Presentations

TIMING | STRUCTURE |  SLIDES |  TOP TIPS

HOW TO GIVE GREAT PRESENTATIONS

Here are our top tips:

• • Prepare your presentation carefully. Is the structure easy to follow? Will it communicate your core message¹?
• • Consider the target audience². Make sure that what you say is at the right level to hold/keep their attention. An interactive presentation³ is a good way to connect with your audience and keep them interested.
• • Don’t forget that body language⁴ is really important too. Try to stand (or sit) up straight⁵ as you talk. You might want to use a few hand gestures⁶ to help emphasise your point.
• • Look at the audience. You should make eye contact with about five or six different people. (But don’t maintain eye contact with one person for too long!)
• • If you feel nervous, breathe deeply. This will also help you to speak clearly. Your tone of voice⁷ is important and you will be easier to understand if you sound calm.
• • Even people who are used to public speaking can feel nervous about dealing with questions after a presentation. The best way is to listen carefully and be honest if you don’t know the answer!
• • If you prepare handouts, it’s better to give them out at the end so the audience focuses on you, rather than the handouts.

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¹ the most important point(s)
² the people you are focusing on
³ a presentation which involves the audience
⁴ the way you move, stand, hold your arms etc
⁵ keep your back straight and your shoulders back
⁶ a movement of your hands
⁷ the sound and volume of your voice