Presentations are even more nerve-wracking than a paper can be.How do you turn the writing into a great presentation?Here's how!
Step 1: Know what's required.
Each class presentation is going to be different.Some instructors will be happy with 3 minutes while others will demand you stand there awkwardly for 7.When you are writing your presentation, make sure the guidelines are clear.Know how long the speech is.Know how many points you need to cover.If you have to include sources or visuals.
Step 2: Know what your audience is.
If you're giving a presentation to your classmates, you might have a rough idea of their knowledge on the topic.You may be in the dark.To make zero assumptions, cater your paper.It's easy to know what to say to people you know.If you're presenting to unknown stockholders or faculty, you need to know about their knowledge levels as well.The paper may have to be broken down into its basic concepts.What do you know about their background?
Step 3: Understand your resources.
If you are giving a presentation in a facility you've never visited before, it's a good idea to inquire about what you need to set up before the event.Does the facility have a projector screen?Is there a working internet connection?Is it a microphone?A podium?Is there someone who can help you with the equipment before your presentation?
Step 4: You can make a script for your presentation.
If you use notes to jog your memory, you will sound more like you're talking and be able to make more eye contact.If you have one point per notecard, you won't end up searching for your information.Number the cards if you get mixed up.Instead of regurgitating information, discuss why the key points of your paper are important or the different point of view on this topic within the field.
Step 5: A limited number of ideas is what you want your audience to understand and remember.
The most important points are found in your paper.These are the ones you should be working on.If they've already read the paper, they don't need to be lectured on it in the rest of your presentation.They are going to learn more.You should make an outline of the highlights.As you form the outline, you'll be able to see what parts of your paper pop out the most and what order they should be relayed in.If jargon is not understood, remove it as you go through the outline.
Step 6: Design visual aids to make your presentation better.
To help your audience follow along, use slides with graphics, charts, and bullet points.It can enhance the information in your paper, but it also keeps everyone from wiggling around in their seats.If you have any statistics, turn them into graphs.When you put pictures before your audience, the contrasts will be more stark.They'll be thinking about the 50% difference before them instead of 25% and 75%.You can print visual aids on poster board or foam-core board if you don't have access to the proper technology.Powerpoint is a presentation software.Also can double as a notecard.You can click a button to get your next prompt instead of messing with small pieces of paper.If you're using presentation software, use words carefully to get your point across.Think of phrases and pictures.Not sentences.Acronyms are okay on the screen, but you have to address them.Don't use large fonts, not everyone's vision is fantastic.
Step 7: Think about the conversation.
Even though this is paper-based, your delivery shouldn't be the same as an 8.5 x 11.You are engaging with an audience and have a personality.You can use their humanness to do things you wouldn't normally do in a paper.It's okay to be repetitive.Emphasizing important ideas will help with comprehension and recall.When you've gone full circle, it's a good idea to go back to a previous point.The procedure you had to go through should be minimized.The main ideas you want to relay are highlighted.You don't want to make your audience miss the important stuff.Show enthusiasm!A boring topic can be interesting if there is passion behind it.
Step 8: In front of your friends and family, practice your presentation.
Ask for constructive criticism.If you don't know whether or not you're meeting the time requirements, you can change your style.Your nervous should be at a minimum once you've said it 20 times before breakfast.If you can get a friend who has the same level of knowledge for your audience, that's great.They'll show you what points are foggier with less expertise on the topic.
Step 9: You can tape record.
If you're really nervous, you may find listening to yourself beneficial.You can see which parts you're nervous about.You can see the flow when you listen back.It will help you with volume.When in the spotlight, some people are timid.You might not know that you're not loud enough.
Step 10: Be warm.
You can be a person, not just a machine.Take a few seconds to establish a comfortable atmosphere.You should do the same with your conclusion.If anyone wants to ask a question, open the floor and thank everyone for their time.