A written test is a problem, but presentations are even more nerve-wracking. You've prepared the text, but how do you turn it into a dynamic, informative and enjoyable presentation? In this article you can learn how!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Instructions & Audience
Step 1. Get to know the requirements
Each presentation is a little different from class to class. Some teachers will be happy with a 3 minute presentation, while others may ask you to endure the discomfort for 7 minutes. Try to be clear on the instructions when preparing your presentation.
- Know how long the speech should be.
- Know how many topics you need to cover.
- Know if you need to include sources or visual material.
Step 2. Try to get an idea of the audience
If you have to make a presentation to your classmates, you probably know what their level of knowledge is on the subject. But, in virtually all other circumstances, you may have to play in the dark. Either way, get a move on without making assumptions.
If you are presenting to people you know, it will be easy to know where to stop and where to gloss over. But if you have to reach out to strangers or the faculty, for example, you need to know more about them and also the level of their knowledge. You may, therefore, need to break down your evidence into the most essential concepts and find out everything you can about their cultural background
Step 3. Find out about the resources you have available
If you're going to be presenting at a venue you've never been to before, it's best to ask in advance what you'll have at your disposal and what you'll need to get organized.
- Is there a computer and a projector in the room?
- Is there a working WiFi connection?
- Is there a microphone? A podium?
- Is there someone who can help you operate the systems before starting the presentation?
Method 2 of 3: Text & Visual Material
Step 1. Create a text for your presentation
Even if you can write everything down, it is better to use notes to exercise your memory - you will also give the impression of speaking and you will be able to have greater eye contact with the audience.
Make notes relating to a single topic for each card - this way you avoid having to search for information among others. And don't forget to number the cards for reference! Furthermore, the notes in the cards should not coincide with the text; rather than shooting an avalanche of information, it is better, in fact, to talk about the importance of the main topics or the different points of view on the subject
Step 2. Choose a limited number of concepts that you want the audience to understand and remember easily
To do this, find the main topics in the text and use them to practice at home. The rest of the presentation should be something more, not necessarily contained in your work - if the audience has already read the text, they don't need to give them the lecture. The public is there to learn more.
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Summarize the main points to help you prepare your presentation. By preparing the summary you will be able to evaluate the aspects of the text that deserve more attention and in which order it is best to propose them.
As you summarize, eliminate expressions that are difficult to understand
Step 3. Design visual aids to make the presentation more enjoyable and effective
To help the audience follow along (and for those who learn best with visual material), use slides with charts, diagrams, and bulleted lists to make everything more engaging. All of this can improve the presentation, but most importantly it prevents people from fidgeting in chairs.
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If you have statistics, turn them into graphs. The contrasts will appear more obvious to the audience - numbers alone are sometimes meaningless. Instead of thinking about 25% and 75%, the audience will perceive with the graph the difference of 50% between the two values.
If you don't have the appropriate tech tools, print out the visual aids to use them on the overhead projector
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Presentation software (Powerpoint, etc.) gives enormous help. Instead of looking for pieces of paper, you can simply click a button to get what you need right away.
If you use presentation software, use few words, but enough to grasp a topic on the fly. Think in terms of phrases (and images!), Not on the basis of complete sentences. Acronyms and abbreviations are fine on screen, but when you speak, refer to acronyms and abbreviations with complete and understandable words. Finally, remember to use large fonts - not everyone has a hawkish view
Step 4. Think in terms of conversation
Basing yourself on text doesn't mean you can do what a slide can do. You have personality and you are a human being who must attract the attention of the listeners. He therefore uses their humanity to do things that cannot be done in a text.
- It's okay to be a little repetitive. Emphasizing important ideas improves understanding and makes them easier to remember. When digressing, continue where you left off to bring the audience to conclusions.
- Cut down on unnecessary details (like the procedure you used, etc.) when highlighting the main ideas you want to convey. There is no need to overload the audience with small things, making them lose the important things.
- Show enthusiasm! A terribly boring topic can become interesting if presented with passion.
Method 3 of 3: Exercise, Exercise, & More Exercise
Step 1. Practice in front of friends and family
Don't be shy - try soliciting constructive criticism instead. This will help you understand if you are on time, and how you can improve the style. And once you've repeated it twenty times before breakfast, your anxiety should be minimized.
If you can count on the help of a friend who you think has a level of knowledge similar to that of your audience, take advantage of it. It will help you understand the more complex topics for people with little experience on the subject
Step 2. Register
Of course, it may seem a bit too much, but if you are very anxious, listening to yourself will help you improve. You will be able to realize the parts where you feel most insecure and those where you are strongest. Listening again, you will also be able to perceive the flow of speech.
It will also help you with volume. Some people get shy in the spotlight and you may not realize you are speaking not loud enough
Step 3. Be affable
You are a person, not a machine that tells facts. Welcome the audience and take a few seconds to establish a friendly atmosphere.
Do the same thing when drawing conclusions. Thank everyone for their time and, if possible, give the floor for questions
Advice
- Visual aids not only help your audience, but it also helps you get back on track if you've forgotten something in your presentation.
- Rehearse in front of a mirror before the presentation.
- Many people become anxious by speaking in public. Remember that you are not alone.
