Mastering Presentation Skills: A Journey from Ordinary to Extraordinary
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Presentations have always been my forte, leading to numerous accolades during my MBA and at my job. While briefly working as a Training Manager at a multinational bank, I never failed to receive a standing ovation at the end of my 1.5-hour training sessions. These presentations carved out a unique identity for me, granting me special acknowledgment among my colleagues. I’m not exaggerating when I say that people often express amazement at the transformation they observe in me when I transition from 'off' stage to 'on' stage — they witness a version of me that is truly distinct!
I will share my experiences and openly explain how I navigated the path that highlighted this strength. I am confident that you will benefit from my insights.
Reflecting on my school days, I was an average student — a reserved introvert who avoided events and presentations until my final year. The turning point came during a group presentation on the "World Health Organisation," where I ended up shouldering the responsibility alone as my teammates were disinterested. I prepared extensively, feeling anxious for days until the presentation day finally arrived. Surprisingly, my nerves dissipated on the day itself.
Upon completing my presentation, I realized I had performed exceptionally well, receiving a minute-long applause from my classmates — a rare feat for any team. This experience unveiled a hidden talent for presenting that I hadn’t recognized before.
Having discovered this passion so late in my schooling, I often regretted not embracing the stage sooner.
Engineering – The Degree Phase
During my four years in engineering, I participated in only 2 or 3 presentations, earning some praise in a limited setting. You may have noticed how presentations or MOOCs from prestigious institutions like MIT can be quite dull, often putting me to sleep. In engineering, the subject matter often overshadows the presentation style, much like the invaluable content offered in MIT lectures. Consequently, I didn’t have the opportunity to refine my skills during this time.
However, there was a moment during my final year when I presented my thesis project, which turned out to be a significant success, especially since it revolved around an engaging topic. The external evaluator was impressed, and I achieved the highest marks, positively impacting my GPA.
MBA – The Post-Graduation Phase
My MBA experience became the platform where I honed my presentation skills to the fullest.
From Zero to Hero – My Initial Days at MBA:
- An average guy steps into business school, faced with skepticism from seniors due to my unimpressive entrance exam scores. This led to traditional ragging, fueled by my low scores.
- Then came the opportunity to shine through inter-college presentations at my institution. I presented on "Stock Markets," and despite my engineering background, I secured first place among 20 competitors.
- This achievement instantly altered my reputation among the seniors who previously underestimated me.
Enter the Professor:
- A strict yet friendly professor, the Dean of the College, took it upon himself to shape students' careers and personalities.
- His probing questions still resonate with me even after 13 years since my MBA completion, pushing me to seize opportunities and speak up confidently.
- Inspired by his guidance, I initiated a Finance Club at college, significantly enhancing my confidence and public speaking abilities.
Thanks to my professors and mentors, I presented at least 100 times during my two years of MBA — a fact I don’t exaggerate!
One memorable presentation was on "Supply Meets Its Own Demand." Despite my team’s last-minute preparations, I knew I had to stand out. I crafted a narrative where supply was the 'Hero' and demand was the 'Heroine,' creating suspense until the end. This idea came together quickly and left my team and audience in awe, earning me praise from our lecturer as the top presenter.
My journey continued with numerous awards and recognition for my presentations, and even years later, former lecturers still remember me fondly — a testament to the impact my presentations had.
At the Workplace
The recognition I gained during my college years facilitated a promising career placement. My skills continued to shine in a multinational bank when I presented on "Climate Change and Conservation." I developed a Profit & Loss account for Mother Earth, which garnered attention.
During my brief tenure as a Training Manager, I consistently exited the classroom to standing ovations — a claim I stand by. I often leveraged my strengths to navigate complex topics, resolving to ensure that none of my presentations would be ordinary. This approach led to my continued recognition.
Key Takeaways
- Experiment and identify your strengths; start early — it's now or never.
- To conquer fear, practice extensively before the actual presentation, simulating the experience.
- Prepare yourself to present effectively, whether with or without visual aids.
- Everyone possesses unique skills; discovering and honing them can lead to success.
- Seize every opportunity to improve your presentation skills; not everyone has access to encouraging mentors.
Tips for Better Presentation Skills
- Understand your audience and incorporate personal elements to engage them.
- Avoid faking knowledge; it can lead to embarrassment.
- Master your subject matter; the content is more critical than the presentation style.
- Make your presentation entertaining to hold the audience's attention.
- Use visuals sparingly; overuse can detract from your message.
- Aim to engage the audience's mind rather than merely showcase your PowerPoint skills.
- It's your responsibility to make the audience eager to hear from you.
- And remember — never settle for being ordinary.
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