by Gilda Bonanno LLC www.gildabonanno.com
Gilda Bonanno's blog www.gildabonanno.blogspot.com
It's okay to use notes when presenting, especially
if you're speaking on a new topic or to a new audience. The key to using notes effectively is what is
included in your notes and how you use them. The following ten tips will help you use notes
effectively to remember the key points of your presentation, so you can deliver
your message to your audience clearly and within the time limit.
1.
NOTES ARE NOT A FULL SCRIPT
Notes should not contain the script of your entire
presentation, typed out word-for-word, on multiple pages. If you're reading every word of the script, you're
usually not making eye contact or using gestures since your attention is
focused on the script rather than the audience.
And if you do look up at the audience, it will be almost impossible to
find your place in the script again.
I've seen speakers flip through multiple pages, looking for their place,
which flusters them and distracts the audience.
(These tips do not apply, of course, if you are using a teleprompter,
which would contain the entire script).
2.
WRITE OUT YOUR OPENING LINE & YOUR MESSAGE
Instead of writing out every word, write out your
opening line and your one-sentence message – the point of your
presentation. Yes, it's okay to memorize
these lines if you need to. With practice, you should
be able to deliver them without looking at your notes, but it's good to have
them written out in case you get nervous.
Having a strong opening will build your confidence and make a good first
impression on the audience.
3.
USE KEY WORDS AND PHRASES FOR MAJOR POINTS &
TRANSITIONS
For each section of your presentation, write out
phrases or key words for each major point and supporting material. Also, write out the transition to the next
section. Separate sections in your notes
with blank lines, indentation or whatever will signal to you to pause, regroup
and then move on to the next section.
4.
WRITE OUT YOUR CLOSING LINE
Write out your closing line for the same reason that
you wrote out your opening line – to anchor your presentation and leave a good
last impression on the audience. In your
closing line, restate your message and include your call to action.
5.
WRITE YOUR NOTES IN LARGE FONT
The goal is for you to be able to look down at your
notes and quickly find your place and the relevant phrase, so the font should
be large enough that you can do this easily.
How large the font should be depends on your eyesight, whether you use
reading glasses, the lighting in the room, etc.
6.
PUT YOUR NOTES ON CARDSTOCK
Print your notes on standard printer paper and then
tape or glue them onto heavy cardstock paper (found in any office supply
store). Heavy cardstock won't blow away
if there if there's strong air movement from the fan or air conditioning
vent. You can also hold the cardstock with one hand
and still read it while gesturing or holding the microphone with the
other.
7.
SIZE MATTERS
Ideally, the size should be a standard sheet of paper,
8½ X 11inch (A4 size) or smaller. Use
both sides if necessary. If your notes
don't fit, then you have too many words in your notes.
8.
WRITE IN REMINDERS
Once your notes are attached to the cardstock, write
out any reminders to yourself, like "breathe" or "smile."
You can also draw out any graphics that you will use, for example, a diagram
that you will put on a flipchart.
9.
PRACTICE WITH NOTES
It will be almost impossible to deliver an effective
presentation with notes if you don't practice.
The goal is not to memorize every word of your presentation, but to get
comfortable saying it a variety of ways and using your notes to remember the
keywords, phrases and transitions.
10.
DON’T WRITE ALL YOUR NOTES OUT ON YOUR SLIDES
Writing out all your notes on the slides that you
present to the audience will be too much material for the slides. Remember, you are the presentation and the
slides are just the visual aids. If
everything is written out on your slides, then why would we need you? (And
those slides would be impossible to read anyway).
If used effectively, notes can be a part of a
successful presentation. Following these
suggestions will help you remember the key points of your presentation so you
can deliver your message to your audience clearly and within the time limit.
Gilda Bonanno's blog www.gildabonanno.blogspot.com