Perfect Presentation

By Kayrin McMillan

Presenting in public often causes fills us with apprehension. Despite knowing our subject matter and being confident in our ability, when we are asked to present to a group of people it highlights to many, our biggest fears.

Perfect Presentation is full of useful tips and advise to follow, to eliminate anxiety and allow you to concentrate on being the best you can be.

Is there such a thing as perfect?

This book looks at speaking in public from a slightly different slant, where creativity and factual evidence are mixed together to create an interesting experience for the reader.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kayrin McMillan
• Release date: Dec 14, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370597024

Kayrin McMillan

Hi I am the author of the Bluebell Wood and currently writing The Shetland Gypsy, on this page you can step inside my very first novel. There are songs and poems and you can also comment or email me direct. Thank you and welcome.

Book preview

Perfect Presentation

By Kayrin McMillan

Perfect Presentation

2017© Kayrin McMillan

Smashwords Edition

No part of this publication can be reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, without the express written permission of Kayrin McMillan.

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this ebook with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Contents

Storm before Calm

Part One

Things are not always what they seem

Part Two

A new beginning: setting the scene

Part Three

Introduction – Who do I think I am?

Your audience wants to know what is in it for them

Preparation and planning is key to a successful presentation

Be Yourself

Is this the end? The curse of the creative trait comes back to haunt me again and again

Be authentic

Timing your presentation is crucial

Listen to what your audience tell you

Part Four

The power of participation

Part Five

How do we deal with our fear, anxiety and nerves?

Part Six

What did my audience have to say? Focus groups are us

General opinion

Part Seven

What my audience taught me about presenting

Understanding and knowing your subject matter gives those who are presenting more confidence

Part Eight

Audience — your customers. What did those listening to presentations have to say?

Part Nine

The rules of the road

Preparation

Part Ten

Where do I begin?

Etiquette

Part Eleven

When it goes wrong, or just does not work

When it goes right, humour can work

Part Twelve

The actor must ensure their lines for the performance are right

Part Thirteen

Painting pictures or acting out a scene

A happy ending - or was it?

Part Fourteen

The aftermath glow of exhaustion

Part Fifteen

I’m not as good as Joe Bloggs – comparison to those who are more confident than you

Part Sixteen

Continuous improvement and practice makes you perform better

Is it really all over?

Conclusion and thoughts to contemplate before you plan your next presentation

Part Seventeen

Epilogue

More information from the author

Without you would be impossible;

I want to emphasize just how much gratitude I feel towards you all for the seamless effort.

The list as ever is endless but includes those who very willingly agreed to take part in the focus group(s): members from an oil company based in the heart of Aberdeen.

Susan Lawrie — Robert Gordon University

The wonderful and inspiring staff from the Inver Lodge Hotel, Lochinver http://inverlodge.com/

The American couple, Stephen Pritchard and Nancy Moyer, for so much advice and support.

My wonderful readers and loyal Facebook friends.

Susan Buchanan — perfectionist editor — www.perfectproseservices.com

Yvonne Betancourt — e-book formatter — www.ebook-format.com

Never forgetting my very special two, Wee Gorgeous and Mini Gorgeous, who inspire me every single second of every day.

Eric Niven, a very talented Dundee photographer who took the original cover photo.

My close friends, especially Charles Bain, always there in the background for me.

As ever and never to be underestimated — the importance for one single second — unconditional love — the best place on earth — my perfect beach.

For everyone who has a fear of public speaking, no matter how experienced you are, and for those who suffer from some sort of apprehension and are just too scared of being found out, I dedicate this book to each and every one of you.

Storm before Calm

Spruced up, beating heart, clock ticking loudly, united in silence, sweating and shaking in unison.

Signalled time to begin, mouth is dry, shaking legs, cannot see clearly, something gone wrong with screen, blurred vision.

Cotton wool words spill out as if being chased; a stranger’s voice has invaded, surprising glances from all.

The first thirty seconds will be worst screams a noise deep inside my head, read it somewhere, but in this tension, fail to recall.

Eventually, preparation kicks in, body begins to unwind, own voice has returned to the scene.

Somewhere deep in my head nods the devil, probing, questioning where on earth have I been.

Bolder by the second, planning, preparing, rehearsing, being up all night did not go to waste,

Speaking in motion, multi-tasking, questioning, why ever full of self-doubt began this mission in haste.

Nods from the audience, encouraging approvals, comprehension, understanding, information received, in unison unanimously agree.

Confidence is growing by the second, storm before calm; equilibrium testifies that I can now at last just be me.

Later there is rejoicing, craving a repeat performance, feeling of euphoria lingers in the air for a while.

Exhaustion creeps in, state of relaxation, vows next time, better-experienced, more relaxed, distinctive kind of style.

This too shall pass

Edward Fitzgerald, 1852

Part One

Things are not always what they seem

When I began this book I wanted to offer something a little unorthodox and looked to combine creative flair with factual information. However, the message remains clear throughout and my objective is to give you the reader a slightly different but informative reading experience so I hope you enjoy.

Prologue

An exceptionally attractive lady stands alone, deep in thought. Lydia is in an office way up on the eighth floor of the newly built, extremely smart office block. The windows surrounding the building are of clear glass and, although we could see in to her directly if we were actually to take the time to glance up from