I recently attended my sister’s University Convocation and couldn’t help but wonder what it is all suppose to be about. After one hour and 20 minutes, the "big wigs" finally finished their very long and academic speeches. During this time almost every individual on stage, consisting of faculty members and honouary individuals, came up to the podium to say a few words to the graduates and their families. As one speaker introduced the next, a long list of accomplishments and achievements were read out. The introductions lasted almost as long as the speeches and the speeches focused on the speakers’ own philosophies and personal triumphs.
While I understand the traditional aspects of the ceremony, including the medieval dress worn by the faculty, I am perplexed with the speakers’ inability to captivate the audience in the presentations. The tone and language did not speak to the audience and it was quite obvious that the majority of those in attendance were bored and disengaged. Many were reading books, some pulled out their laptops or PDA’s and the rest showed signs of glazed over faces checking their watches continuously.
Given what is taught in Presentations 101, many University students know the basic concepts of making effective speeches. So why don’t the faculty demonstrate this when they speak? It was clear that the presentations were not tailored to the graduates or their families. If it had been, the speeches would have reflected the accomplishments of the graduates rather then those of the Chancellors and Trustees. Not one graduating student was provided an opportunity to speak to their peers and motivate/inspire them about their future.
Personally, I find it extremely difficult to be inspired when speakers don’t connect with their audience. I would have expected that an educational institution would prepare their students for the real world by leading by example.
As I sat through the two and half hours, I tuned out the presenters and started thinking about two things. The first was that I was no longer disappointed that I didn’t make it my University Graduation seven years ago! The second was about what I felt made an effective presentation.
The following list describes 10 basic tips every presenter should be aware of.
1. Know your audience;
2. Understand the purpose of your speech;
3. Have a well thought out message that relates to those you are speaking to;
4. Keep your language & tone in line with the audience (i.e. if you are speaking about health care to people who aren’t trained medically, resist from using medical terminology). Speak in their language;
5. Avoid unrelated anecdotes, be concise and get right to the point;
6. Be aware of how long you have to speak and stay within your limit;
7. Be conscious of your audiences’ body language and aware of how they may be responding to what you have to say, adjust accordingly;
8. If possible, engage your audience;
9. Know your time limit. Never let your presentations drag on;
10. Ask for feedback. Modify your presentation based on this.
