I’ve been tweeting a fair bit about improving presentation skills and was asked last week to compile all my tweets under one roof for easy reference. I thought that was a reasonable request, and here’s my collection of 16 tweets – some are based on tips I picked up from a book I highly recommend, called Presentation Zen. It’s by Garr Reynolds, who is truly the king of great presentations.

To many, public speaking is even worse than death or taxes! I however, am wired a little differently, perhaps thanks to a presentation subject I did while at university. I’ve even bought my own audio gear that travels with me when giving presentations – I’d rather not rely on the crappy mics that you sometimes are given, but be comfortable with my own Sennheiser G2 wireless pack and Countryman mic.

• It’s more difficult to process information presented both verbally & on #preso slides. Show less on slides, explain more.
• #Preso tip: If you write out yr speech, don’t read from it. Refer only when REALLY needed! Bullet points might help you.
• One reason why many a #preso is ineffective is because people do not step back & assess what really is important.
• Because most presentations are mediocre, it gives you a chance to be different & shine. Read @presentationzen – it’s good!
• #Preso tip: If your session is recorded, grab a copy, watch it and you’ll improve heaps for the next presentation.
• #Preso tip: DO NOT apologise before starting, unless you really made a mistake. Too often I hear, “Sorry, I’m nervous…”
• #Preso tip: To improve your presentation skills & slides, watch “An Inconvenient Truth” by Al Gore: he’s truly a whiz!
• #Preso tip: Listen to your audience & respond accordingly. Gauge what topics interest them and expound on them.
• #Preso tip: Photographers, the rule of thirds applies to your slides too! Place your subjects along the same grid.
• #Preso tip: Show up early to make sure the projector & sound system speak the same lingo as your notebook.
• #Preso tip: Improve your presentations by watching free presentations by preso guru, Steve Jobs – http://bit.ly/mHdJc
• #Preso tip: PLEASE sprinkle some media to break the monotony of your presentation. A simple YouTube clip can do wonders!
• #Preso tip: Just in case Murphy comes by, bring a copy of yr presentation on a USB drive. Keynote users, bring a PPT ver.
• #Preso tip: Who says your company logo must be on every slide? Less is more! Don’t clutter slides with the unnecessary.
• #Preso tip: Preparing a detailed handout keeps you from feeling compelled to cram everything into your visuals.
• #Preso tip: Well designed slides have plenty of empty space. It helps draw attention to what’s truly important.

Here are some slides from a deck that I prepared from the most recent presentation. Some information has been changed, as it’s still P&C.