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Presentations are something that we all have to do at some point in our life time.

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Whether it’s for an exam at university, a pitch to get a job or they are just something you do on a regular basis.

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The general consensus is that there is usually something about presentations that people loathE.

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Here are some tips to get you through, whether you’re a bag of nerves or just want to refresh your presentation skills...

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Consider whether you will be using visual aids or just standing in front of your audience to deliver your presentation.

Would you feel more comfortable with a visual aid to take the eyes off you, or would you be distracted by it?

If you do use visual aids, make sure that you don’t just read from the slides that are being shown.

The audience can do that themselves, they want something extra, more juice, and more detail.

If you have a tendency to do this, then just use the slides for pictures to keep your audience engaged.

Prepare before you present.

This is key to making sure your presentation runs smoothly.

Try making some key cards for each slide with no more than 5 words on each.

If you lose track of where you are during the presentation, look at your key card for a quick reminder.

SLOW DOWN

When people are nervous during presentations they tend to speed up in order to get them over with as soon as possible.

This will show the audience that you are nervous and they may not take you as serious as someone who oozes confidence.

All you need to do is take a deep breath, think about what you’re going to say and add pauses in between sentences.

Consider yourspatial awareness

Are you presenting to a large audience or small? Are you in a big auditorium or small meeting room?

Make sure that you project your voice to match your location and audience.

You do not need a loud booming voice in a meeting room with three people, but you would need that if you’re talking to lots of people in a large room.

If you’re still feeling nervous then follow the old saying,

practicemakesperfect

Practice in front of your friends or peers so that you’ll get a feel for what does and doesn’t work.

Tailor this knowledge for the ‘real’ presentation.

Remember, the audience is there becausethey wantto listento what you have to say.

Take a deep breath, relax and enjoy yourself!

For more tips on professional development and to see all of our latest opportunities, CONNECT WITH THE INTERQUEST GROUP.

InterQuest Group plc is an award-winning, specialist recruitment organisation providing contract and permanent services within niche disciplines globally. The Group is divided into specialist businesses, with each one aligned to one of the following market sectors, Finance, Retail, Public Sector, Not for Profit or in an area of technology such as testing, analytics, ERP or digital. These are augmented by other businesses specialising in services which span the various vertical niches - such as recruitment outsourcing or executive search and selection. As specialists in contract, permanent IT and analytics recruitment, the InterQuest Group trades as distinctly branded, individual, specialist recruitment businesses.