Tips on how to make a good presentation
How to make a good presentation
Organize your presentation. Introduce the points clearly using the key words: First, next, then, finally, etc. If you are not clear and well organized, you will be confused and so will your audience.
Practice. In most presentations, the audience can tell who has practiced and who hasn't. Practice giving your presentation in front of your family or friends, or in front of the mirror. Work on what you're going to say and how you're going to say it. You'll feel a lot more confident
Smile at your audience. Be happy; you're about to teach your entire class something they didn't know before.
Feel confident of your presentation. When you give your class a presentation, your teacher is essentially having you take over their job for a little while. It's your job to make sure everyone understands what you're trying to tell them. Make sure you pay attention to how your teacher does this before your presentation, because teachers are expert presenters.
Make eye contact. Nothing is more boring than listening to a presenter who looks at the floor or at note-cards. Relax. Your audience is made up of your friends and you talk to them all the time; talk the same way now.
Speak with variation in your voice. Your goal is to engage your audience, not put them to sleep. Be animated about your topic. Talk about it as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. Your classmates will thank you for it.
Speak slowly, clearly and loudly. When you are nervous, you naturally speed your talking up. Slow down, give pauses between ideas so your audience has time to think. Speak clearly and practice difficult words till you can say them easily or use simpler, easier to say words. If you are not using a microphone, speak loudly enough so everyone in the room can hear you. If you are using a microphone speak slowly enough so people can catch what you are saying. Don't put your mouth too close to the microphone or your voice will be distorted.
Stand up straight and face the audience. When you are showing your slides make sure to keep looking at your audience as you point to them. There is nothing more rude than showing your back to the audience. Besides that, we won't be able to hear you.
Use hand motions. Move your hands along as you talk, using them to emphasize points and keep the audience interested. It will also help you control your nervousness. BUT! Do not move too much or the audience will feel sick.
Have a good conclusion. You've probably heard the presentations that end in something like "that's all" or "thank you for listening." Don't do either. Your conclusion is your final impression on your audience, including your teacher. Make it exciting by introducing a final point, or come up with something creative to do at the end. Your conclusion can be anything so long as your audience knows you're finished.
Walk back to your seat with a smile. Keep in your mind that you just did something that many people would never be able to do. Leave the stage with confidence.
Don't talk too long. If you are running short of time, cut something so you can end on time, with enough time for questions. If you prepare and practice well, you should not go overtime.
Bottom line. You cannot prepare a presentation the night before. Start early, prepare and practice well, keep breathing during your presentation, and share what you have prepared confidently.
