Book Review

The Short Road to Great Presentations

Peter Reimold and Cheryl Reimold
IEEE Press and Wiley-Interscience, 2003
ISBN 0-471-28136-0

Reviewed by Terrance Malkinson

Effective presentation skills are essential for personal and career success. Many have said that impressions are made during the first minute of an interaction, and those impressions are difficult to change. By following guidelines that Cheryl and Peter Reimold have developed during their 20 years of experience helping engineers, scientists and business people develop communication skills, you can master the presentation skills that will be an invaluable asset to your life and career.

Good Preparation is Key

The seven chapters comprising Part 1 of the book deal with the importance of preparation. Topics include analyzing and understanding the audience; a simple and effective universal presentation template; developing an effective introduction using the RAMP formula; creating an understandable message that forms the body of the presentation; the importance of and how to summarize your presentation; preparing effective visuals and preparing your speaking notes and audience handouts.

Be Persuasive

The chapters comprising Part 2 focus on persuasive delivery — how do you develop an uninterrupted connection with your audience? Topics include how to connect with your audience through attitude, body talk, voice, language, and eye contact; and how to use speaking notes and visuals effectively. A critically important skill is being able to handle audience questions and deal assertively and calmly with unexpected surprises that often occur. Part 2 concludes with tips and strategies on how to moderate a conference session through preparation, meeting with the speakers, keeping the session lively but under control and stimulating discussion through good questions.

Use Technology Effectively

Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of presentations. Part 3 provides readers with valuable tips on incorporating visual and audio technology effectively into presentations. In addition, with the increasing cost and inconvenience of travel, companies are using web presentations and virtual meetings more frequently; the authors provide information on how to conduct effective virtual meetings. In addition, the book’s five appendices provide examples, worksheets and checklists to help you create your presentation.

This 342-page book serves as a one-stop resource that will eliminate the stress and anxiety associated with preparing and delivering presentations. Cheryl and Peter Reimold provide the “real story” and practical advice that will benefit you whether you are a novice or an experienced presenter.

 

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Terrance Malkinson is a proposal manager/documentation specialist; an elected Senator of the University of Calgary; international correspondent for IEEE-USA Today's Engineer; and editor of the IEEE Management Society Newsletter. Opinions expressed are the author's.