How To Help Project Teams Embrace And Ace Project Presentations
Feb 19, 2025
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Join presentation expert Renaud Taburiaux, who coaches professionals across various levels, as he shares insights on transforming project presentations. He dives into the 'think, build, and deliver' framework for clear communication and emphasizes rehearsals for team confidence. Renaud highlights the importance of engaging storytelling through effective transitions and frames presentations as valuable interactions rather than mere tasks. Learn techniques to empower team members and embrace the concept of a 'presentation sprint' for impactful delivery!
Effective presentation skills are essential for project managers to influence stakeholders and unify diverse teams across various environments.
The Presentation Sprint framework’s stages—think, build, and deliver—help presenters focus on key messages and engage audiences effectively.
Project managers can support team members by fostering a safe rehearsal space and encouraging open discussions, which builds confidence and clarity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Presenting in Project Management
Presenting effectively is crucial for project managers, as it allows them to lead without authority and influence diverse team members. In a participatory work environment, project managers must convince others of their ideas' value, especially when coordinating large teams across geographies. The act of presenting encompasses more than formal settings; it involves daily interactions where managers share ideas and motivate team members. Ultimately, mastering this skill contributes to a project manager's ability to unify teams and drive successful project outcomes.
Challenges in Learning Presentation Skills
Despite its significance, effective presentation skills are often overlooked in formal education and workplace training. Many professionals receive minimal coaching on structuring effective business presentations, which leads to reliance on outdated techniques or ineffective models. This gap in training means that even those in leadership positions frequently model poor communication practices, further perpetuating the cycle. To combat this, focusing on practical and relevant presentation training can help individuals develop skills that are essential for engaging stakeholders.
Embracing a New Mindset Around Presentations
To alleviate the stress associated with presenting, individuals should recognize that it's merely a means to share information and not an end in itself. Approaching presentations with a mindset that values connection over perfection can significantly reduce anxiety and enhance clarity. Emphasizing the narrative and the audience's needs, rather than striving for flawless delivery, can help presenters focus on effective communication. Additionally, rehearsing and familiarizing oneself with the material can instill confidence, making the actual presentation feel more manageable.
The Presentation Sprint Framework
The Presentation Sprint framework consists of three core steps: think, build, and deliver, each designed to help presenters focus on their objectives without unnecessary stress. The 'think' phase involves identifying key messages and understanding the audience, which ultimately leads to a more coherent presentation. During the 'build' phase, presentations are constructed iteratively, allowing for early feedback and refinement. Finally, in the 'deliver' phase, presenters can focus on engaging with the audience through effective communication rather than relying solely on slides.
Coaching Team Members for Success
When working with team members who may be struggling with presentation skills, project managers can provide support through thoughtful questioning instead of outright critiques. Encouraging open discussions about their intended message and the audience's perspective helps team members to clarify their thinking and develop confidence. Additionally, crafting a safe rehearsal environment where team members can practice without fear fosters growth and comfort with public speaking. By emphasizing progress over perfection, project managers can help their teams gradually improve their presentation skills.
Presentation day is here, and it’s not going smoothly—slides are being read off, demos are falling flat, and you’re winging it after forgetting your notes. Stakeholders are disengaged, but the project continues, and more presentations are ahead.
Galen Low chats with presentation expert Renaud Taburiaux about how project managers can help their teams deliver clear, impactful presentations without wasting time preparing. Tune in to learn how to frame your work for executives and ace your next presentation!
