Preparation

• Plan your presentation carefully around the basic "take-home" message

• What is the purpose of your presentation?
  • Is the purpose to motivate?
  • Is the purpose to persuade?
  • Is the purpose to simply convey information?

• Know your audience

• Who is your audience?
  • Are the members of your audience your peers?
  • Are they students?
  • Are they your superiors?

• What is their level of expertise?
  • Are the members of your audience familiar with the topic?
  • Are they familiar with the jargon, but not the details?
  • Is this the first time they’ve even heard of this subject matter?

• What does the audience expect to get out of your presentation?
  • Does the audience expect a general overview?
  • Does they expect to learn the intricate details of an elaborate subject matter?

• Practice your presentation

• Practice often, both alone and in front of people.
• Remember that you are teaching, not impressing people with your knowledge.
• Watch the use of jargon or highly technical terms.

• Speak comfortably and clearly

• Speak a bit more slowly than your normal pace.

• Talk to your audience, don’t read to them

• You can best keep the audience interest by explaining the content using related wording to what is depicted.

• Enjoy your presentation

• If you enjoy the presentation, your audience will enjoy it.
• If your audience enjoys the presentation, they will better remember the message.

Previous slide || Next slide || Back to the first slide || View Graphic Version || Effective Presentations