4 ways to boost your presentation skills

Being able to give a successful, professional presentation is an essential skill to have in a variety of industries. However, being a good public speaker takes plenty of practice and the right know-how. Here are a few tips to help you instantly improve your presentations and overall professional growth:

Move your hands
Imagine somebody standing up in the front of a room speaking and their arms are standing still at their side. Pretty awkward and uncomfortable, if you ask me. Moving your hands is a necessary way to intrigue your audience and get them involved in the conversation. Of course, you don't want to move your hands so much that they become a distraction. Practice your presentation with hand movements a few times before giving it.

Rely on technology sparingly
Technology like PowerPoint slides and pictures can really improve the overall impact of your presentation, but you want to be sure you're not relying solely on that technology. Only use slides and photos as a reference.

Ditch the note cards
Many speakers rely on note cards to help their presentation along, but sometimes those cards can draw your attention away from the audience. Instead, keep your eyes on the people in the room, making sure to shift your gaze from the left to the middle to the right. This will ensure you're not staring at one specific person throughout the entire presentation.

Pay attention to your voice
You could be saying all the right things, but if you have a monotone voice, it's not likely that you'll have everyone's full attention. Inject some energy into your presentation by switching up the tone of your voice and putting emphasis on important words.