Delivering a presentation ultimately means delivering a performance. A good presentation is more than just the sum of information or content conveyed; it hinges on the way you use your voice, your body language and any supporting visual and audio resources that you might use. At the same time, you need to think carefully about structuring the content of your presentation. Does it have a logical flow from one section to the next? Or a “beginning”, “middle” and “end”?
Here are some key tips:
Practise!
The more comfortable and familiar you are with the presentation, the more likely you are to convey confidence and trust to your audience. Practising your presentation is crucial for developing your authority in this regard. At the same time, it’s important to do more than just read through or rehearse a script. Try delivering the presentation in front of a mirror, or ask friends if you can practise the presentation in front of them, and ask for feedback. It’s also vital to think about which parts of the presentation could be skipped over or shortened in case you need to cut time down.
Don’t panic!
Delivering presentations and speaking in public can be nerve wracking. Practising your presentation will help you feel more in control of the situation, but also try to assert yourself from early on and take “ownership” of the setting. If you are feeling nervous or shy, don’t apologise for your presence there!
Engage your audience
Making a connection with your audience is hugely important when presenting. Try to make eye contact with the different sections of your audience. This will help to make them feel involved. Your body language and gestures can also help to convey points of emphasis or ending. In terms of your spoken communication, think of opportunities in which you can involve the audience more directly, with questions or language that includes them (use phrasing or wording that involves “we”). Lastly, think about how to project your voice. You can engage your audience with variations in pitch, volume and speed.
Timing is everything
Timing your presentation is hugely important, particularly if there is more than one presentation to be delivered (which means overrunning delays other people’s time). Think about how much time should be allocated to speak to each of your slides or visual supports and remember that speaking too quickly will make it very tricky for your audience to follow you. Be prepared to summarise points if you have to – remember that a good presentation ultimately involves conveying complicated or challenging material in clearer and more accessible terms.
What to do when fielding questions
It’s a good idea to prepare to field some questions. There may be some areas or specific issues that you can anticipate in advance. Bear in mind that you are in charge, so take your time and pause if necessary, and (if appropriate) open questions up for discussion with the rest of the audience.
Further resources
What makes a bad presentation and what makes a good one – a YouTube clip
Confident presentations – advice from LSE’s Head of Student Wellbeing Adam Sandelson (PPT)