Presentation skills are required in any jobs and in any industries. In the ACCA Hong Kong Business Competition 2009, participating students had a chance to demonstrate not only their technical knowledge but also presentation skills that are required by their future employers.
Before the competition, a workshop on presentation skills was organized for the shortlisted teams to prepare for their presentations in the final competition.
Terence Yeung, Managing Director, TACSEN Management Consultants Limited, was invited by ACCA to share with the teams effective public speaking skills. He pointed out three key success factors in presentation: confidence, passion and practice.
Yeung said that if you are passionate about something you are going to present, the vocal and visual skills will come naturally. Therefore, if there is any point you are not certain, you should reconsider if it is to be included in your presentation. He pointed out that no one is born to be a successful presenter, and advised students to learn the skills and practice. Continual practice can then build up your confidence in presenting your ideas in the public. Here are some of the important tips in presentation:
- Presentation is not about what you deliver, but what the audience wants to know
- Attract the audience in the introduction in an innovative way
- Do not rely on the PowerPoint slides
- Silence can be used as a tool to draw attention
- Speak slowly and loudly if you want to emphasize a point
- Eye contact is a must; face the audience instead of the screen
- Hide nervousness by looking above people's heads
Source: JobsDB HK
Updated: 11 Dec 2009
