If you attend a formal event you will often need to give a presentation or give a speech. In most cases the presentations are so boring and monotonous that the audience falls asleep. When it is your turn to speak, however, you can give a great presentation and leave everyone speechless, but not by yawning!
Steps
Step 1. Think about the type of presentation
Decide if you want to use PowerPoint, a layout, a speech, or a sketch. There are many other ideas too, you just have to choose the one that best suits the situation and topic.
Step 2. Prepare a draft
If you are going to write on a surface, such as a chalkboard or panel, you should prepare a draft on a piece of paper or draw a pattern on the surface itself. If you are designing something like a layout, draw that sequence of actions you will perform on a piece of paper. If you are giving a speech or giving a PowerPoint presentation, you will not need a graphic draft. Write the speech using your computer so you can check spelling and use other applications such as the dictionary.
Step 3. Write the final presentation
Make sure you don't want to change anything in the first draft. If you are sure then start writing, drawing, decorating or modeling whatever you will need for the presentation.
Step 4. Check your work
As soon as you have completed your project, check it again. Think carefully if you want to add or delete elements.
Step 5. Practice at home
Before making the presentation, stand in front of the mirror and introduce yourself. If you forget a word or phrase and get stuck, pause and try the same part a couple of times until you are able to complete it.
Step 6. Speak clearly when giving a presentation, avoid constantly clearing your throat or repeating eeehm or aaaah
Do not make mistakes in language or pronunciation. If you need help with grammar, check out a dictionary, encyclopedia, or ask someone else for help.
Step 7. Don't be nervous
It is normal to feel agitated in front of an audience before giving a presentation. To control the emotions you will have to try until you remember perfectly what you will have to say. By being prepared and not having to stop and think, you can be more confident and less nervous.
Advice
- Use images or visuals. They will help you understand that you know exactly what you are talking about and the audience can better understand what it is.
- If you want to use more sophisticated words than "The dog ran after the fat cat" use a thesaurus. You could change the sentence to "The dog chased the overweight feline."
- Don't give too long a speech, unless it's really great or you're an expert at giving speeches. Be short and pleasant.
- Don't be afraid to use a lot of adjectives. These serve to make the sentence clearer. Instead of saying "The fox ate near its lair", say "The brown fox ate near its dark and deep lair." This way you can create a clearer image in the minds of listeners.
- Don't put everything off to the last minute or your work will be rough. If you work better under pressure, prepare your project little by little and then finish it towards the end of the time available. Or try running it all at first, so you'll have the rest of the time to double check it.
- Include a short question and answer session at the end of each topic presented. This way you will be able to engage the audience and take a break in the event of a very long presentation.
- If you forget a detail at a particular moment, go ahead. Don't think about what you forgot to say or do or you may jeopardize the whole presentation.
