A presentation is a form of communication in which the speaker conveys
information to the audience. In organization presentations are used in various scenarios like talking to a group, addressing a meeting, demonstrating or introducing a new product, or briefing a team. It involves presenting a particular subject or issue or new ideas/thoughts to a group of people.

It is considered as the most effective form of communication because of two main reasons:

• Use of non-verbal cues.
• Facilitates instant feedback.

In small presentations, we can make use of a blackboard, graphs, charts and slides as a visual aid. Whereas, in large presentations, we can make use of films, slides, videos, animations or modern computer graphics, as a visual aid.

Parts of Presentation

Every Presentation has three main parts viz introduction, body and conclusion. Basically, an introduction should take around 10-15% of your presentation time. While you should allocate 75% of your time towards your body and the remaining 10% should be for the conclusion.

• Introduction: It is meant to make the listeners ready to receive the message and draw their interest. For that, the speaker can narrate some story or a humorous piece of joke, an interesting fact, a question, stating a problem, and so forth. They can also use some surprising statistics.
• Body: It is the essence of the presentation. It requires the sequencing of facts in a logical order. This is the part where the speaker explains the topic and relevant information. It has to
  be critically arranged, as the audience must be able to grasp what the speaker presents.
• Conclusion: It needs to be short and precise. It should sum up or outline the key points that you have presented. It could also contain what the audience should have gained out of the
  presentation.

Purpose of Presentation

1. To inform: Organizations can use presentations to inform the audience about new schemes, products or proposals. The aim is to inform the new entrant about the policies and procedures
   of the organization.
2. To persuade: Presentations are also given to persuade the audience to take the intended action.
3. To build goodwill: They can also help in building a good reputation

Factors Affecting Presentation

• Audience Analysis
  When the speaker has made some background research about the audience in a proper manner, it results in excelling in the presentation. However, when the audience analysis is
  poor, it will result in an ineffective presentation.
• Communication environment
  The effectiveness of the presentation is highly influenced by the communication environment. Maximum people of the audience notice the surrounding. These surroundings include the speaker, stage, background, lighting, aeration and so forth. If the arrangements are not proper then it will have an adverse impact on the presentation.
• Personal Appearance
  How the speaker is appearing to the audience has a great impact. A person who is well dressed up, wearing limited accessories and looking professional, can influence the audience by their communication easily.
• Use of Visuals
  Visuals are like the cherry on the cake. It makes the presentation more effective. If the presenters use visual aids, then it is supposed to be better prepared. Also, they appear more persuasive, credible and interesting to the audience.
• Opening and Closing Presentation
  The beginning of the presentation should be interesting enough to retain the attention of the audience. The ending of the presentation should leave a deep impact on the audience.
• Organization of Presentation
  When the facts and data are organized in a proper manner, clarity is ensured. Further, it makes the message understandable and keeps the enthusiasm of the audience intact. Also, it improves the image of the speaker.
• Language and Words
  The quality of the presentation also depends on the language and words. The speaker should speak in the language with which the audience is familiar. So, he could choose some catchy words to grab the interest of the audience.
• Voice Quality
  The presenter’s voice quality also has an influence on the audience. A strong and striking voice can easily draw the attention of the audience.
• Body Language
  The audience listens to the speaker who maintains eye contact while speaking. It shows the confidence, knowledge, friendliness and experience of the speaker.
• Answering Questions
  If the speaker is capable of handling the questions of the audience tactfully asked when the presentation ends. It helps in impressing the audience. Then, the presentation is said to be successful.

A word from Business Jargons

Presentation is a mode of conveying information to a selected group of people live. An ideal presentation is one that identifies and matches the needs, interests and understanding level of the audience. It also represents the facts, and figures in the form of tables, charts, and graphs
and uses multiple colours.

Effective Presentation Skills:

Verbal communication
How you use language and deliver messages play essential roles in how your audience will receive your presentation. Speak clearly and confidently, projecting your voice enough to ensure everyone can hear. Think before you speak, pausing when necessary and tailoring the
way you talk to resonate with your particular audience.

Body language
Body language combines various critical elements, including posture, gestures, eye contact, expressions, and position in front of the audience. Body language is one of the elements that can instantly transform a presentation that would otherwise be dull into one that’s dynamic and
interesting.

Voice projection
The ability to project your voice improves your presentation by allowing your audience to hear what you’re saying. It also increases your confidence to help settle any lingering nerves while also making your message more engaging. To project your voice, stand comfortably with your shoulders back. Take deep breaths to power your speaking voice and ensure you enunciate every syllable you speak.

Posture
How you present yourself plays a role in your body language and ability to project your voice. It also sets the tone for the presentation. Avoid slouching or looking overly tense. Instead, remain open, upright, and adaptable while taking the formality of the occasion into account.

Storytelling
Incorporating storytelling into a presentation is an effective strategy used by many powerful public speakers. It has the power to bring your subject to life and pique the audience’s curiosity. Don’t be afraid to tell a personal story, slowly building up suspense or adding a dramatic moment. And, of course, be sure to end with a positive takeaway to drive your point home.

Active listening
Active listening is a valuable skill all on its own. When you understand and thoughtfully respond to what you hear—whether it’s in a conversation or during a presentation—you’ll likely deepen your personal relationships and actively engage audiences during a presentation. As part of your presentation skill set, it helps catch and maintain the audience’s attention, helping them remain focused while minimizing passive response, ensuring the message is delivered correctly, and encouraging a call to action.

Stage presence
During a presentation, projecting confidence can help keep your audience engaged. Stage presence can help you connect with your audience and encourage them to want to watch you. To improve your presence, try amping up your normal demeanor by infusing it with a bit of enthusiasm. Project confidence and keep your information interesting. Watch your audience as you’re presenting. If you’re holding their attention, it likely means you’re connecting well with them.

Self-awareness
Monitoring your own emotions and reactions will allow you to react well in various situations. It helps you remain personable throughout your presentation and handle feedback well. Self-awareness can help soothe nervousness during presentations, allowing you to perform more
effectively.

Writing skills
Writing is a form of presentation. Sharp writing skills can help you master your presentation’s outline to ensure you stay on message and remain clear about your objectives from the beginning until the end. It’s also helpful to have strong writing abilities for creating compelling
slides and other visual aids.

Understanding an audience
When you understand your audience’s needs and interests, you can design your presentation around them. In turn, you’ll deliver maximum value to them and enhance your ability to make your message easy to understand.

Importance of Presentation Skills

1. Enriched written and verbal communication skills
2. Enhanced confidence and self-image
3. Boosted critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities
4. Better motivational techniques
5. Increased leadership skills
6. Expanded time management, negotiation, and creativity