Presentation Techniques

When preparing a presentation there are three important things you need to thinkabout:The audienceThe presentation planThe delivery

The audience

Before you start to prepare your presentation, you need to think about your audience (the people listening to) and their needs. For example, you need to know why they are there. The more you know about your audience and what they expect from your presentation, the better you can prepare. If you prepare well, then you will be more relaxed when you deliver your message.

To help you think about your audience ask yourself...

Who are they? How many will be there? Do they have any prior knowledge of the subject? What are their age, sex, and level of ability? Why are they there? What are their needs? What do they need to know?

The presentation will be a failure if the audience does not understand it. Therefore, you should aim to make your message clear and easy to understand.

The presentation plan

There are three important things to you think about when planning your presentation:

1. The content2. The structure3. The visual aids

The Content

The content is the information you want to give in your presentation. Before you can decide on how much information you need to give, you must research the subject of your presentation thoroughly. If you need help on knowing where to find resources and how to select them, have a look at our Doing your Research Project? and Developing you Research Skills leaflets. To help you decide on the content, ask yourself these questions:

How long have I got to do the presentation? What key information do I need to cover? What does the audience need to know?

Tip

Once you know what you need to talk about, prepare an outline or rough draft first before you write it all up.

The Structure

A good presentation will have a structure or format. The structure will help the audience follow what you are saying. Your presentation structure should have an introduction (the beginning), the body (the middle) and a conclusion (the end). If the presentation is poorly organised, the message will not be as effective and your audience will forget it. So organisation and structure are very important ifyou want the audience to remember your presentation. Having a structure will also give your presentation a professional image. Your presentation should have the following structure:

1 . An IntroductionThis is the most important part of your presentation because the audience will make judgements about you. They will decide in the first few minutes what you are like. They will also decide whether you deserve their attention. Therefore, it is very important that you plan carefully what you want to say in the introduction.

Tips

Try to do these things in your introduction: Get the audience’s attention Introduce yourself Explain why you are there Explain what you hope to achieve Build a good relationship with the audience

2 . The BodyYou should use this part of the presentation to explain key

information.

Explain your points clearly one at a time so your audience can follow what you are saying. Remember to keep your points simple and short. Try not to give too much information, otherwise the audience will not remember your message.

3 . The ConclusionIt is important to create a lasting impression in your conclusion. Use the last couple of minutes to repeat important points and key information. Leave some time for discussion, questions and answers at the end of the presentation.

Tip

Don’t forget to thank your audience for attending and listening.

The Visual Aids

These are things (resources) you could use to present your message.It is important to use visual aids because they can: help the audiences focus on what you are saying make the presentation more interesting help to explain the points you make more clearly provide variety

These are things you could use as visual aids: Wipeboard

Shhhhh!!

Flipchart Overhead Projector (OHP) PowerPoint Presentation Video/camera Product samples Displays/Exhibitions

When thinking about what visual aids (VA) to use, ask yourself these questions: Will the VA improve my presentation? Have I used the VA before and is it easy to use? Will the VA help to maintain the audience’s attention? Will the audience be able to see the VA?

Preparing your visual aids

When preparing your visual aids make sure you do these things:

1. Check that the size of the print is large enough for the audience to see (e.g. size 20 for headings for OHTs)2. Don’t type all your text in capital letters as this makes it more difficult to read3. Don’t use long sentences – use bullet points and numbers to organise your key points4. Use a type of text (font style) that is easy to read (e.g. Arial)5. Add pictures, illustrations, diagrams to make it more interesting and use colour

The Delivery

This is where you have to deliver or present your message to the audience. When you begin to speak, the audience will listen carefully to what you say and watch closely how you perform. It is important to understand that how you say something is just as important as what you say.

Did you know?

The tone of your voice and your body language can account for 65% of the message. Your body language (body movements) can express your attitudes and thoughts.

Pay attention to the following parts of your body:

Your voiceo Speak slowly so that everyone can followo Speak loudly so that everyone can hearo Speak clearly so that everyone can understand

Don’t use slang (e.g. I ain’t) Your face

o Smile to give your audience reassurance and try not to look confused, bored or scared.

Try to be yourself and natural. Your eyes

o You can build a good relationship with the audience by looking at them when you are

Presenting your message. Looking at someone when you are talking to them is called ‘eye contact’. Don’t read from your notes all the time.

Your postureo Stand up straight and don’t lean against objects.o Make sure you are not standing in the way of the visual

aid. Check that everyone can see the board. Your hands

o Don’t play with objects e.g. a pen in your hand and don’t leave your hands in your pockets when you are talking.

Your feeto Try not to walk up and down the room too much or tap

your feet when you are talking. Your appearance

o Dress appropriately for the presentation – not too casual (e.g. jeans). Remember to

o dress for the audience and not yourself. Try to remember not to wear jewellery that might shine or move about.

Your attitudeo Be enthusiastic about the subject you are presenting and

be confident. Try to stay calm and be professional!

Mock Presentations

The key to success is knowing what you want to say and to keep practicing your presentation skills. Remember to relax and to enjoy yourself. Don’t worry the audience will want to hear what you have to say!

Tip

Practice in front of your friends and family and ask them to give you feedback - to tell you their thoughts.

Good luck and enjoy your presentation!