3 minute speech on a any topic

In another of our question and answer articles, our readers asked The Presentation Doctor for advice on 3 minute presentations.

Question from Dakzer.

I am currently studying an adult course in computer programming with a recruitment company. As part of course, I need to improve my interview, presentation techniques.

I have already performed my first presentation which didn’t go as well as I hoped it would.

I am preparing a 2nd speech for tomorrow morning which will be 3 minutes long, on any subject of my choice. I am extremely nervous about it. As I am an introvert person in nature, I find it hard to express myself in a presentation without feeling fake. I also find my confidence sways depending on how things go.

I do enjoy talking to people on a one to one basis. So don’t think shyness is a problem for me. But I do believe that certain people are better (natural) speakers than others. So all I am hoping to do, is improve on certain aspects of my interview and presenting skills ready for my job interviews in the next 2 months.

I would be very grateful if you can guide me in any topics I could concentrate on, and techniques to help me relax and appear more receptive to my audience. As I am aware that not only can the speaker be nervous, but the audience can also be uncomfortable as well.

Answer from The Presentation Doctor.

There are three main topics that I would suggest that you concentrate on:

1. The first is called the rule of three
   Put simply people will typically only remember three things. Plan your presentation about the three things that you would like them to remember.
2. Make your presentation visual. If you use pictures in your presentation – you are twice as likely to achieve your objectives.
3. Rehearse – Do it out loud at least 4 times. Rehearsal could make the difference between a good and an average presentation. There are some hints here.

 

3 Minute Sales 

Question from Claude Papier

I have a presentation on Monday based on why I think I would be good at sales. We are not allowed to use power point or a flip chart but visual aids are allowed. The areas that I have identified to be covered are needs of the employer, my skills and achievements and my strengths.
I have a basic idea of what needs doing but as to how to make me stand out from other people I am stuck. How do I make the presentation interesting and memorable without being cheesy?

Answer from The Presentation Doctor.

One of the best techniques is to gather “360-degree feedback”.
In essence you ask other people in your team why you would be good at sales.
You can then play this back to the audience. If you can include some examples this will work even better.

Question from Bronwen.

I need help to do a 3 min presentation please. Tomorrow, I will be attending an assessment day with an agency that helps graduates kick-start their career in sales. Only 20% will be selected and if your selected they will help you secure a position plus provide on-going training in sales.
Along with group exercises and an informal interview, you will be judged on a three minute presentation and the topic we have to present is: “Why should they select me for a career in sales”. Therefore, could you please advise on a presentation format to use.
I know the words that I want to use to sell myself, but I am unsure on how to put this whole presentation together. I know it’s only 3 minutes but I really want my presentation to stand out above all.

Answer from The Presentation Doctor.

Basically you need to do the presentation and print it out on paper to take with you. The structure is very simple

Slide 1 – The words in bold

Slide 2 – Answer 1 – include a picture – and give them a short example to demonstrate the answer

Slide 3 – Answer 2 – include a picture

Slide 4 – Answer 3 – include a picture

Slide 5 – Any questions?

The answers could be stuff like – I am good at selling things e.g. I sold the highest amount of sponsorship during charity week or I’m good with people etc.
A brief reply but I know that time may be against you. Please let me know how you got on.