Better Business, 5/e

Improving Your Presentation Skills

In business, you often need to persuade, educate, or inform a group about your ideas. If you don’t have strong presentation skills, your audience won’t be receptive. Good presentation skills begin with good oral communication skills, so you need to make sure you speak loudly and clearly. Change your vocal intonation to add emphasis or interest when appropriate. It is important to engage audience members by looking directly at them as well as at different individuals around the room. Relax and smile, just as you would if you were talking to your friends.

Presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, can be a great addition to a presentation if it is used correctly. We have all sat through boring presentations ...