Presentation tips can make a big difference when preparing for a speech. Whether you’re presenting to a classroom full of people or at a small boardroom gathering, public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience. Even well-versed presenters may have anxiety leading up to a big event. But with the right preparation, you can ensure that your performance is smooth and effective. In this article, we’ll provide detailed presentation tips so that you can be confident when it comes time to deliver.
1st – Create an outline
When prepping to give a presentation, creating an outline is a great way to ensure that you are well-prepared and organized when delivering your content. Outlining your speech before you get started is one of the most efficient ways to condense and structure your information, as well as identify areas on which you may need to focus more time or research.
Furthermore, structuring the flow of information by labeling each point with clear headings allows you to easily follow your outline and deliver the presentation with clarity. There are several powerful outline methods that you can use. For instance, the roman numeral outline helps structure your information with an Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. A numbered list can provide an effective chronological order to your presentation. A simple bulleted outline can help highlight important main points and provide easy-to-follow queues for your presentation. Find a process that works best for you.
2nd – Include visual aids
When presenting to an audience, having clear and concise visual aids is essential to improve your audience’s understanding. Ensure that you’ve included all the relevant information that is needed to understand the point you’re trying to make while not overloading your slides or handouts with too much text. If you want your visual aids to make an impact on your audience, it’s important to ensure that they are clear and easy for people to understand.
Dedicate some time to making sure the information is easily interpreted. You don’t want any confusion during your presentation, as this can lead to a distracted audience. So, make sure everything is organized, simple, and professional for maximum impact. Try using graphs, charts, or diagrams to powerfully support your points and keep your audience engaged. For instance, bar graphs use vertical or horizontal bars to show comparisons and relationships between two or more items. Additionally, line graphs are an effective way to show changes in statistics over time. Providing a visual representation of data in your presentation helps clarify patterns or points you mean to illustrate for your audience.
3rd – Use an effective speaking cadence
Utilizing an effective cadence is a vital presentation tip. When speaking, aim to maintain a steady speed throughout and try to vary the tone of your voice to keep listeners engaged. Pacing yourself will also help with clarity and understanding.
Additionally, using pauses in between points or ideas can be very beneficial in helping ensure that the message is being understood, as well as adding emphasis for more important topics. Pausing after saying something important, like an interesting statistic or fact, gives your audience time to process what was said. While preparing your presentation, make a note of important points and plan pauses after them. This could be after an introduction or before a conclusion, for example, as these are key areas in a speech that serves to emphasize the main idea of a message. Be sure to practice your speech with these two to three-second pauses so you can maintain a smooth cadence. Employing an effective cadence during your presentation can help your audience better retain the material in your presentation.
4th – Practice your presentation
One key presentation tip is: practice makes perfect. Before delivering a presentation, it’s important to ensure you feel confident and familiar with the material. Practicing your presentation in front of a mirror can be a great way to get immediate feedback on how well your body is conveying the message. Also, doing this will allow you to make sure that your word choices, speed of speaking, and facial expressions all help capture your audience’s attention. With nearly 55% of all communication being nonverbal, your body language and how you present yourself are just as important as your content.
Practicing in front of friends or family is also an excellent way to acclimate yourself to the material and boost your confidence. Not only can people you know provide useful insight into how you come across visually, but they allow for constructive criticism that can help shape your performance. If you do not have anyone available to give you feedback, you can try filming or voice recording yourself. This is an effective way to see if there’s anything you can work on before delivering the presentation.
5th – Dress appropriately
If you’re preparing for a presentation, your attire is just as important. Dressing in appropriate clothing will show that you take the presentation seriously and have taken the time to look put-together. It’s important to find a balanced outfit. Something too flashy could distract your audience or contribute to negative first impressions.
However, the appropriate dress or suit doesn’t have to be boring. The important thing is to make sure it looks professional and fits the specific event. For example, a casual polo and khakis for men or a romper for women can be comfortable alternatives that still come across as professional. Doing so will ensure that you can present with confidence and make a lasting impression on your audience.
6th – Remain composed
Whether you’re going on stage or presenting virtually, delivering a speech can be an intimidating experience, so it’s important to stay calm and remain composed before you perform. A great way to do this is to take a few deep breaths before you begin. This is an easy step you can take that will help you let go of any anxious energy you might have and focus your attention on the task at hand.
For instance, the box breathing method is an excellent technique to help you quickly suppress anxiety. It involves breathing in for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, breathing out for four seconds, and then holding for another four seconds. Not only has this been found to reduce stress, but it also helps clear your mind and stay in the moment. It doesn’t take long, but taking those few extra moments to slow down and relax can make all the difference in feeling prepared and ready once you go on stage.
During your presentation, don’t forget the cadence and tempo you’ve been using while practicing your speech. It can be easy to let nerves get the best of you, but remembering your practice and preparation can help to ground you. Breathe, maintain a confident body posture, and find a few friendly faces in the audience to make eye contact with. It’s important to not stare at the floor or your notes for too long when delivering your speech. Project your message as you practiced and trust the presentation will go smoothly.
Conclusion
Altogether, delivering a successful presentation requires careful planning and practice using these presentation tips. It is essential to consider how you will present the material visually, your speaking cadence, and what type of clothing is appropriate. Practicing beforehand can help ensure that you remain composed during the speech or presentation and make a lasting impact on your audience.
Furthermore, if you have feelings of anxiety about presenting, utilizing techniques such as deep breathing can be beneficial in helping you reduce stress and stay focused.
If you need help preparing for a speech or presentation, WorldWise Tutoring has excellent educators in Illinois, Texas, and worldwide who can assist you in proofreading your content and practicing your speech in front of someone that can give you constructive feedback. Hire a tutor today!
Written by Miguel Correa-West
