Chipo Mashingaidze

It seems obvious that eye contact will build a connection between people but it's easier said than done.
When I was being groomed into the communications industry, one of my numerous mentors and well-wishers explained to me that eye contact is a natural fundamental when one wants to make meaningful and deep connections.

In explaining his point he gave the example of a nursing mothers and their babies. He said that studies have shown that the strong bond between mothers and their babies is formed as they nurse their babies. The intense and close eye contact connects mom and baby in a way that nothing else can - so he said.

I never ventured to proof this theory but I must admit, as I have grown in my career, it has been proven over and over. Eye contact says, "I am sincere, I am trustworthy and I have nothing to hide". Mastering the art of scanning the room as you make your presentation and ensuring that you deliberate make eye contact with random members of the audience increases your credibility significantly. People like to know that you are talking to "them" and not to the "room".

Anyone who is determined and diligent can learn the technical skills of delivering a presentation- but that’s just one part of the equation. The second part will either enhance or dismantle the foundation laid by your skills.

That is “knowing your stuff” as they say.

When it comes to presentations or public speaking, content is truly king!

Remember, when you stand up to speak, you are addressing an audience that is already pumped-up and expectant. Why? Because the topic was already sold to them and you have been hyped as one of the experts on it. They have arrived with a mental attitude that they will learn from you; they will pick up a few choice nuggets that they will immediately employ in their own lives; through your presentation, their game will change for the better. They are pumped!

There is no greater credibility killer than delivering content that is average and badly researched. Your audience will feel cheated.
Even if you’re speaking on a familiar topic, your audience is anticipating a new angle on it.

Go the extra mile to position yourself as an expert on your topic. Knowledge builds credibility and opens future doors.

Recently, I was marvelling to my daughter at how short attention spans have become in recent years. I had been reading something about social media and how to hook your audience in seconds and keep them on your page for the duration of your post.

But, later - on further reflection - I realised that, perhaps it’s not that attention spans have become shorter, but, rather, that there is so much information out there that “decision spans” have become shorter.

What do I mean by “decision span”?
I mean the time between hearing the few seconds of a video or audio clip or reading the first two sentences of a post or document, and choosing to stay on it. People have lost patience because they feel that there is so much to take their interest, they don’t want to waste time on non-value adding things. So they move on at the first sign that there is no value for them.

When one is making a presentation, it is good to keep this in mind. Your introduction must hook your audience so that you see them sit up and give you full attention. While they may not walk out, they still have the prerogative to switch off and start day-dreaming.

The bad thing for them is that they might miss out on really valuable information. The bad this for you as the speaker is that they may go away with a less-than-positive impression of the presentation and maybe misjudge your capabilities. You have to start strong. Your troduction absolutely matter.

Speak with Impact
Lesson No.2.
When you are invited to speak or to MC an event, the person invite will generally give you a bit of a background as to what the event is about, what they hope to achieve and what the main topic or theme is. They will also give you some context - that is, whether there are other speakers apart from yourself, and the topics the other speakers will be covering. I like to ask details about the structure of the event because it guides how I plan my part of the programme.

Let’s say I am attending as the Master of Ceremonies - it is important for me to study sufficiently around each speaker’s topic for two main reasons:
1. So that I can introduce the topic and speaker properly and link it knowledgeably to the main theme of the event. A proper introduction lays the groundwork for the speaker to be received well and to be confident when he or she stands up. And…
2. So that you can link the presentations and create a united story throughout the event. That way the event flows and the audience can make sense of it and you avoid it feeling disjointed. As the MC, that cohesion is your responsibility.

Let’s say you are one of the speakers. Knowing who speaks before and after you helps you structure your presentation so that you relate backwards to the previous topic and, at the end, relate forward to the next topic. You will win the respect of your co-speakers and the appreciation of the event host.

Your own presentation must have clear structure. I have found that using a storytelling style is more memorable and relatable to most audiences. However, other styles of delivery will work just as well if executed well. The key is to understand yourself (as the main tool of delivery) and use a style that exposes your most favourable qualities.

Your introduction must make your audience sit up and pay attention, while your conclusion must make them want to hear more. The body must have clear points, each with its own elaboration, anecdote, example or other tools to enhance understanding and appreciation of the point being made.

So, when you think of structure, think beyond you own presentation, and your impact will go further.