For many of us, being asked to present something to your entire team, division, or company, although an honour, conjures up images of complete fear and instant paralysis. Your every intention may be to make a lasting impression, however the only feeling crossing your mind is that of a dear caught in headlights.

According to Granny Mouse Operations Manager, Ane du Preez, “I have seen my fair share of exceptionally nervous speakers, who’s companies have chosen Granny Mouse as their conference venue, and some who have literally frozen mid-speech. We often offer our advice to them to ensure that they take the podium relaxed and ready.”

We asked du Preez to give us her top 5 presentation do’s and don’t tips, and this is what she had to share:

1. Preparation is key. Take the time needed prior to the conference to adequately research the topic you have been asked to present, and ensure thorough preparation. Don’t rush this process or it will show!
2. Practise makes perfect. Before you have to present, ask a few of your colleagues or family members to listen to your speech, and give you honest feedback. This will also allow you to be more comfortable with the content.
3. Have some fun. Make sure your speech content isn’t too serious. Although conferences are about work, add some light-heartedness into your presentation, as this will also break the mundane and keep people interested.
4. Make eye contact. Addressing the audience is what keeps them entertained and interested in your speech. Make sure you know your speech well enough so that you make regular eye contact with your audience. Nervous speakers sometimes rely too heavily on reading their speeches, which we find
5. Remember that you’re addressing people you work with almost every day, so you know them and they know you. Many have been in your shoes before, and are ready to hear what you have to say.

Following tips like this will ensure that your next presentation is a resounding success!

For more information on the conferencing packages offered by Granny Mouse, visit http://www.grannymouse.co.za/our-conference-facilities.

Kirstie du Toit, Culinary Artist at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa loves throwing a healthy twist on the dishes she prepares. In light of National Heritage Day which doubles up as National Braai Day, on September 24, why not try a little tasty nibble to serve to guests as they wait for the main meal – the braai meat a.k.a shisa nyama – traditionally South African.

“I chose to incorporate corn into this dish as it forms part of the grain industry – one of the largest in South Africa, said to produce between 25% and 33% of the country’s total gross agricultural production (www.southafrica.info). So I thought it would be fitting, since it is heritage day and we are celebrating all things South African. It is also something different; a change from the normal dishes served on this day,” she said.

Du Toit has provided a simple, light and refreshing dish perfect for a light nibble. Serve this heart-healthy recipe to guests as a heritage day snack, before the boerie hits the braai.

Hummus:

1Tin                Chickpeas, drained

2                      Garlic Cloves, roughly chopped

1tsp                 Ground Cumin

0.5tsp             Paprika

1                      Lemon, juiced

125ml             Olive Oil

                        Salt

                        Pepper

Place all the ingredients except oil, salt and pepper into a blender

Blend till smooth, remember to stop the machine a scrap all the ingredients, that stick to the sides, down so that everything can be blended to the same smooth consistency.

When all is smooth, keep the blender running and slowly start pouring in the oil.

Scoop the mix out into a bowl and add salt and pepper as desired.

Wrap the bowl and refrigerate for later

*this can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, just put it into a sealable container and cover with olive oil

Corn Salsa:

1          Corn on the Cob

1          Tomato

1          Onion

15ml   White Vinegar

15ml   White Sugar

15ml   Water

            Salt

In a pot put the corn and cover with water, boil till soft then remove and let cool

Meanwhile cut the tomato into quarters and remove the seeds.

Cut the tomato into small blocks and through in a bowl

Peel and halve the onion. Cut the onion into similar size as the tomato and mix together

When the corn is cool, cut all the kernels of the cob and add to the tomato mix

In a saucepan bring to the boil the vinegar, water and sugar

Once it has reacted boil point and the sugar has melted, through the hot mix over the tomato mix

Place in fridge to cool down

Once cool taste for seasoning

*this can be made in advance and stored in a sealable container in the fridge for a week

Prawns:

4 prawns per dish

Remove the shell and vein from the prawn

Rinse well to make sure that all of the vein is removed

Pat dry on a paper towel and set aside

Meanwhile heat up a frying pan, do not add oil or butter until you see some smoke coming from the pan

You want the pan to be this hot so that it can make a nice sear and crunch on the outside of the prawn

Once you see the smoke add and little oil and butter to the pan

Place the prawns in the pan and cook each side for about a minute then place in an oven @180*c for 2minutes

Plating:

Place the hummus on the bottom of a serving bowl and spread out, use as much as you would like

The prawns should be cooked through, thus place the hot prawns on top of the hummus

Take the salsa and sprinkle all over, about a tablespoon should do

Remember to get some of the liquid from the salsa onto the plate as well, it give the dish some acidity.

Garnish with some fresh rocket or chives