Technical Presentations
Technical experts — scientists, engineers, and programmers
— are integrated into every aspect of their company’s enterprise. And their ability to present what they know to a variety of audiences is essential for their company’s success.
What makes these experts good at what they do — their analytic natures, thoroughness, obsession with getting it right
— doesn’t necessarily make them good speakers.
By default, they tend to give presentations like the ones they attend. So they present way too much information, reading from overly complicated PowerPoint slides and sounding like they’re giving a paper at a symposium. Their audiences tune them out. And their ideas fizzle.
Technical presentations don’t have to be boring or confusing.
As a matter of fact technical experts have two essential qualities that allow them to give effective presentations.
- They know what they’re talking about.
- They are, by nature, problem solvers. And that’s what a good technical presentation is all about: helping the audience solve problems.
What they need most is help understanding how to strategize and plan the kind of technical presentation that people can understand and find interesting.
Chris Witt, speech coach, works with scientists, engineers, and programmers who speak in a business setting and who want to do it well.
He shows them how to present complex, sophisticated material in a way that other people can understand and act on.
He helps their organizations leverage their experts’ knowledge and experience.
#
# #
In the pages that follow you’ll find resources to help you strategize, create, and present effective technical presentations.
Coaching for Technical Experts
Chris Witt works with scientists, engineers, and programmers who want to interact more efficiently and productively with other people. He focuses primarily on their communication and presentation skills.
How to Plan a Technical Presentation
Here's how to plan a technical presentation so it is clear and convincing.
How to Develop Confidence Speaking
Follow these ten rules to develop more confidence in front of any audience…
How to Connect with your Audience
When you establish rapport with you audience, they become your allies. They become much more likely to pay attention and to cooperate with you.
10 Tips for Using Visual Aids
Visual aids are an aid to communication, not a substitute for it. Follow these rules to avoid “death by PowerPoint.”
Effective Handouts
Handouts are an integral part of most technical presentations, so their design, use, and distribution require careful planning.
How to Handle Questions and Answers
Depending on your skills and attitude, questions can unnerve and sidetrack you or allow you to clarify and strengthen your presentation. Planning makes the difference.
|
