Tip 182: Find a human audience

After you have practiced your presentation to such an extent that you are completely happy with it, the next step is to subject yourself to a human audience!

This could be your spouse or partner, a work colleague, or even your boss. You must ask them to give you truthful and constructive feedback on your performance. You should find someone who has sufficient time, interest and a relationship with you such that they can give you brutally honest feedback. You want them to rip you apart so that you can put yourself together again and make it better in the process.

You should note all comments with sincerity - there is no point in arguing with them or telling them how they are wrong. Doing so will only alienate the very people who can help you give a better presentation.

Simply make a note (either mental or on paper) of all their points and thank them for that. Then it is down to you to analyse whether their comments have any weight, whether they are correct or appropriate, and whether you have scope for implementing their suggestions.

"Wow! This guide and handbook made a huge difference to my delegates at my online workshop. They loved everything we did. Thanks to Dr Mandar Marathe's book I developed my presentation skills quickly whilst enjoying all the new concepts and ideas this book offers in a very easy to read and practical manner.
 
All professional speakers, trainers and sales people should get a copy of this book!"
- Ash Ali, Online Marketing Expert & Founder of Sandalstore.co.uk

Table of contents
(Click to view sample pages from the book)

Introduction
About the author
How to use this book
Who needs this book?
Chapter 1: Planning for your presentation
Chapter 2: Preparing the delivery
Chapter 3: Preparing effective PowerPoint® slides
Chapter 4: Preparing a handout
Chapter 5: Rehearsals
Chapter 6: Just before the presentation
Chapter 7: Last-minute tips for confidence
Chapter 8: Delivering the presentation
Chapter 9: 'Any questions?'
Chapter 10: After the presentation
Chapter 11: Final Thoughts

About the author

Dr Mandar Marathe graduated from Southampton University with an honours degree in Biomedical Sciences in 1998 and a Bachelor of Medicine degree in 1999. He holds advanced qualifications in Emergency Medicine and in Toxicology.

He juggles a career as a doctor working in Accident & Emergency, while raising three children with his wife, writing books, and endlessly surfing the internet looking for the next "big thing".

With almost two decades of public speaking experience in both academic and professional arenas, he is today an enthusiastic and popular educator who is well qualified to share his ideas about what makes a successful speaker and a powerful presentation.

Dr Mandar Marathe is the course director for the FCEM Course.