You've Been Asked to Prepare a Presentation - Now What?
What's a presentation interview?
During a presentation interview, candidates must present on a pre-determined subject or one of their own choosing. The purpose of these interviews is to evaluate a candidate’s communication skills and ability to deliver information clearly and concisely. Companies are increasingly making presentations part of their hiring process but rest assured, you won’t be taken by surprise by a presentation interview. The company will advise you ahead of time about parameters, including the time, topic, and other requirements.
Why do companies conduct presentation interviews?
Companies conduct presentation interviews because they want to evaluate a candidate’s presentation abilities, including their ability to organize their thoughts in a clear structure and deliver information smoothly. They also assess the candidate's level of confidence during the presentation, appraising their overall presence and how they carry themselves.
How can a job seeker effectively prepare for a presentation interview?
Make sure you are clear on the subject matter and your expectations. Will this presentation be via PowerPoint, whiteboard, or handouts? How much time will you have to set up? Determine your audience and decide how you will ensure your presentation resonates with them. Adapt the content, style, and tone of your presentation accordingly.
Simulate the exact job interview situation as closely as you can. This means delivering your presentation while standing, testing timing and pacing, and practicing with the visual aids you will use.
Practice your presentation until you feel completely comfortable with it. You want to know your topic inside and out.
Most communication experts agree on a three-part framework for orientating your listener:
Introduction – a quick outline of who you are and what you are presenting. Grab your audience’s attention quickly.
Body – the main content of your presentation.
Conclusion –a brief recap of your presentation and a call to action that leaves a lasting impression.
Avoid these missteps:
Don’t include too much information on your slides or use too many slides. Use keywords to direct your talk, and don’t read directly from your notes.
To make your presentation more memorable and engaging:
Include stories. Our brains light up when we hear stories, and they improve our ability to listen and recall information. By sharing a personal story or experience, you demonstrate vulnerability and authenticity, which helps build a deeper connection with your audience.
Use examples, statistics, and relevant data to support your points. Citing hard evidence helps make your information more credible and convincing.
Engage your audience and make your presentation interactive. Ask questions and create a dialogue. This will help to break down any barriers between you and your audience and keep their attention.