2. Message
It is vital that you have a main focus on what you want to get
across – a full and clear message.
Make sure you revise the topic you are going to present; be
prepared to answer questions. The more you know about the topic
the more confident you will feel when talking about it.
Provide examples or maybe even personal stories that can relate
to the subject.
Question yourself – what
is the main reason as to
why you are giving the
presentation? What are
you trying to express?
3. Structure
Make sure your points are structured correctly; there should be a
beginning, middle and an end that should not be too extensive.
Without the stability of your structure, the audience may become off
track as to what is being told, when and why. Avoid this by
structuring your points, examples, evidence and theories correctly.
Lack of structure in your presentation could lead to a repetition of
points – it is crucial that you avoid this as the audience will
immediately begin to become bored and uninterested.
4. Extensive visuals
Another common mistake presenters are guilty of is putting too
much information on slides and then reading them word for
word…
Break down the information to short but significant words.
Elaborate on the little amount of information given on slides –
give the audience your own opinion that is not already written.
This will give the audience a sense of individuality. The audience
will be more likely to listen to your own point of view through
speech rather than writing.
5. Facial Expressions/Speech
As a presenter, it is down to
you to motivate and inspire
your audience. Clear speech
and a lack of jargon will
benefit you majorly as it
gives the implication that
you have strong personal
beliefs about your
presentation. When making
points or giving facts, the
information must naturally
be spoken rather than
sounding as if they have
been purposely memorised.
Try and have a passion for
the subject you are talking
about.
Use appropriate projection of your voice – monotone
will only make the audience turn away.
Use the correct facial expressions – show the audience
that you are determined to express your point.
Demonstrate your emotions towards different issues.
Talking too quickly and having a closed body position
away from the audience will make them less capable
of understanding you.
6. Content of your slides
Make sure you make your images and
fonts large and high enough for the
whole audience to see – otherwise they
could miss out on basic points.
Colour code and use colour schemes that
could draw attention – use colours that
contrast upon each other.
Use of images could also enhance the
meaning of the point you are trying to
express.
Show consistency by using one font with as
little words as possible – make lists and
key information as short as possible.
7. Audience interaction
Make the audience feel involved with the presentation – show
that their opinions and responses matter. Having discussions,
unique examples and personal stories will make the audience feel
more interacted with what you are presenting.
Clear explanations with a variation of new content will enlighten
your audience and keep them interested in what you are
presenting.
- Simple but effective delivery of information will also display
your confidence and presentation skills to the audience.
8. Understand your audience
Undertake research on your audience – prepare notes or
slides with answers they may want to know towards the
end of your presentation.
Try and find out what the audience would expect.
Conducting research on your audience could make them
feel considered and less likely to challenge you harshly – it
shows you are aware of how it feels to be in their position,
that they are not there to just be spoken to.
9. Handouts
If there is a vital piece of information that you want the audience to
keep fresh in their minds, give handouts with information that is not
already written on the slides.
Handouts with the same information that is
already on your slide will make the audience
uninterested in the given handouts as it would
make them feel as if they do not need to read it.
10. Focus
Make sure you always keep your focus on the
audience – not on your slides or notes.
Without focusing on your audience they will
not feel as if you are trying to interact with
them – as you are presenting the audience is
meant to be the main focus.
11. Storytelling
Instead of making a lengthy introduction, you could make your audience feel
as if they are on a journey in your story.
Or perhaps, refer to the presentation as an inspirational personal story that
has happened previously.
By involving the audience they will feel more included with your presentation
and will acknowledge the amount of effort you are making in order to engage
with them, this will then make them more interested in your presentation as
you have made the effort to personally involve them with your content.
