Management accountants need good presentation skills. Here's how to avoid the common mistakes of bad speakers. By Paul Sykes FCMA of The Speaker's Friend.
You know when public speakers are good and when they aren't.
So why is it that when you stand up to speak, you make the same mistakes as the bad ones?
A two year online survey by presentation coach The Speaker's Friend revealed that the most common mistake speakers make is being boring ' speakers lack movement, don't vary their voices or gestures, or facial expressions (39%).
The second was that they speak for too long (17%). Joint third was the speaker not knowing the subject properly, and using expressions like um, er, you know, and like (10% each).
Here's how to avoid these mistakes:
1. ask yourself what an audience would find interesting and relevant
2. structure your presentation so that it will have maximum impact from the start
3. use plenty of good illustrations, stories, anecdotes, similes and lessons
4. always plan to stop speaking before they stop listening
5. practise your speech before you present it
6. present your message with conviction and purpose
7. communicate with (not to, or at) the audience by speaking from the heart
8. focus on keeping them engaged throughout.
Other hints include avoiding unexplained jargon and unfamiliar acronyms. Don't give unnecessary or irrelevant detail. Lead the audience by pointing out the key information and items requiring decisions/action.
Communication advantage
Sharmini Ariaratnam, sergeant at arms and previous president of the CIMA Malaysia Toastmasters Club, says: 'Management accountants usually work across the organisation, dealing with people in different capacities.
'Being able to communicate effectively with different people is a definite advantage. People interpret your message by the tone of your voice, your expression and your body gestures and movement. It's not easy convincing someone even with great words if the rest of you doesn't follow suit!'
The CIMA Malaysia Toastmasters Club helps people develop their communication and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive setting.
Contact sharminikliahelen@yahoo.com.
Links
There are a range of CIMA Mastercourses available to help you improve your presenting skills.
Contact us
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