptions and attitudes. Far from being universal, the art of persuasion is one that is profoundly culture-based. Another truth: No matter where in the world you're working, if you're not informed and adaptable, they may think you're clueless too. #TheCultureMap #ErinMeyer #CrossCulturalCommunication #CulturalFluency #GlobalTeams #BusinessAcrossBorders #EQatWork #WorkAcrossCultures

Think about the last presentation you sat through. Do you remember anything from it? Probably not. Most presentations fail because they are: ❌ Overloaded with bullet points ❌ Devoid of emotion ❌ Data dumps with no clear story The good news? You can make your presentation unforgettable with these 7 simple shifts: 1. Start with a Hook, Not an Intro Most presenters begin with "I'm excited to be here today..." and lose the audience immediately. Fix: Grab attention from the start. Example: “Your company is losing $10M a year—and you don’t even know why.” 2. Tell a Story, Not Just Data People remember stories, not statistics. Instead of listing facts, wrap them in a compelling narrative. Fix: Use the “Problem → Struggle → Solution” technique. Example: "Before using our system, Sarah’s team spent 3 hours a day on reports. She tried different tools, but nothing worked—until she found our solution. Now? Just 15 minutes a day." 3. Use Contrast & Surprise The brain is wired for novelty. If your presentation sounds predictable, people will tune out. Fix: Vary your tone, pace, and visuals. Drop in an unexpected question, statistic, or pause to keep them engaged. 4. Say Less, Mean More Too much information overloads the audience. They’ll remember nothing. Fix: Cut the fluff. Stick to one core message per slide, per section, per speech. 5. Make It Visual Bullet points don’t inspire. Images and metaphors do. Fix: Instead of saying “Our product is faster,” show a race car next to a bicycle. 6. End with a Bang, Not a Fizzle Most presentations end with “Thank you” and no real impact. Fix: Leave them with one key idea and a clear next step. Example: “If you only take away one thing today, let it be this…” 7. Master the Pause Most speakers talk too fast and leave no room for ideas to sink in. Fix: Silence is power. Pause after key points to let them land. 💡 A great presentation isn’t about information—it’s about transformation. Make your next one impossible to forget. What’s the most memorable presentation you’ve ever seen? Drop a comment below! ⬇

When we remember something, we ignore most of it. Actually, we make an assessment based only on two parts of the experience - the peak and the end. This psychological phenomenon is known as the Peak-End Rule, developed by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman and his colleagues in a 1993 study. Here’s a breakdown: 1. The Peak: This is the most intense part of the experience, whether very good or very bad. It stands out in our memory and affects how we view the whole interaction. 2. The End: The way an experience ends can shape our memory of it. A good ending can make us forget any bad moments, while a bad ending can ruin an otherwise good experience. Why does this matter? - Communication In any interaction, like a presentation or conversation, the key moments and how it ends shape how people remember you. Start strong, but finish even stronger. - Influence Strategically create memorable moments and end positively to leave a lasting impression. This can make the difference between being remembered as just another voice and being seen as a thought leader. - Leadership Great leaders create experiences with memorable high points and positive endings. This inspires and motivates others while building trust and loyalty. - First Impressions vs. Lasting Impressions Making a good first impression is important, but the lasting impression, shaped by the peak moment and the ending - is even more crucial. - Communication Strategy When preparing for meetings or presentations, focus on both the start and the end. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impact. How can you apply the Peak-End Rule? - Create Impactful Moments Highlight key moments in your presentations, meetings, and content. These can be powerful stories, big achievements, or emotionally engaging content. - End on a High Note End your speech, social media post, or meeting with a compelling summary, a call to action or a memorable statement. A strong ending leaves a lasting positive impression. - Follow Up After important interactions, send a personalised follow-up message. This strengthens the positive ending and keeps the memory favourable. By focusing on creating significant peak moments and ensuring our interactions end on a high note. We can make a lasting impact and elevate our personal brand. Remember, it’s not just about the first impression – it's about the lasting impression. How do you make sure every interaction leaves a lasting, positive memory?

I once asked my youngest daughter what she thought I did for work, and she said, "You sit on Zoom and give people your opinion all day." While there's more to my day than that, she's not entirely wrong! As you climb the career ladder, your schedule fills with presentations—some inspiring, others not so much. Here’s how to make sure yours stands out when presenting to senior leaders: 1. Be Specific, Not Overly Detailed: You've probably heard, "Keep it high-level for executives; avoid the weeds." True, but don't swing too far into the abstract. Ground your points with concrete facts and data. For instance, instead of saying, "Some code deployments aren't automated and there are opportunities for improvement," try, "Our analysis shows 25% of code deployments require manual effort, particularly in post-change validations and service restarts." 2. Harness the Power of Storytelling: Transform your presentation into a captivating narrative. Stories make data relatable and memorable. Start with a real-world example, like a customer struggling with your current system, highlight the problem and then move on to your solution. 3. Start with the 'Why': Dive into the heart of your proposal by explaining its significance. Why should your audience care? How does it align with their goals? For example, "By automating these processes, we not only boost efficiency but also advance our strategic goal of enhancing customer satisfaction." 4. Foster a Dialogue, Not a Monologue: Remember, communication is a two-way street. Anticipate your audience's reactions and be ready to engage. Hit your key points swiftly, avoid over-explaining, and focus on insights that empower decision-making. After presenting, ask questions to invite discussion. These strategies can help you tie together facts, emotions, and strategic insights, making your message not just heard, but remembered and acted upon. #presentationtips #careertips #careeradvice

SAVED BY MY TALK TECH KIT! WHAT EVERY SPEAKER NEEDS TO PACK! Being prepared isn’t just about knowing your talk inside out. It’s also about being ready for the tech challenges that can pop up when presenting your slides. From my experience speaking all over the world, I’ve learned the hard way just how important it is to have a reliable Talk Tech Kit. This kit has saved me on numerous occasions and keeps me prepared for any tech hiccup that might come my way! I remember a talk I did in Salt Lake City. I arrived with my laptop battery at 30% and realised I didn’t have the right American plug adapter. I’m lucky I can do my presentations without slides because that could have been a nightmare for some! Fortunately, the venue had an adapter, but it made me realise the importance of having my Talk Tech Kit. So, what’s in my Talk Tech Kit? Here’s what I always bring along: ONE ↳ Flipchart Pens: I use chunky flipchart pens that are visible from the back of the room. Perfect for engaging the audience when tech fails and you need to switch to a flipchart! If you like the link, let me know! TWO ↳ Mac adapter: Macs often lack the necessary ports for projectors, so having an adapter is so important. It’s a lifesaver for connecting your laptop to various devices. THREE ↳ USB stick: Loaded with all my talks as a backup. It’s handy for giving to organisers if my laptop fails. Just be mindful that some events, especially those in secure venues, might not accept USBs; always have a cloud backup, too! FOUR ↳ Pen: A simple pen to jot down notes, details, or contacts after the talk. You never know when it’ll come in handy! FIVE ↳ Clicker: I always take my own clicker. I’ve experienced all kinds of clickers. Even one the size of a brick! Having my own means, I know how it works and feel comfortable using it. SIX ↳ Head mic: I prefer my own head mic. It fits perfectly, feels comfortable, and doesn’t look like I’m eating the mic! I’m not a fan of handheld mics, so I always check with the venue in advance. And a couple of other essentials I never go without: ↳ Jelly Beans: Yes, jelly beans! They’re my go-to for a quick energy boost, especially after a long flight or during intense back-to-back talks. ↳ Vocalzone: For when I need a little voice support, though thankfully, I’ve never had to use them! Having my Talk Tech Kit means I’m prepared and confident for any situation. Don’t let tech issues hold you back or knock your confidence. Pack your own Talk Tech Kit, and be ready for whatever comes your way! To your successes, Zoe ____________ Loved this post? 💜 Then my free newsletter is for you! Get one powerful tip every week to elevate your speaking career and establish yourself as a thought leader. Plus, as a special bonus: You’ll receive my exclusive guide, How to Use LinkedIn to Secure More Speaking Engagements (a $199 value) absolutely free. Join 1000+ thought leaders here: see the link in the first comment below 👇🏻

Your way... may not be my way! Many Japanese find receiving questions after a presentation a little frustrating. It's one of the reasons that Japanese presentations are often so text & data heavy. By providing EXTENSIVE and COMPLEX data, the feeling of the presenter is that... “I have now given you EVERYTHING you need to know about this topic, so therefore there should be no need for ANY questions"    Yet, the English audience will still ask questions. 😱 Japanese presenters often inerpret those questions to mean... ...I did not present clearly enough. ...I did not presenter the most suitable data.  ...My presentation was not comprehensive enough. ...you are challenging my work, my data and my position. The English speakers are REALLY asking questions to...  ...deepen understanding.  ...gather additional information.  ...show RESPECT for the presenter's effort. ...demonstrate that they were actually listening. (The Japan Series 131) if the presenter is Japanese, and has just presented in English, generally, a lot of time and effort was spent to prepare those slides in English, and explain them in English. Please RECOGNISE that.  For example..."Thank you Kyoko for your presentation. Thank you for explaining in English. That was helpful and I appreciate your expertise. May I ask a question....” Then when you ask your question... ...keep it short.  ...don’t speak too fast. ...avoid complex words. ...rephrase the question if you sense it was not understood, for example “Kyoko, let me ask that question in a different way....” Presenters of all nationalities can alway improve how they present.  Audience members of al nationalities can always improve how they respond. Need help with presentations in your team, reach out. #TheJapanSeries #TheCourageousCommunicator

I have a confession to make. I have been guilty of putting people to sleep during my presentations. Unfortunately, not once, but many times. I could blame it on the complexities of tech topics or the dryness of the subject. I could always console myself by saying that at least it's not as sleep-inducing as financial presentations (sorry, my friends in Finance). Deep down, though, I knew that even the most complicated and dry topics could come alive. As with anything, it's a skill and can be improved upon. Thus, I turned to my friend Christopher Chin, Communication Coach for Tech Professionals, for some much-needed advice. He shared these 5 presentation tips guaranteed to leave a lasting impression: 1/ Speak to Their Needs, Not Your Wants Don’t just say what you like talking about or what your audience wants to hear. Say what your audience needs to hear based on their current priorities and pain points: that sets your presentation up to be maximally engaging 2/ Slides Support, You Lead Slides are not the presentation. You are the presentation. Your slides should support your story and act as visual reinforcement rather than as the main star of the show.  Consider holding off on making slides until you have your story clear. That way, you don’t end up making more slides than you need or making slides more verbose than you need 3/ Start with a Bang, Not a Whisper The beginning of a presentation is one of the most nerve-wracking parts for you as the speaker and one of the most attention-critical parts for your audience. If you don’t nail the beginning, there’s a good chance you lose the majority of people. Consider starting with something that intrigues your audience, surprises them, concerns them, or makes them want to learn more. 4/ Think Conversation, Not Presentation One-way presentations where the speaker just talks “at” the audience lead to dips in attention and poorer reception of the material. Consider integrating interactive elements like polls and Q&A throughout a presentation (rather than just at the very end) to make it feel more like a conversation. 5/ Finish Strong with a Clear CTA We go through all the effort of preparing, creating, and delivering a presentation to cause some change in behavior. End with a powerful call to action that reminds your audience why they were in attendance and what they should do as soon as they leave the room. By integrating these, you won't just present; you'll captivate. Say goodbye to snoozing attendees and hello to a gripped audience. 😴 Repost if you've ever accidentally put someone to sleep with a presentation. We've all been there!