2. Presentation Skills
• Presentation skills are the abilities and qualities necessary for creating and delivering
a compelling presentation that effectively communicates information and ideas.
• They encompass what you say, how you structure it, and the materials you include
to support what you say (such as slides, videos, or images).
• You'll make presentations at various times in your life. Examples include:
o Making speeches at a wedding, conference, or another event
o Making a toast at a dinner or event
o Explaining projects to a team
o Delivering results and findings to management teams
o Teaching people specific methods or information
o Proposing a vote at community group meetings
o Pitching a new idea or business to potential partners or investors
3. Presentation Skills- Importance
• Delivering effective presentations is critical in both your professional and
personal life.
• You’ll need to hone your presentation skills in various areas in a professional
setting, such as when giving a speech, making a sales pitch or a project proposal,
communicating to shareholders and other stakeholders, etc.
• Presentation skills are also very useful in various areas in a personal setting, such
as convincing your partner to make a substantial purchase, talking to friends and
family about an important situation, giving speeches and toasts, etc.
• No matter if you’re using them in a personal or professional setting, these are
the skills that make it easier and more effective to convey your ideas, convince
or persuade others, and experience success.
5. 1. Influencing stakeholders and decision-makers: As you climb the corporate ladder, you may find
yourself presenting to senior management or board members. Effective presentations are
essential for gaining support for your ideas, projects, or initiatives from key stakeholders.
2. Impressing employers and clients: During job interviews or business meetings, a well-delivered
presentation showcases your knowledge, confidence, and ability to communicate ideas effectively.
It impresses employers, clients, and potential investors, leaving a positive and memorable
impression that can tilt the scales in your favour.
3. Creating impactful proposals: In the corporate world, proposals are crucial for securing new
partnerships or business deals. A well-structured and compelling presentation can make your
proposal stand out and increase the chances of successful negotiations.
4. Gaining and retaining clients: Whether you are a freelancer, consultant, or business owner,
presentation skills play a key role in winning and retaining clients. A captivating presentation not
only convinces clients of your capabilities but also builds trust and promotes long-term
relationships.
5. Persuasive selling techniques: For sales and marketing professionals, presentation skills are
instrumental in persuading potential customers to choose your products or services. An engaging
sales pitch can sway buying decisions, leading to increased revenue and business growth.
6. Enhancing public speaking engagements: Professional life often involves speaking at conferences,
seminars, or industry events. Being a confident and engaging speaker allows you to deliver your
message effectively, position yourself as an expert, and expand your professional network.
6. 7. Handling meetings and discussions: In meetings, being able to present your thoughts clearly
and concisely contributes to productive discussions and efficient decision-making. It ensures that
your ideas are understood and considered by colleagues and superiors.
8. Effective team collaboration: As a professional, you often need to present projects, strategies, or
updates to your team or colleagues. A compelling presentation facilitates better understanding
and association among team members, leading to more productive and successful projects.
9. Professional development: Investing time in honing presentation skills is a form of professional
development. As you become a more effective presenter, you become a more valuable asset to
your organisation and industry.
10. Career transitions and interviews: When seeking new opportunities or transitioning to a
different industry, presentation skills are essential for communicating your transferable skills and
showcasing your adaptability to potential employers.
11. Advancing in your career: In the corporate world, promotions and career advancements often
involve presenting your achievements, ideas, and future plans to decision-makers. Strong
presentation skills demonstrate your leadership potential and readiness for higher
responsibilities, opening doors to new opportunities.
12. Building a personal brand: A strong personal brand is vital for professional success. Impressive
presentations contribute to building a positive reputation and positioning yourself as a thought
leader or industry expert.
8. 1. Expressing ideas clearly: In day-to-day conversations with family, friends, or acquaintances,
having good presentation skills enables you to articulate your thoughts and ideas clearly.
Whether you're discussing plans for the weekend or sharing your opinions on a particular
topic, being an effective communicator encourages better understanding and engagement.
2. Inspiring and motivating others: In one’s personal life, presentation skills are not just about
delivering formal speeches; they also involve inspiring and motivating others through your
actions and words. Whether you're sharing your experiences, mentoring someone, or
encouraging loved ones during tough times, your presentation skills can be a source of
inspiration for others.
3. Building stronger relationships: Being a skilled presenter means being a good listener as
well. Active listening is a fundamental aspect of effective presentations, and when applied
in personal relationships, it strengthens bonds and builds trust. Empathizing with others and
showing genuine interest in their stories and opinions enhances the quality of your
relationships.
4. Advocating for personal goals: Whether you're pursuing personal projects or seeking
support for a cause you're passionate about, the ability to present your ideas persuasively
helps garner support and enthusiasm from others. This can be beneficial in achieving
personal goals and making a positive impact on your community.
9. 5. Exuding leadership traits: Effective presentation skills go hand in hand with leadership
qualities. Being able to communicate clearly and influence others' perspectives
positions you as a leader within your family, social circles, or community. Leadership in
personal life involves guiding and supporting others towards positive outcomes.
6. Enhancing social confidence: Many individuals struggle with social anxiety or
nervousness in social gatherings. Mastering presentation skills helps boost self-
confidence, making it easier to navigate social situations with ease. The ability to
present yourself confidently and engage others in conversation enhances your social
life and opens doors to new relationships.
7. Creating memories on special occasions: There are moments in life that call for public
speaking, such as proposing a toast at a wedding, delivering a speech at a family
gathering, or giving a presentation during special events. Having polished presentation
skills enables you to leave a positive and lasting impression on the audience, making
these occasions even more memorable.
8. Handling challenging conversations: Life often presents challenging situations that
require delicate communication, such as expressing condolences or resolving conflicts.
Strong presentation skills help you convey your feelings and thoughts sensitively,
encouraging effective and empathetic communication during difficult times.
10. Essentials of a Good Presentation
• Research: Research is the first step in preparing most presentations and could range from a multi-
year process to spending 20 minutes online, depending on context and subject matter. At the
very least, you must be able to clearly frame research questions, identify appropriate information
sources, and organize your results. Other useful skills include brainstorming, collaboration,
comparative analysis, data interpretation, and deductive and inductive reasoning. Business
intelligence is a skill that will help you evaluate what information you need to support the bottom
line, while case analysis and causal relationships will help you parse and evaluate meaning.
• Organization: You do not want to be the person who spends half of their presentation time trying
to find a cable to connect their laptop to the projector. Many things can and do go wrong just
before a presentation unless you are organized. Presentation preparation also means keeping
track of notes, information, and start/stop times. You will want to proofread and fine-tune all the
materials you plan to use for the presentation to catch any mistakes. Make sure you time yourself
when you rehearse so you know how long it will take to deliver the presentation
• Content Writing skills: Content Writing is a part of the presentation. Sharp writing skills can help
you master your presentation’s outline to ensure you stay on message and remain clear about
your objectives from the beginning until the end. It’s also helpful to have strong writing abilities
for creating compelling slides and other visual aids.
11. • Understanding the audience: When you understand your audience's needs and
interests, you can design your presentation around them. In turn, you'll deliver
maximum value to them and enhance your ability to make your message easy to
understand.
• Active listening: Active listening is a valuable skill all on its own. When you
understand and thoughtfully respond to what you hear—whether it's in a
conversation or during a presentation—you’ll likely deepen your personal
relationships and actively engage audiences during a presentation. As part of your
presentation skill set, it helps catch and maintain the audience’s attention, helping
them remain focused while minimizing passive response, ensuring the message is
delivered correctly, and encouraging a call to action.
• Self-awareness: Monitoring your own emotions and reactions will allow you to react
well in various situations. It helps you remain personable throughout your
presentation and handle feedback well. Self-awareness can help soothe nervousness
during presentations, allowing you to perform more effectively.
12. • Verbal communication: How you use language and deliver messages play essential roles
in how your audience will receive your presentation. Speak clearly and confidently,
projecting your voice enough to ensure everyone can hear. Think before you speak,
pausing when necessary and tailoring the way you talk to resonate with your particular
audience.
• Storytelling: Incorporating storytelling into a presentation is an effective strategy used
by many powerful public speakers. It has the power to bring your subject to life and
pique the audience’s curiosity. Don’t be afraid to tell a personal story, slowly building up
suspense or adding a dramatic moment. And, of course, be sure to end with a positive
takeaway to drive your point home.
• Speak clearly: Good public speakers make a presentation even better by speaking
clearly. You want your audience to hear what you are saying, so make sure you speak at
a good volume. If the student at the back of the room can hear you, then your volume
is great!
13. • Speak at a good pace: Speaking at a pace where the audience can understand you is so
important when you deliver a presentation. Keeping an optimal pace provides time for
the listeners to understand the content, take notes, and ask questions. A good
presenter should learn not to speak too quickly, because they need to give time for the
audience to understand what is being said. At the same time, the pace should not be so
slow that the presenter runs out of time to complete the presentation (and the
audience becomes bored!).
• Voice projection: The ability to project your voice improves your presentation by
allowing your audience to hear what you're saying. It also increases your confidence to
help settle any lingering nerves while also making your message more engaging. To
project your voice, stand comfortably with your shoulders back. Take deep breaths to
power your speaking voice and ensure you enunciate every syllable you speak.
• Voice modulation: Nobody wants to sound monotonous like a Robot. Voice modulation
refers to the process of changing the pitch, tone, and other aspects of one's voice to
convey emotions, expressiveness, and meaning.
14. • Nonverbal Communication: When speaking to an audience, the way you present yourself can be
just as important as how you present your information. You want to appear confident and
engaging. You can do this through good posture, the use of hand gestures, and making eye contact
with the audience. Practice your nonverbal communication by filming yourself doing a practice
presentation and observing your body language carefully. Your physical bearing and poise should
convey a degree of comfort and confidence in front of an audience, while active listening, respect,
and emotional intelligence will help you in facilitating group discussions.
• Body language: Body language combines various critical elements, including posture, gestures, eye
contact, expressions, and position in front of the audience. Body language is one of the elements
that can instantly transform a presentation that would otherwise be dull into one that's dynamic
and interesting.
• Posture: How you present yourself plays a role in your body language and ability to project your
voice. It also sets the tone for the presentation. Avoid slouching or looking overly tense. Instead,
remain open, upright, and adaptable while taking the formality of the occasion into account.
• Stage presence: During a presentation, projecting confidence can help keep your audience
engaged. Stage presence can help you connect with your audience and encourage them to want to
watch you. To improve your presence, try amping up your normal demeanor by infusing it with a
bit of enthusiasm. Project confidence and keep your information interesting. Watch your audience
as you’re presenting. If you’re holding their attention, it likely means you’re connecting well with
them.
17. Types of Non-Verbal Communication
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/cultural-differences-nonverbal-communicati
on-its-business-karata%C5%9F/
• https://open.lib.umn.edu/communication/chapter/4-2-types-of-nonverbal-co
mmunication/?F3A0D883-D1F8-314F-B855-1B8A88BC047B_pure_cup_C6FA3
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• https://clearinfo.in/blog/types-of-non-verbal-communication/?7B2D6D2D-C4
4B-3347-BBA5-3A317882071A_pure_cup_C6FA3ED5_6D17_47D1_B6E2_F4B0
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18. Group Discussion
• Group discussion is a form of communication where individuals come together to
discuss a specific topic or issue. It is usually structured and facilitated by a moderator
or group leader, allowing participants to express their ideas, opinions, and
perspectives.
• Group discussions are an effective way to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and
explore different viewpoints.
19. Group Discussion – Types
1. Factual Group Discussion
2. Opinion-Based Group Discussion
3. Case-Studies Based Group Discussion
4. Abstract Group Discussion
20. • Factual Group Discussion: A factual group discussion is a formal discussion where
participants exchange information and facts on a particular topic. The discussion
focuses on presenting and analyzing objective data and information rather than
subjective opinions or personal experiences. Factual group discussions can be used in
various settings, such as academic institutions, research organizations, and business
meetings. They are particularly useful when decision-making is based on factual data
and analysis, such as in scientific research or policy-making. Example: The benefits and
drawbacks of online education. Discuss the impact of online learning on traditional
education, the accessibility of online education, and the effectiveness of online
learning.
• Opinion-Based Group Discussion: In an opinion-based group discussion, participants
share and exchange their opinions, thoughts, and experiences on a particular topic.
The focus is on personal viewpoints rather than objective facts or data. Opinion-based
group discussions are commonly used in various settings, such as educational
institutions, community gatherings, and social media platforms. They are particularly
useful when individuals have different perspectives or experiences and want to share
and learn from each other. Example: Which is better, watching movies in theatres or at
home?
21. • Case-Studies Based Group Discussion: A case studies-based group discussion is where
participants analyze and discuss a specific case study. The case study can be based on
real-life events, hypothetical scenarios, or both. The discussion focuses on analyzing
the case study, identifying the problem or issue, and proposing potential solutions or
courses of action. Example: The BP oil spill: What environmental and social impacts
did it have, and what lessons can be learned from this disaster?
• Abstract Group Discussion: Abstract group discussion is where participants are given a
broad and general topic without any specific details or constraints. The purpose of this
type of discussion is to encourage participants to think creatively and critically and to
explore different perspectives and ideas. Unlike other group discussions, abstract
group discussions do not have a specific problem or issue to solve but rather an
overarching theme or concept. Example: The future of transportation: From self-
driving cars to hyperloops, what technological advancements shape how we travel,
and its implications.
22. Group Discussion – Dos and Don’ts
• Arrive on time and dress formally. Punctuality & neatness go a long way.
• Carry a pen and a notepad. You can note down and refer to what others have
said previously. This will also make you look organized. Listen to others carefully,
jot down the relevant points and list down your own points.
• Do not interrupt the speech of other participants. Wait till they complete.
• Pay attention and listen carefully. Pay attention while others are speaking. This
will make coherent discussion and you will get involved in the group positively.
• Organize your thoughts before you speak. This will help you speak more
confidently and to the point.
• Remember not to deviate yourself from the topic. Don’t talk unrelated things
and waste other’s opportunity.
23. • Maintain a proper balance in tone while objecting to the points made by other
speakers. “Empty vessels make more noise”, avoid raising your voice or shouting.
• Be careful with your body language. Table thumping, pointing fingers, being loud
at others convey your attempt to dominate them, while looking here and there
conveys lack of interest and low confidence. Both are dangerous.
• Respect the opinion of other participants. Also, agree and acknowledge what you
find interesting in their views. Use phrases like, “This is interesting and makes me
further think that …….”, “What you have said here, sheds light on another area
…….”.
• Express your disagreement in a polite, dignified and convincing manner. Do not
use negative comments like ‘‘this point is wrong" or "your argument doesn't make
any sense." Instead use phrases like “You have a good point but there’s another
aspect to it… ”.
• Do not try to dominate your co-participants. It is a discussion, not an argument.
• Give others a chance to speak. Don’t try to hi-jack the show.
24. • If someone becomes openly antagonistic to you, and says things directly
contradicting your points of view or makes personal attack, stay calm and
relaxed. A situation like this is a good opportunity to demonstrate your conflict
handling skills and maturity.
• If the attack is directed against you as a person, then the best strategy is to just
ignore it and get on with the discussion, without any animosity towards the
attacker. This is hard to do but, if you manage, it will be the best advertisement
for your maturity.
• If the counter-argument is valid, concede to the point gracefully using
statements like "I think you have an important point there that I did not think
of".
• If the counter-argument is not valid, use statements like “let’s seek the opinion
of other participants” and turn to others, seeking their opinion with statements
like "we seem to have different views here…what do you feel?“.
25. • "Losing“ an argument is not necessarily bad. Even if you are convinced about
the correctness of your stand, don't stand on it ruthlessly. If the argument is
stuck between you and another participant, maybe let the other person "win" it
by saying "I know that you may disagree, but my point is…, however, we need
not keep debating this, maybe we need to proceed". Losing an argument does
not lead to loss of points. Sometimes, it helps demonstrate your flexibility and
maturity.
• Finally, your team skills are evaluated on the way you carry on with the other
participants. It doesn’t matter how long you speak. What matters is what you
spoke and how you put your opinion into words, and how you worked well in
that group.
28. • Make the first section your professional summary. For a highly experienced candidate like Jonathan, adding a
professional summary at the very top is a quick way to concisely convey his core competencies.
• Highlight relevant skills. Notice how Jonathan uses strong keywords and phrases like ″strategic planning,” “cost
management” and “financial planning & analysis” — as noted in the job description. Whether it’s being scanned
by a human or by a machine, this is what gets a resume noticed.
• Make your recent position the most comprehensive. The professional experience is the bulk every resume, and
details from your most recent (or current) position should account for about 75% of this section. Also, you
do not need to include your first job.
• Include company descriptions. I consider this a universal rule: If you worked at a company that isn’t a household
name, adding notable details about the organization (i.e., what it does, number of employees, annual revenue)
will save the hiring manager time from having to look it up.
• Numbers, numbers, numbers. If your marketing plan contributed to a 35% increase in sales, make it loud and
clear! No need to explain how you did it; the hiring manager will ask for more details during the interview.
• Emphasize select achievements. Limit your job responsibility descriptions to just two or four of the most
important points. By keeping things brief, you can dedicate more space to your proudest and most
relevant achievements. This is a more powerful way to showcase what you can contribute to the next employer.
30. • Showcase strong teamwork skills. One of the most important skills hiring managers look for in junior-
level candidates is the ability to work well in teams, large or small. Contrary to popular belief, using
words like “we” or “our team” doesn’t dilute your achievements; rather, it strengthens your impact.
And it’s far more effective than saying, “I’m a team player.”
• Only include relevant work and internship experience. Listing each and every internship or job
you’ve held only weakens the resume, mostly because it distracts the hiring manager from focusing
on how qualified you are for a specific job.
• Leave out the professional summary. Unlike those with seven or more years of experience, junior-
level professionals don’t have enough relevant work to warrant a summary. Instead, their resumes
should immediately focus on initial jobs, key accomplishments, education and extracurricular
activities.
• Leave out the objective. What you don’t see in Grace’s resume (or any other resume here) is an
objective. What so many candidates fail to realize is that objectives are pointless. Even if you truly are
“seeking a challenging team leadership position,” saying so still reveals nothing about what you can
do for a prospective employer.
32. • Put your education in the first section. Resumes of recent college graduates or workforce entrants should
start with the college or university attended, degrees obtained, GPA and any academic honors.
• Keep details about your internships short. Let’s be honest: You were an intern — and there’s no way you
held as many relevant responsibilities as a non-graduate with years of experience. Going on and on about all
the tiny things you did will just make the hiring manager think you’re exaggerating or being dishonest. Focus
only on the tasks that are important to your field.
• Use extracurricular activities to tell a story. Be thoughtful about what extracurricular activities you include. It
can be something as big as being president of a club or something as small as a weekend of volunteer work —
as long as it’s interesting enough to tell a story about your hobbies, accomplishments and who you are as a
person.
• Keep it to just one page. Fight the urge to oversell. Prospective employers know that you just graduated, so
don’t try to make yourself look like something you’re not. Otherwise, you’ll lose credibility.
• Make your resume pleasing to the eye with lots of white space. Hiring managers don’t expect college
graduate resumes to be jam-packed with a ton of details. Keep it clean, clear and presentable; use bullet
points and strong actions verbs. It’s assumed that you have references, so no need to list any or say they’re
“available upon request.”
33. Grooming
Do
• Keep hair trimmed and cleaned
• Clean shave or moustache, beard
trimmed neatly
• Keep nails trim and clean
• Pressed and well-ironed clothes
• Use masculine perfumes which have a
spicy smell as opposed to a
flowery/sweet smell
Don’t
• Have flowing locks and dandruff
• Have multi-coloured hair
• Have dirt underneath nails and nails
can hurt while shaking hands
• Wear more than two rings - one on
each hand
• Use ANY perfume. Only the one
labeled ‘pour homme’ (for men)
34. Women’s style
• Choice of clothes: Indian, Western
• Western: Business suit
Straight Skirt without pleats or Trousers
Colour: Navy blue, beige, black
Worn with shirt and scarf or shirt and classic jacket
Shirt must have full sleeves and scarf must be knotted properly
No loud colours for shirts
35. Grooming for women
• Clean, manicured nails are a must
• If using nailpaint check everyday whether colour is chipped or
not
• Otherwise do not paint nails
• Do not use loud colours for painting nails
• Avoid accessories which draw attention to yourself (wearing
payal, dangling earrings, long necklaces, bangles, too many
rings)
• Simple bracelet on one wrist, watch on the other wrist, small
earrings, mangalsutra or a necklace which is not too long,
maximum of two rings
• Ethnic wear a strict no for meetings-only for social occasions
• NO sport shoes, stilettos or chappals
• Wear patent leather shoes with skin-coloured socks
36. Professional Appearance
• Grooming is fundamental
• Hair clean and styled appropriately
• Clean nails, skin and teeth
• Many professionals wear make-up
(depends on field)
• Check fragrance and clothing care
37. Professional Appearance
• Wardrobe
• Professional Business Wardrobe
-For women: skirted/pant suit, dress shirt, clean well maintained dress shoes
(generally closed-toe shoe)
-For men: suit, dress shirt, tie (well maintained dress shoes)
• Outerwear
-Appropriate for women/men: Trench coat, umbrella
39. Professional Appearance
• Business Casual Wardrobe
• For women: dress pants, shirt, blouse, well maintained dress or casual
shoe (no tennis shoes, flip flops, etc.)
• For men: slacks/khaki pants, polo shirt, or other collared dress shirt,
well maintained dress or casual shoes (no tennis shoes, flip flops, etc.)
**NOTHING SLOPPY**