Do you need to give a presentation in your office and you don’t feel as confident as you would like to be?

Here are a few Tips and Techniques to deliver your presentation in a great way.

• If you have handouts, do not read straight from them. The audience does not know if they should read along with you or listen to you read. Speak to the audience!
• Do not put both hands in your pockets for long periods of time. This tends to make you look unprofessional. It is okay to put one hand in a pocket but ensure there is no loose change or keys to jingle around. This will distract the listeners.
• Use a pointer for what it is intended and then put it down, do not wave it around.
• Do not lean on the podium for long periods. The audience will begin to wonder when you are going to fall over.
• Speak to the audience…NOT to the visual aids, such as flip charts or overheads. Also, do not stand between the visual aid and the audience.
• Speak clearly and loudly enough for all to hear. Do not speak in a monotone voice, vary your tone and emphasise key points.
• Use backgrounds with colour on overhead transparencies and slides (such as yellow) as the bright white light can be harsh on the eyes. This will quickly cause your audience to tire. If all of your transparencies or slides have clear backgrounds, then tape one blank yellow one on the overhead face. For slides, use a rubber band to hold a piece of coloured cellophane over the projector lens.
• Learn the name of each participant as quickly as possible. Based upon the atmosphere you want to create, call them by their first names or by using Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms. appropriate to the environment, maintaining professionalism.
• Tell them what name and title you prefer to be called by.
• Listen intently to comments and opinions. By using a lateral thinking technique (adding to ideas rather than dismissing them), the audience will feel that their ideas, comments, and opinions are worthwhile.
• Circulate around the room as you speak, if appropriate. This movement creates a physical closeness to the audience. Be aware that too much movement can be distracting and you want to be visible to all.
• List and discuss your objectives at the beginning of the presentation. Let the audience know how your presentation fits in with their goals. Discuss some of the fears and apprehensions that both you and the audience might have. Tell them what they should expect of you and how you will contribute to their goals.
• Get to the presentation before your audience arrives; allow plenty of time to set up ensuring you are comfortable with any equipment you are using. Be the last one to leave.
• You should be confident enough with your own material so that the audience’s interests and concerns, not the presentation outline, determines the format. Use your background, experience, and knowledge to interrelate your subject matter.
• When writing on flip charts use no more than 7 lines of text per page and no more than 7 words per line (the 7 7 rule). Also, use bright and bold colours, colours which can be read clearly (not yellow). Use pictures and symbols as well as text.
• Consider the time of day and how long you are presenting for. The time of day can affect the audience. In training circles, after lunch is known as the graveyard section as audiences will feel more like a nap than listening to a talk.
• Be aware of people’s concentration span, you may wish to include interaction within the presentation to keep the audience alert and involved and interested.
• Most people find that if they practice in their head, the actual talk will take about 25 per cent longer. Using a flip chart or other visual aids also adds to the time. Remember - it is better to finish slightly early than to overrun. Practise!

So, you have decided to sign up with a placement consultancy. Here are five tips to give yourself a speedy start when signing up with a placement consultancy.

1. Be prepared for registration during your first visit

When you first arrive at a placement consultancy, be prepared. Registration is your first stage interview and is your first opportunity to impress.

2. Do not forget to take your CV

Make sure you take a copy of your CV to any agency you register with. Make sure it is up-to-date with relevant experience and current contact details.

3. Have your documents ready

You will need to prove your entitlement to work in the UK, either with a full birth certificate or passport, along with proof of your National Insurance number.

4. Provide references

Agencies need to reference you fully and the more information you bring along (names, phone numbers, email addresses), the more quickly your references will be obtained.

Finally, keep in mind that it is also important to give agencies the best impression:

“Be prepared to talk through your work and education history in depth. Consultants will need to create a profile for you and, as such, will want details of key achievements, as well as past role profiles and qualifications.”

“Ensure you’re of smart appearance and, if attending a pre-arranged appointment, arrive on time. Allow an hour and a half for your registration.”

All the best in your job hunt!

The Job Industry is one of the largest and most competitive Industries in the world today. With the growth and expansion of society as whole, manpower requirements are sky rocketing.

A placement consultancy or a Recruitment agency is an entity that works towards reducing clutter and streamlining the manpower requirements of Companies, large and small. These firms serve as middlemen and help organizations and job seekers to find each other!

Who Plays What Role?

Companies hire Placement Consultants who in turn help them to find the right candidate to join their organization. Job Seekers contact Recruitment firms to help them identify and then apply for the right job.

Today, the Recruitment Industry has grown to tremendous levels and there are specialized consultants serving different fields.

How Does The Process Works?

Consultants work for a number of different Companies, small and large.

Job seekers contact recruitment agencies either through phone, email or walk ins and register their Resumes with them.

Next, the wait begins - candidates hope to be informed of good openings and prepare themselves for interviews.

How To Apply For A Job Through Placement Consultants

In India, job seekers rely highly on Placement Consultants and recruitment firms in their quest for a suitable job.

The Job Hunting Cycle:-

Contacting them - Once a list of Consultants is drawn out, the next step is to contact them. Candidates can email their latest updated resumes or talk to them personally and explain their requirements. Candidates should remember that this is an ongoing process and should be done properly. Remember, mail boxes of Consultants often go beyond their storage limits so remember to follow up with them by phone.