Basic Tips for a Group Presentation
1. People are visual – they want to see something pretty –
so take care with your appearance.
When you are on stage, your shoes are often at eye-level; make sure they are clean and shiny. Your face is often seen from the side. Keep most hair away from your face so the audience has a good view of you. If the lights are harsh, lipstick and eye make-up go a long way.
2. When walking up to the stage, hold your folder or paper
in the hand closest to the audience.
Do not cuddle it like a baby. Make sure everyone in your group follows this protocol for a professional look. It only takes one to disrupt the flow.
3. Black is the ideal colour for folders and it is best if they all match.
Again, it takes just one red folder when everyone else has black to disrupt the continuity of your performance.
4. March quickly up to the stage in a neat row.
Keep a straight posture, hold a big smile, and give your best energy. Pretend you are loving it, even if you’re nervous. If you are nervous, don’t advertise the fact by fidgeting or appearing to lack confidence.
5. Know where each person in the group will go on stage before you get there so there is no shuffling or confusion.
Each person moving straight to his or her position creates a feeling of precision and competence. Once on stage, always face the audience.
6. If you are being introduced, make sure the emcee knows how
to pronounce your name.
I have had people introduce me with a lame, “I am not sure how to pronounce your name, but welcome!” Now I double-check with the person and make them read me my name and what they will say.
7. If you need glasses, please, don’t take them off and then back on
and then back off.
It is very irritating for the audience. If you are near-sighted and need glasses to look out at the audience but not for reading your notes, get lenses that are prescription on the top and no prescription on the bottom. I do. I also have non-glare lenses on stage.
8. If your presentation is on two sheets, place them side by side before you start so that you don’t have to turn them during your speech.
If you have more than two pages, make sure you number them all clearly. Getting lost is very uncomfortable for both you and the audience. If you are not the person speaking but are still on stage, don’t move. All focus needs to be on the current presenter. If you are next in line to speak, be ready so you can walk up front and centre in a second.
9. When walking off stage, remember that the performance is not quite done even if your back is towards the audience.
Don’t talk, don’t fidget. Once again, maintain good posture and keep a positive energy.
10. When people come to congratulate you, don’t tell them about what was not so good about your talk – they didn’t notice.
Later, you can have a post-mortem with the other presenters and discuss how to deliver even better the next time. For now, just smile and say thank you.
For more information regarding business etiquette and public speaking workshops, contact adeodata@businessofmanners.com, or call 416-971-9754.
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
