Top Tips for Presentations

The material of your presentation should be concise, to the point and interesting.  In addition to the obvious, such as, content and visual aids, the following are just as important:

• Appearance – first impressions count!

• Your Voice – ‘how’ you say it is just as important as ‘what’ you say.

• Body Language – the movements or positions through which you unintentionally show other people what you are feeling.

Top tips for presentations

Plan

Prepare the structure of the presentation logically, as you would for a written report, by identifying the main objectives and points that you would like to cover.

Draft the presentation in rough, then review the draft.  Delete anything irrelevant and then double check that the presentation flows and is consistently smooth.  If there is anything you are unsure about  due to lack of understanding, take it out.  Be confident about what you are presenting and be prepared  to answer any questions.  Know what you are talking about and know it well!

Rehearse

Never read from a script and know most of what you want to say.  Prepare cue cards which have  key words and phrases written on them.  These can be referred to if need be.  It is always a good idea to rehearse your presentation to yourself in front of a mirror and then in front of friends or family.  Ask for honest feedback.

Use Visual Aids

Visual aids can help to improve the interest of a presentation but ensure they are relevant to the content.   Be prepared for technology mishaps and have a back-up plan on printed slides.

Deliver

Greet the audience, tell them about the aims and objectives of the presentation, deliver the presentation and ensure you end with conclusions and/or a summary.   It is always useful to follow the old adage:

Tell them what you are going to tell them
Tell them
Tell them what you have told them

Keep to the time allowed and leave time for discussion and questions at the end.  Speak clearly, don’t rush, pause at key points, use your hands to emphasise specific points and engage with the audience as much as possible.

And…..Finally

Good luck and enjoy yourself! The audience will want to hear what you have to say.  Leave them with a handout of  the main objectives and conclusions of your presentation and remember to include your name firmly on the front.