Written by: Katherine Watson
1. Know your topic well and the criteria for the presentation
Like any academic assignment, it is integral you do the background reading or research to support your delivery. For a presentation, make sure you’ve checked how long you will have to present, where and when the presentation will take place, and whether you need to be prepared for questions too.
2. Know how you prepare best
If you have the option to carry a script or flash cards, definitely do if it will make you more comfortable! When preparing a script, check that you can deliver it within the allotted time without rushing. A general guideline is that 750 words can be delivered in 5 minutes.
For other people, the best delivery of a presentation is without a script. For example, if you know you will struggle to recover if you lose your place in the script or if reading aloud from a piece of paper feels more challenging than just speaking. In this case, perhaps try presenting without a script.
There are all kinds of variations between these options such as carrying notes which summarise in a single sentence the key point to be delivered per slide. This can help ensure you don’t steer completely off course but can also allow you to speak freely.
3. Keep it structured
Like an essay, a presentation will often have an introduction, main body and conclusion. Use your opening to provide an overview of the topic you will be discussing, and how the presentation will be divided. Make sure to allocate equal allotments of time to each of the main points you may, and don’t forget to conclude your thoughts towards the end!
4. Embrace new ways of delivery.
As opposed to an essay, presentations often have more space for informal language or anecdotes. Perhaps telling a story, showing a short video, or displaying a selection of images could help convey your argument whilst also engaging the audience.
5. Create clear, simple and engaging supporting materials
While not always necessary, visual support such as PowerPoint slides can aid in the delivery of your points and make a presentation more stimulating.
Remember, that slides are most valuable as a complementary illustration of what you are saying. It is best not to paste long paragraphs of text onto a PowerPoint as the audience will either switch off due to information overload or end up reading your slides rather than listening to what you are saying. What works well is using images or well-annotated and clear graphs, maps or charts. It is fine to include text but stick to bullet points which you can then elaborate on or, if relevant, short quotes which you will be reading out word-for-word.
6. Plenty of practice
The most effective way of improving your presentation is practicing. Speaking in front of a friend or family member can help you adjust to the experience of presenting and offer a chance for gentle feedback. Practicing alone is still very useful, and doing so in front of a mirror is a good opportunity to reflect on your body language and use of eye contact. Make sure you practice with a timer if you presentation will be timed.
