Presentation Skills

Anatomy of a Presentation

• Someone introduces you (depending on the venue, you could be introducing yourself)
• Your opening remarks
• Key Points supported by examples
• Conclusion
• Question and Answer time
• Closing Statements

Developing Your Presentation

• Know your material and/or topic
• Have a clear idea of what you want to say
• Prepare an outline
• Devise a title that conveys the purpose of your presentation clearly and concisely
• Prepare visual aids and/or handouts for your audience
• Anticipate questions your audience will have
• Use examples, quotes, stories, comparisons, etc. to illustrate the points you will make
• Write out your opening and conclusion - Write the conclusion first and the opening last
• Your conclusion should be obvious and provide closure
• Write your own introduction - 1 or 2 minutes
• Keep in mind the time allotted for your presentation
• Rehearse your presentation several times in front of a mirror or to a friend

Dealing with Your Feelings

• Relax, Relax, Relax
• Visualize yourself giving a great presentation - resist visualizing what can go wrong
• Wear clothing you'll feel both authoritative and comfortable in
• Know the area where you will be presenting - Arrive early or visit the room a few days in advance and get a feel for standing in front of the room, make it a comfortable place for you
• Allow yourself to make mistakes - No one in your audience is perfect, they won't expect you to be
• Remember you're the authority on your topic - Use this to bolster your confidence

Delivering Your Presentation

• Remember your non-verbal speech - body language, voice inflections, facial expressions, etc.
• Speak slowly and clearly (don't mumble or race through your presentation)
• Speak loud enough for people in the back of the room to hear you - do a sound check before your presentation or at the very beginning
• Avoid the following: you know, um, ah, ok, well, like
• Make eye contact with members of the audience
• Praise your audience and/or sponsor in the middle of your presentation
• Explain the purpose of any activities and discuss the outcomes

Responding to Audience Questions

• Consider having people write down questions and have someone decide which you will answer (works better with large groups)
• Listen thoughtfully to questions and repeat them to verify that you understand what is being asked
• Take time to thoughtfully consider each question and mentally prepare an answer before you begin to speak
• Consider "planting" someone in the audience to ask questions
• If you don't know an answer respond by saying "that's a very good question - I'm not sure of the answer" you can choose to get back with the inquirer or not, or refer him/her to a resource where he/she can find the answer
• Empathize with hostile questioners - Remain calm, using your facts to address their questions.