Engineering — A New Chapter

During my four years in engineering, I had only a couple of presentations, where I did receive some applause from a small audience.

Have you ever noticed how presentations or MOOCs from prestigious institutions like MIT can be so dull that they make you want to sleep? In engineering, the subject matter often overshadows the presentation style, much like how MIT lectures prioritize subject knowledge. Consequently, I didn’t have many opportunities to enhance my presentation skills during this time.

However, there was one notable occasion—the year-end project presentation. My thesis project was well-received, largely due to its engaging subject matter. The external evaluator was impressed, and I achieved the highest score, significantly boosting my GPA and helping me avoid a low-grade situation.

MBA — The Transformation

This is where I truly refined my presentation abilities.

From Zero to Hero — My Early Days in MBA: - I entered B-school as an average student with low entrance scores, facing criticism from seniors who blamed the institution for admitting students like me. I was subjected to traditional hazing, with my low scores adding to the scrutiny. - A turning point came when I participated in inter-college presentations. My topic was “Stock Markets,” and despite being a newcomer in finance, I won first prize among 20 competitors. - This victory elevated my status among peers, earning me newfound respect from seniors who previously looked down on me.

Enter the Professor: - A strict yet approachable professor, who also served as the Dean, took it upon himself to guide students in their careers. - His words still resonate with me: "Why didn’t you seize the opportunity to answer that question? Why didn’t you raise your hand first?" - His encouragement instilled in me the confidence to raise my hand first and embrace challenges. Motivated by his support, I launched the Finance Club at my college, significantly enhancing my confidence and speaking abilities.

Thanks to my professor and various mentors, I presented at least 100 times during my two years at MBA—this is not an exaggeration!

One memorable presentation was on “Supply Meets Its Own Demand.” Although my team was pressed for time, I found a way to make my section engaging. I likened supply to a 'hero' and demand to a 'heroine,' creating a narrative that captivated my audience.

This impromptu storytelling worked wonders, leading to overwhelming praise from my peers and the lecturer, who deemed me the best presenter.

As my journey continued, I collected numerous awards and recognition for my presentations and hosted various events at college. Even after 13 years, my former professors still remember me fondly, which speaks volumes about the impact I’ve made through presentations.

Workplace Recognition

The acclaim I garnered during my college years paved the way for a respectable placement in a well-regarded company—an aspiration fulfilled.

I continued to prove my mettle at work. In one instance at a multinational bank, I presented on “Climate Change and Conservation,” introducing a Profit & Loss account and a Balance Sheet for our planet that impressed everyone.

As I mentioned earlier, during my brief tenure as a Training Manager, I consistently left the classroom to resounding applause. I assure you, this is not an exaggeration.

Time after time, I positioned myself to leverage my strengths. For any complex topic, I insisted on delivering a presentation, determined that none of my efforts would be mundane. This commitment is how I achieved recognition.

Key Takeaways

• Experiment and identify your strengths early; it's never too late.
• To conquer fear, rehearse extensively, acting as if you’re addressing a live audience.
• Prepare yourself to present confidently, whether or not you have a PowerPoint.
• Everyone possesses unique skills; recognizing and nurturing them can lead to success.
• Seize every opportunity to refine your presentation skills; not everyone has access to such supportive environments or mentors.

Tips for Enhancing Presentation Skills

• Understand your audience and weave personal elements into your presentation.
• Authenticity is key; never fake anything to avoid embarrassment.
• Master your subject matter; it holds more importance than the delivery.
• Strive to make your presentation engaging to capture the audience's attention.
• Avoid overusing images and animations; use them judiciously.
• Your goal is to engage the listener, not just to showcase your PowerPoint skills.
• It’s essential to make the audience eager to listen to you.
• Finally, never settle for being ordinary.