From time to time, we are all faced with the challenge of delivering an effective presentation or communicating with others effectively to get our message across at work.
To deliver an effective presentation, it is important to first understand the communication model and the three components of communication.
The communication model begins with the sender (you). The sender encodes the message, the message goes through your chosen channel (such as a PowerPoint presentation), and the receiver (your audience) will then decode your message and respond with their feedback. There are also three very key elements that are the makeup of effective communication: 10 per cent content, 35 per cent vocal qualities, and 55 per cent body language and facial expressions.
Now that you understand the communication process, here are some tips on delivering an effective presentation:
Know your audience
It is very important to know your audience so that you can strategically relate your presentation topic and method of delivery to your audience. For example, if your audience is a panel of recruiters at a sales company (yes, an interview is probably one of your most important presentations!), you will need to dress professionally and present your work experiences and skills in a professional manner.
Use visuals
Most of us are visual learners, and it can truly make your presentation so much better if you use visuals, such as images, diagrams, charts and videos, to support your presentation and message.
The classic presentation approach
Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and tell them what you just told them.
This is the classic presentation approach that will help keep your presentation smooth and organized. Begin with an agenda, then the body of your presentation content, and finish off with a summary and conclusion.
At the end of last year, the number of smartphones used around the world reached a colossal one billion. For businesses, the perks of technology advancements are endless. This is the case most of the time for consumers as well. However, with the world at your fingertips 24/7, it’s easy to feel like you always need to be connected — especially when starting a new job.
S0 how do you leave work at work when it follows you home every day in the form of a mobile device?
Speak up
It’s likely that the person contacting you in the evening or on weekends has no comprehension of how you spend your time outside of work. If there seems to be a common denominator when it comes to who’s seeping into your “you” time, talk to them about it! Simply ask them to hold off on sending work-related emails during non-work hours unless it’s truly urgent. Most people will understand.
Step outside yourself
Take a moment to see how others may feel about your smartphone habits. Whether it’s your friend, parent or child, no one likes the feeling that you’re prioritizing your attention to your device over them. So drop the phone and focus your attention on what really matters in that moment.
Learn to separate the importance of notifications
When you hear your phone go off, you likely go into a thought process that consists of: I wonder who that is? I wonder what it’s about? I wonder if it’s important? I wonder if I should check that? And so on. But not every alert is an urgent matter. Chances are, if it’s something truly earth-shattering, the person trying to reach you will do so by calling.
Let go of the guilt
When you don’t respond within a prompt time frame (for many people, that means immediately), you may feel like you’re slacking. The truth is, unless you’re being paid to be on the clock at all times, you’re allowed to have work-free time.
A few months ago, a good friend of mine approached me about an internal job posting within his organization for which he was interested in applying.
He had been a video editor within this sports broadcasting company for four years and definitely needed more responsibility, a new challenge and something to give him renewed excitement about the organization and his field. He was hesitant to apply, as he’d been told that the individuals hiring already had someone in mind for the position and he felt that a fair amount of the job description was out of his skill set, as the job required producing experience. I encouraged him to apply regardless, as it would show upper management that he was looking to make lateral and/or vertical moves within the organization, that he wanted to be given more leadership opportunities and that he was looking to grow within this field.
Ultimately, there was no harm in applying. His superiors wouldn’t even know he was interested in the position if he didn’t apply and likely hadn’t considered him as a possibility for the job — not because he wasn’t qualified or capable, but because he hadn’t voiced any interest until this point. If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
My friend applied for the position and within two days he heard back from the hiring manager for the position. He had an interview three days later and, what do you know? He got the job!
Two weeks later he set off on a month of travelling across Canada filming the fourth season of this station’s signature show. He had new responsibilities, new networking opportunities, and the chance to learn new skills within his field — and he could not have been more pumped to get started! None of this would have happened if he had settled for the status quo and hadn’t voiced his interest in this exciting new opportunity. He Spoke Up!
Think of it this way: it’s more efficient and cost effective to teach a new skill to an eager, existing employee than to hire someone new to fill the gap.
You’ll be surprised to see the opportunities that become available to you by showing this initiative, enthusiasm and dedication in your organization.
Ways to speak up successfully
• Arrange a meeting with your manager/supervisor to discuss your long-term career vision
• Talk to your boss about ways for you to get more involved in your organization
• Apply for internal job postings
• Request to be put on certain project teams
• Tell your boss you are looking for more responsibility or that you want to acquire new skills —be specific..
When someone showcases inappropriate behaviour, especially in a workplace setting, it can create a negative work atmosphere in which other co-workers feel uninterested to do their work and even customers don’t want to deal with that particular business. Whether the need for the confrontation arises in a work or personal setting, here are handy tips on how you should go about confronting that certain someone:
Use your personal power
This is simply the influence that you have on your peers. While we all have positional power, personal power is something we develop through rapport. If you are to confront someone, it can make the process a lot easier if you have a good working relationship and mutual understanding with that person.
What to confront
If you are confronted by someone, you will probably take it personally. So when you are confronting, don’t point your finger at the individual, but rather talk about how the way they are behaving needs to change. Remember the saying: “It’s not what you’re saying, but how you’re saying it.”
Be objective
Don’t let your emotions get in the way — stay both morally and emotionally objective.
Stay focused on the issue at hand
Always remain focused on the initial issue, and confront tihe person’s behaviour.
Consistency
Try to be consistent in your approach and in what you do and say.
Laugh it up
It can be a very good idea to employ humour.
This shows you are human and that you can make light of the situation.
It’s also a good way of cutting through the emotional tension.
Be pre-emptive
Always attempt to resolve problems before they actually occur or deal with it early on to prevent any escalations.
