Acing Your Next Presentation
Dec 12, 2016
Does the idea of giving a presentation at school make you nervous? Don’t worry! Use these strategies to help you prepare for and to deliver your next presentation.
Before the Presentation
- Think about what you want to say. Don’t make up your presentation on the spot.
- Think about who your audience is. Explain your ideas in a way that your audience will understand.
- Organize information in a logical way so that your audience will follow along.
-
Figure out two or three main points you want to make. Outline these first and give information about them. This will help you stay on track.
-
Make notes. It’s easier to speak from notes than from a long report. Plus, it’s more interesting if you’re looking at the audience instead of reading.
- Practice makes perfect! Practice in front of a mirror, a video camera, friends, and/or family.
- Prepare visual aids to help your audience understand the presentation and to keep their attention. Examples include a handout, graph, chart, PowerPoint slide show, video, or simply writing on the board.
The Day of the Presentation
- Dress for success. Wear clothes that make you feel confident.
- Take a few deep breaths and try to relax.
Speak slowly, make eye contact, and be yourself.
- Glance at your notes; don’t read them. Spend most of the time talking with your audience like you’re having a conversation.
- Use show and tell. Remember to use your visual aids.
- Finish strong. Remember to summarize your info, even if you do run out of time.
Does your teacher allow a question and answer period after each presentation? If so, be ready to answer questions.
Our Study Skills program helps students to get organized so they can tackle homework with ease. For more information on how Sylvan Learning can help, please give us a call.