Essential Presentation Skills – Training Course Outline

The way you present your ideas or a solution to an audience is extremely important. People like to feel they are dealing with someone who understands them and their needs, and you have one opportunity to make a good impression. You may know your subject extremely well but if you do not present it clearly and logically, your audience will doubt that you do. This course builds on your existing skills as a presenter. Polish your technique so that your presentations help you to meet your professional goals.

What you will learn on this course

By the end of the course, you will know how to:

• Structure a presentation for maximum impact, and what common mistakes to avoid
• Make best use of your environment and technology
• Interact with your audience: listen actively and deal with questions and interruptions
• Improve your presentation style through focussed feedback from your peers

Course Duration

The course lasts a full day.

The course is highly interactive, with opportunity to practise some of the skills in front of a sympathetic audience – the other delegates.

This course is available both as a public or private course and covers all the modules described below.

Advance preparation

Delegates are asked to develop a short presentation (maximum of five minutes) in advance, on a topic of their choice. They will be asked to present this to the group at the beginning of the day. We will video the presentations and play them back at the end of the training session, when delegates will be encouraged to reflect on their own presentations and to provide constructive feedback to others in light of what they have learnt during the day.

Delegates who would like to receive a CD with a copy of their presentation on it may order one after the course for £5.00.

Who should attend?

The course is aimed at people with some presentation experience who want to improve and refine their technique. If you’re unsure if this course is for you, call us on +44 (0)1635 202013 for more details or email

Plain Words Diploma in Business Writing

Would you like a professional qualification in business writing from the UK’s foremost business and technical writing company?

Plain Words offers a full training and accreditation programme that leads to the Plain Words Diploma in Business Writing. To find out more email or call + 44 (0)1635 202013.

Advanced Writing Workshops

Research shows that we learn new material best if we revise and practise it. But all too often, after you’ve attended a training course it’s difficult to find the time to do that in your normal office environment.

Attending an Advanced Writing Workshop helps you to make sure that your investment in training pays off. You’ll get the chance to revisit the basics, consolidate your skills and iron out any persistent problems.

We have four workshops covering business writing, technical writing, copy writing and persuasive writing. To find out more, call us on +44 (0)1635 202013.

Course Contents

1. What are you trying to say?

• Key questions to ask, to make sure your presentation is focussed, relevant and timely
• Who is your audience? What do they want and what do they already know?
• Clear objectives keep you on track and on time

2. Preparing your presentation

• Your topic – what are the most compelling things to say?
• Structuring to guide your audience
• Using visual aids during your presentation (including PowerPoint™)
• Your own notes and handouts

3. Delivering your message

• Timing and synchronisation are critical!
• Quick and clear messages – who, what, where, why, how?
• Body language – are you distracting your audience?
• Getting the language right: jargon, idioms, cultural sensitivity, accents
• Are you feeling confident?

4. Setting up your environment for maximum support

• Positioning of whiteboard, screen and presenter
• Have you checked everything?

5. Interacting with your audience

• Managing the presentation – dealing with interruptions, questions and distractions
• Listening to your audience
• Assertiveness

6. Hints and tips

• Feedback on delegates’ own short presentations

Book Now!

For details of timetabled courses, see the schedule. For prices, see the costs table.

To reserve your places you can either book on-line or call us on +44 (0)1635 202013.