Presentation Skills

Let’s talk about this. We all HATE sitting in a room/meeting and having the speaker read slides. And yet, presenters continue to do this. Here are some of my tips for those of you terrified to speak in front of a group, or that are looking to get better.

Rule #1 — KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! Many of you have heard me ask at the beginning of any class, “Who’s never heard me talk before?” I do this because they need the “warning” that my classes aren’t your normal lecture. They are fast-paced, VERY direct, and if I’m on fire, they will be entertaining.

You need to know your room. Who is your audience? Colleagues? Brand-new agents? People that have never dealt with Medicare? Scared kids? Each one of these needs to be approached in a different manner. KNOW YOUR ROOM!

Next, KNOW YOUR MATERIAL. If you’re reading from slides, do everyone a favor: print them out, hand them to each person, and just go home. You are useless. People can read on their own just fine. They come to hear YOU so they learn something MORE. So do your homework and bring more to the table than just what they can read. And when you do, mention where the info comes from so that you have credibility. Also, make sure you know the 3 key points you want your audience to walk away with — because that’s all you get, 3, and that’s if they were listening. Speak with the intention of this fact.

Next, take a deep breath. Find a few people on either side of the room and talk to them like you are talking to friends. Move around the room. No one likes it when you just lay there, and the same holds true for when you just stand there! So MOVE.

Last, have fun. Insurance is boring as hell. We know this. It’s a complex concept to most and a necessary evil to others. Break down the concepts. Give examples. And enjoy what you’re talking about.