Presentation Tips

Presentation Tips


Drink Water

Before you give a speech, deliver a sales presentation or make phone calls - drink one to two glasses of water. It lubricates your vocal chords, helps your voice and gives you needed fluids that you lose while speaking. Lukewarm water is best. Cool water is OK. Ice water is not good for your vocal chords. Avoid dairy products because they create phlegm in your throat.


Move away from the lectern

When you address an audience move away from the lectern (often called the podium). Let them see you as more than just a talking head. You will be both more powerful and more connected to your audience. If you must see your notes then stand beside the lectern - and don’t lean on it. Stand strong.


Emphasize your name

While introducing yourself to one person or a group, emphasize your name, so they hear it, feel the respect you have for your name and remember it. State, “My name is (short pause) George (short pause) Torok (smile).” Say it loud enough to be heard. Most importantly - say it much slower than you normally do and smile. Make your name memorable

If your name is unusual, difficult to remember or pronounce, say it extra slow and repeat it, ‘Torok’. Help them remember it by adding, it sounds like ‘tore – rock.’ You might add, It means ‘Turk’ in Hungarian. Or you can call me ‘nickname’. If you can have fun with your name people will like you. If you make them laugh with you, they will remember you.


Stand and wait for everyone’s attention

Giving your 30-second presentation at a networking meeting? Stand, stop playing with your chair and wait till you have everyone’s attention before you speak. It might take a second or two. Then when you speak it makes your information seem more valuable - and they will hear you.


Use action verbs

Telling people what you do? Use action verbs and words that paint pictures of results. Avoid nouns ending in ‘tion’. Don’t say, “We are in the telecommunication business.” Instead try, ‘We install and maintain phone systems for small and medium sized business.” We specialize in designing customerfriendly systems for busy offices with unique needs.’ Use the word ‘specialize’ - it means you are special.




Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.