N-able UX: 5 Tips for improving your presentation skills

Are you intimidated by presentations? Does the idea of showing your work to colleagues, especially those in a more senior position, make your pulse go up a beat or two? Have you ever watched a great presenter and wondered how they do it?

Effective presentation skills are vital for UX professionals as they often need to convey design ideas, research findings, and recommendations to stakeholders. Whether it’s product owners, team members, or executives, the ability to deliver impactful and persuasive presentations is crucial. This article explores essential presentation skills that can help UX pros communicate effectively and make a lasting impression. This is a great skill to learn no matter what level you are at in your career, and especially if you’re just starting out. Let’s break it down:

1. Understand your audience
   Before presenting, it’s crucial to understand the needs, expectations, and backgrounds of your audience. This knowledge enables you to tailor your content and language to resonate effectively with them. Find out beforehand what roles each audience member plays in the organization. If you don’t know them, take the opportunity to reach out to them to ask specifically what will be of interest to them about your topic.
2. Craft a compelling story
   Structure your presentation like a story, with a beginning, middle, and end. Start by introducing the problem or opportunity, present your research or design process, and conclude with a strong recommendation or call to action. Engage your audience with narrative techniques to make your presentation memorable.
3. Utilize visual aids effectively
   Visual aids, such as slides or prototypes, enhance understanding and engagement. Keep visuals simple, uncluttered, and visually appealing. Use them to support your key points without overwhelming or distracting your audience. Incorporate images, diagrams, and infographics that convey information effectively. Avoid filling up a slide with bullet points to read, and instead put these in speaker notes on the side to reference during the presentation.
4. Speak confidently and clearly
   Breathe deeply and relax. Practice your presentation to improve delivery and ensure clarity. Maintain a confident posture, make eye contact, and use a clear and articulate voice. Pace your speech appropriately, allowing the audience to absorb information without feeling rushed or bored. Be confident that YOU are the expert.
5. Practice and seek feedback
   Rehearse your presentation multiple times to build confidence and identify areas for improvement. Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors to gain different perspectives and refine your presentation. Record yourself or conduct a mock presentation to assess your delivery style and make necessary adjustments.

By mastering these presentation skills, UX professionals can effectively communicate ideas, build consensus, and inspire stakeholders to embrace user-centred design principles. Continuous practice and improvement are key to becoming a skilled presenter.

Credits
Rick Bond,
UX Designer