Library Worklife

Career Advancement

Presentation Skills Aren’t Debatable!

By Vicki Burger

People often ask my suggestions for preparing to move into positions of more responsibility within their organizations. I like to remind them of the importance of presentation skills. Think about how much of the time the leaders in your library are "selling" an idea, communicating information or training on new processes or policies?

In fact, various surveys have shown that upwards to 90% of managers say that the ability to present ideas convincingly is critical to their jobs. Developing presentation skills can give a boost to your professional visibility and success.

But, how can you develop presentation skills if your current job doesn’t offer opportunities to present? I guess you do need an audience!

Think of small ways that your library could offer you the opportunity to practice or develop your skills. Think "baby steps"...

Introduce a speaker or presenter at your department or staff meeting.
Report on a training session or local conference you attended.
Inform others about a community or professional group that may be of interest.
Share your expertise ... genealogy, science fiction, romance novels.

Everyone has some special knowledge, information or interest that others in the organization would be excited to learn about.

It’s just like they say to first time authors: stick with something you know.
In other words don’t start out trying to present on Children’s Programming when your specialty is Technology.

Ok, so now your department head is open to your presenting an overview of the conference that you attended. What now?

Set realistic goals for your first presentation
- Limit your talk to 15 to 30 minutes
- Identify 3 or 4 main points that you would like to share.
- Consider your audience ... what would be relevant to them.
Organize your presentation

OPENING
As Patricia Fripp, author of Preparing and Presenting Powerful Programs says, "You have thirty seconds to command the attention of your audience. Don’t waste it!" Remember the importance of "WIFM" ... what’s in it for me?"

BODY ... the "meat" of the presentation

CLOSE ... the main goal or conclusion that you wanted to get across to your audience
Prepare your materials
- Use visual aides if they are helpful in delivering your message ... a flip chart, overheads, handouts, or PowerPoint presentation.
- Remember to only use technology if you are comfortable with it.
- Have paper backups just in case!
Practice your presentation
- Time yourself
- Remember your goals ... stick to your 3-4 points
The Big Day ... 10 things to remember

Arrive early ... check equipment and seating arrangements

Talk more slowly than you feel is necessary

Take a moment or two to breathe between each point

Always leave a few minutes for questions. This indicates that you are confident about your material.

Prepare an additional point to use up the time in case there are no questions

Act confident no matter how you are feeling

Don’t make apologies for things you haven’t done. Act as if everything is as it should be.

Make eye contact with the audience

Smile

Have fun with it ...

Finally, remind yourself of why you are there ...

Something that works for me

Want more info?

Knockout Presentations: How to Deliver Your Message With Power, Punch and Pizzazz
Diane Diresta
Speaking Your Way to the Top: Making Powerful Business Presentations
Marjorie Brody
Basic Presentation Skills
Gary Kroehnert
Schaum’s Quick Guide to Great Presentations
Melody Templeton and Suzanne Fitzgerald
www.toastmasters.com

Vicki Burger is the Administration/HR Manager at Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich, IL. She is a frequent presenter of career development workshops at ALA Annual Conferences and Midwinter meetings, as well as an experienced corporate and career/outplacement consultant. Contact her with questions and/or comments at vburger@eapl.org.