Yesterday was the first day of our Art and Science of Effective Business Presentation Workshop for one of our clients in Quezon City, and it was packed with energy, insights, and a lot of learning! The goal? To help participants become more confident and effective speakers. Here’s a quick rundown of what happened:
Getting Started: Visualization Exercise
We kicked things off with a simple visualization exercise to help everyone imagine their best presentation selves. This set the tone for the day, helping them feel more prepared and ready to take on the challenge of public speaking.
Why Good Presentation Skills Matter
We discussed how improving presentation skills can boost confidence, help overcome fear, and build credibility in business. Whether it’s presenting ideas, leading meetings, or pitching a proposal, strong communication skills make a huge difference.
The 3Cs of a Great Presentation & Common Mistakes to Avoid
We talked about the 3Cs—Competence, Confidence, and Connection—which are the foundation of any powerful presentation. Then, we tackled some common mistakes like:
- Lack of preparation
- Overusing fillers (uhm, ahh)
- Weak eye contact
- Rambling instead of structuring thoughts properly
Practice Makes Perfect: Introductory Presentations
The highlight of the day was when each participant gave a short presentation using an object of their choice. Afterward, they got real-time feedback on what worked and what could be improved. Some key takeaways:
- Many participants demonstrated great energy, well-structured content, and strong audience engagement.
- Some worked on refining their gestures, making them more intentional while minimizing filler words for a smoother delivery.
- Others focused on using stage space more effectively, maintaining steady eye contact, and pacing their speech for a stronger connection with their audience.
Tackling the Fear of Public Speaking
Public speaking makes a lot of people nervous, so we had a session on Glossophobia (fear of public speaking). We watched a video, discussed the reasons behind this fear, and shared tips on how to manage it. Some of the best advice included:
- Proper preparation helps create a sense of control and readiness.
- Practicing deep breathing techniques promotes relaxation and steady delivery.
- Shifting focus to the message rather than worrying about the audience fosters confidence and engagement.
Techniques for Structuring Presentations
We introduced some simple but effective frameworks to help participants organize their thoughts:
- PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point)
- SMG (Story, Message, Gain)
- PPF (Past, Present, Future)
- AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action)
Body Language & Voice Control
To help them deliver with impact, we covered posture, voice modulation, and body language. They also did a posture exercise and an impromptu speaking activity to put these skills into practice.
Prepping for the Final Presentations
Before wrapping up, we grouped participants and had them pick a topic for their final presentation on Wednesday. They submitted their topics before heading home, setting the stage for more learning in the next sessions.
What’s Next?
Day 1 was a solid start! We’re excited to see how everyone improves over the next few days. Visit our Facebook and stay tuned for more updates as we dive deeper into the art of delivering powerful business presentations!
Learn more about the Art and Science of Effective Business Presentation Workshop! You may also check our Training Services to learn more about our training customization.