Business Presentation Skills: The Twenty-first-century Conundrum

Abstract

Priyanka’s decision to never take the stage again after receiving harsh feedback on her debut presentation became a hot topic among the first-year students at Excellence School of Management. Professor Mahajan, the course instructor, recognized that this batch was similar to previous ones she had taught. During class presentations, she observed that most students could be divided into two distinct groups. The first group consisted of overly confident students, while the second group comprised individuals who lacked confidence in creating and delivering effective presentations. Professor Mahajan was now faced with two significant challenges. Firstly, she needed to help students understand that an effective presentation was not solely about creating flashy, jargon-filled slides and delivering them flawlessly in English. Secondly, she realized that the students’ misconceptions about presentation skills, which they considered to be undeniable truths, could hinder their progress in learning and practising these skills. Determined to find a swift resolution, Professor Mahajan knew that addressing these issues was crucial for the student’s growth. She understood the importance of building a solid foundation and wanted to dispel the myths surrounding presentation skills without disheartening anyone. Her ultimate goal was to inspire all students to embark on their journey of mastering effective presentation techniques.