3 Tips For Giving a Great Presentation

I used to be very long-winded. In the not-so-distant past, whenever I spoke to groups, or was asked to give a few words at family reunions or networking functions, I sometimes offered a much longer than necessary presentation. But in 2009, when I joined Twitter, things immediately started to change, and change for the better.

The platform forced me to think in short sentences, and to replace some phrases I used with one or two word answers. Yes, I still give longer explanations on a topic, particularly during Google Plus Hangouts with both friends and clients, and on occasion, during seminars and Q&A sessions. But for the most part, I think and talk in 140 characters.

Where Twitter has inspired the phrasing of my presentations, Pinterest and Instagram have inspired me to make them much more visual as well. I use graphs, maps and infographics to better illustrate my points, or, an occasional video or placard. But as any speaker will tell you, there is always, always something new to learn, and tweak about your style.

Whether you are presenting to a big conference or a small gathering, here are three tips to consider:

1. Inspire - I love quotes, especially picture quotes. But you don't have to use them exclusively. Storytelling can also be an effective way to "inspire the crowd". This can involve talking about an event, historic or contemporaneous, something that is meaningful to the occasion. You can even share something about yourself (overcoming an obstacle, donating to a cause) to make a stronger connection with the audience.
2. Consider Whether to Use Humor - Sometimes people tell a joke to appeal to the emotions of the attendees. Others may use it to loosen themselves up if they're nervous. If you employ humor, and you think your joke(s) didn't work, don't tell another one to bail yourself out. Just pivot to the points you wish to make. An effective presentation is much greater than the sum of its attempted humor.
3. Have fun - Look at the stage or venue as an opportunity to give people a sense of who you are. It is a blank canvas just waiting for your artistic masterpiece. It is not about impressing people, as much as it is about impacting them. And what better way to make an impact than with confidence and a smile.

This last point really connects with me. As a child I had a serious stuttering problem, and that affected my public speaking confidence into my late teens and early 20s. However, slowly but surely, I became more confident standing and speaking in front of a crowd. Whatever you're wrestling with that's preventing you from being the presenter you know you can be, confront it head on. The world needs to hear your voice. And who can do that better than you?

Be passionate. Be fearless. Be determined. Be memorable. Be extraordinary. Speak it into existence.

Sean Gardner is an international writer, keynote speaker, digital consultant and business creative who splits his time between Washington D.C. and Seattle, WA. He currently conducts workshops and social media training for small business, nonprofits, celebrities and multinational corporations. You can Tweet, Friend or Instagram him, and/or circle him on Google Plus.