School is right around the corner for me and most likely has already started for you. If you are in school or in a program that demands a lot of presentations and public speaking experience, I'm here for you to share some of my tips. Before I start, I should mention that presentations require a lot of work done on them, but once you practice - it gets much faster and easier. Here we go!
Preparation Required
This might mean a basic high school presentation, or the whole school in front of you. In either situation - these are the tips when you have and need time to prepare.
1. Research and Brainstorm
For a successful presentation, you definitely have to have thorough content. If the presentation time is limited, try to fit 90% of your research in there, leaving 10% for question-and-answer session. Having mentioned that - ask a few of your friends to ask you a particular question, and then answer it according to your findings, if you don't have a question-answer session pre-set up.
When you are doing your research, try to find a few quotes, statistics or dates, since it helps the audience interpret the information better.
Do not forget to create a very detailed outline based on multiple resources!
2. Plan It Out
It is always a huge advantage to include multiple components into your presentation. Here is an example: an oral component - you; a visually appealing component - a Power Point; and a tangible component - a pamphlet. As simple as that!
So when you have thought of the components that will make up your presentation, think about how to arrange them properly, so it will take up a required amount of time.
3. Structure
If you would like to be professional, at first - introduce yourself. Then, introduce your topic. Introduction - if done properly, is the main chance to intrigue the audience and make that first impression.
The body of your presentation, should be thorough, and contain the information, from which the questions must be formed. Here, you should try to impress people with your vocabulary. Once in a while, insert a professionally-sound synonym of the word, and that will play out into your favour.
Of course, create a conclusion. No, do not "rephrase your intro"! Conclusion, like any part of the presentation should be unique. If appropriate, insert your personal opinion on the topic or summarise related theories, although do not insert any new information!
4. Practice
Practicing is vital. Not only it will make you memorise your presentation - it will also make you much more comfortable with it. If you are a type of person who feels uncomfortable presenting - grab a few classmates and casually practice in front of them. Repeat it with a few groups of classmates.
If the audience is unfamiliar, and you are really uncomfortable, keep your text with you and be very organised with your presentation. This way, you don't have to be very nervous; and practice out loud!
Practice the phrases such as "Excuse me, I couldn't hear you" etc. in case you will be needing to use them! Also, if you have that opportunity - practice from the stage you will be presenting on.
If you absolutely need to memorise your presentation - practice it and once you see more and more progress, rely on to your Power Point or whatever visual component you have.
FYI: The visual component must not have and entire text written on it - only a few words or ideas and a nice, appealing design.
5. Get yourself ready
On the day of your presentation, you must feel good about yourself. Dress accordingly, but if you feel particularly uncomfortable with something - revise it. Don't forget about your breath and try not to wear clothes with pockets - because you will try to puts your hands in to it.
6. Present
Everything must be very organised and open in front of you on the stage. Also, make sure that you did your best with practicing - because if you did, then you will be much more confident.
Once you walk out, take your time to feel settled and when you notice a lot of attention -present.
Great your audience; keep your voice louder and clearer and let your hands help you - not ruin your presentation. If your hands are relieving your nervous condition, keep them on your tangible piece of your presentation or on the device that's controlling your visual part.
Thank the audience for their attention and once you answer all of their questions - thank them again and leave.
Don't forget to hand in any work that you've done on that project in a folder with your name and whatever else on it.
Good Luck!
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