Presentation skills
Presentation skills, simply put are the way you present your work; in a distinct, different manner; so as to make a positive impact on the prospective client, talent or receiver. For example an upcoming director went to a superstar, an icon, a legend - for script-narration; the script he took was not normally bound; but bound in gold-pleated cover! The actor took the script and kept it aside; the director was shocked, "But sir, I have an appointment for narration." Actor, "I don't need narration"; the director thought that the actor doesn't want to work with him; but before he could react the actor continued, "your passion is so very evident from the script you have got; you will undoubtedly make a good film."
The film went on to become a cult film and the actor sweeped all the awards in Hindi Film Industry next year!
That's the power of 'presentation skills'.
Where can presentation skills help
Presentation Skills can help you in practically all situations in life; w.r.t. professional situations, the most evident are -
- Job interviews & Professional Meetings
- Networking events
- Speaking at public functions
The most important Q now is how to improve the Presentation Skills
How can we improve our Presentation Skills
1. Know Your Audience
Understand what the audience wants to get out of the presentation. You need to be mindful of the people in the meeting or in the conference room, and what the audience expect out of you.
2. Plan your Presentation
Plan the structure of your presentation – and know what structure works for your audience; so that your audience can absorb information, that needs to be delivered.
3. Make it Interesting
Attention spans are not long, make sure you’ve included some really interesting points, and vary the type of these 'interesting points', this will help your presentation to attract attention.
4. Dress the Part
Your appearance matters; thankfully, in the entertainment industry worldwide - smart casuals are acceptable. With so much competition around you ought to be well presented, with respect to clothes, hair, shoes, etc., people tend to notice you more and you have a strong positive impact.
5. Show Passion
Your enthusiasm & energy for the topic is essential. If you lack energy, seem disinterested & disoriented; you will loose your audience!
6. Discuss the “Elephant in the Room”
If there is an issue, if something isn’t working, you are experiencing a problem; then make a mention of whatever it is, deal with it & move on. If you don’t, the audience might think that you are not well prepared & your presentation skills are not up to the mark!
7. Get a Grip on your Nerves
Handling nervousness and building confidence is important – if you do so, you will see that you will make a much stronger presentation and you will be sought after for your presentation skills; that in turn will give you the result you desire!
A workshop on developing the skills w.r.t. Cinema & Media Industry is available in all contact classes of Film-Educator, Amit Agarwal, worldwide
