10 tips on how to not speak like a geek

 

1. Who are they

Be sure you understand your audience’s level of understanding of the technology you’re discussing. Unless you do, you risk speaking over their heads—or talking down to them by over-explaining.

2. Why am I here

Be clear on what you want your audience to know and to do.Everything you say should flow from that premise.

3. Appeal to the head and the heart

Technology professionals often believe that “the facts speak for themselves."They don't exactly. You have to make the audience believe them.That means the audience has to see you as trustworthy and likable. Let the audience understand that you share their values and concerns. Use stories and anecdotes to help show your humanity as well as clarify your information. Your knowledge and power of position alone won’t be persuasive. To get the audience excited about your idea you have to show your own passion for it. From the presentation’s start to its finish, maintain a high energy level.

4. Keep it simple

Don't try to cram too much into your presentation. Data dumping can kill it. Limit yourself to a few main points. Don't try to cover every “what if” scenario. Be sure you don’t exceed your time limit.

5. “Read” the audience

Keep a careful eye on the audience. Look for signs that they aren't following what you're saying. If you suspect that's happening, explain it better, perhaps with an anecdote or an analogy. If they seem particularly interested in the point you're making, think about expanding on it.

6. Watch your language

Use the language of home and hearth. Avoid using jargon or acronyms that might be misunderstood. Avoid buzzwords and circumlocutions. Use active rather than passive verbs. A perfect noun or verb doesn't need a modifier. Use short sentences. Make every word count.

7. Frame it

Begin by telling the audience what you’ll talk about and close with a summary of your main points.This will be particularly useful when you're presenting technical information that might be hard to understand.

8. Plan the Q&A

Anticipate the questions you're likely to be asked and prepare concise, persuasive answers to them. Ask “What questions do you have?” rather than “Do you have any questions?” Listen to the question all the way through; don’t begin planning your answer before the end of the question. If the question's unclear, ask for clarification. If everyone didn't hear the question, summarize it before you answer. Tie back the last question-and-answer to one of your main points.

9. Make the visuals meaningful

Presenters of technical information often cram too much information in the visuals. Keep them simple. Don't use screen captures, spreadsheets, charts and graphs that are extraneous to your main message. A slide with single word can speak volumes. Think about using animation. Speak to the audience, not the visuals. Don’t even think about using the visuals as cues for what to say next.

10. Rehearse it

Rehearse the presentation so you can deliver it without a script.You’ll connect much better with the audience that way. Inexperienced presenters often make the mistake of reading the presentation silently to themselves so they can deliver it without a script. That's a big mistake. Rehearse it the way you’ll deliver it, with body movement and changes in voice (pitch, volume and tempo) that emphasizes your important words and phrases. You'll become more confident with every run-through. You'll also find you can eliminate lots of content that you thought was needed.
Rehearse the presentation before one or two non-techies. Ask them to alert you if in their view you’re speaking like a geek. You’ll find this kind of rehearsal invaluable.

source:.bizjournals.com