Presentation Skills

When you aren't carefully prepared, the audience knows it. And that's risky business. Along the way, you'll learn how to clarify your goal, craft an effective message, give listeners a reason to listen and improve the impact of your visuals.

• Recommended study time: 3-4 hours

We've all been there. Your heart is racing. Your thoughts are jumbled. You're not making sense. You don't see faces. You feel like you could pass out. And your listeners feel just as uncomfortable. Your nerves are standing in the way of your success. This online self-paced course will help you connect with your listeners so you can manage your nerves.

• Recommended study time: 3-4 hours

Consider the audience to determine how best to achieve your objectives in the context of these people. Essentially this is done by identifying their aims and objectives while attending your presentation. If you can somehow convince them they are achieving those aims while at the same time achieving your own, you will find a helpful and receptive audience. For instance, if you are seeking approval for a new product plan from senior management it is useful to know and understand their main objectives. If they are currently worried that their product range is out of date and old fashioned, you would emphasise the innovative aspects of your new product; if they are fearful about product diversification you would then emphasise how well your new product fits within the existing catalogue.

This principal of matching the audience aims, however, goes beyond the simple salesmanship of an idea - it is the simplest and most effective manner of obtaining their attention at the beginning. If your opening remarks imply that you understand their problem and that you have a solution, then they will be flattered at your attention and attentive to your every word.

• Recommended study time: 3-4 hours