Whether youâve got a big presentation coming up for a class, work, or a public speaking event, these presentation skills from public speaking experts will help you deliver an outstanding presentation.
Creating a winning presentation takes time and mastery of a few skills. When crafting your presentation, whether it be for school, work, or a fun project, there are two main areas to focus on. Thereâs the actual presentation, the slides, videos, and whatever physical content you have to share, and thereâs you and how you deliver that information. Keep reading to learn how you can make an excellent presentation and deliver it masterfully, with some helpful tips from pro presenters.Â
Giving presentations is an inevitable part of work and education. Whether you’re presenting at a conference, leading a meeting, pitching to investors, or speaking in class, being an effective presenter is a valuable skill.
However, public speaking is one of the most common phobias. In fact, some surveys estimate 75% of people experience some level of anxiety when presenting. The good news is preparation and practice can help boost your confidence and abilities as a presenter.
Follow these 15 tips to become a polished, engaging speaker who can command any audience:
1. Know Your Audience
The first key to giving a great presentation is understanding your audience. Ask yourself:
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Who are they? What is their background and existing knowledge?
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Why are they there? What information do they expect or need from you?
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What objections or questions might they have?
When you tailor your content to your audience, it shows you respect their time and needs.
2. Limit Key Points
Less is more when it comes to main points. Most presentations should only have 2 to 4 key messages you want your audience to remember.
Trying to cover too many complex ideas in a short time is counterproductive. Simplify your takeaways so they resonate.
3. Start Strong
You usually have just 30 seconds to grab people’s attention and set the tone. Open with an interesting fact, question, anecdote, or quotation on your topic. Avoid trite introductions like Webster definitions.
Also clearly state your central thesis upfront. Audiences want to know why they should care about your talk.
4. Structure Your Content
Organize your presentation using an easy-to-follow format like:
- Introduction
- Problem statement
- Proposed solution(s)
- Benefits of your approach
- Call to action
Signpost transitions between key sections to help the audience follow.
5. Use Attention-Grabbing Visuals
Visual aids like PowerPoint enhance presentations. However, avoid walls of text and complex graphs.
Focus on powerful photographs, illustrations, or minimal text reinforcing your verbal message. This engages both visual and auditory learners.
6. Share Stories and Use Humor
Stories and humor humanize you while also acting as mnemonic devices for remembering information. For example, you might open with a funny, self-deprecating anecdote about your early speaking struggles.
Keep humor appropriate and relevant to your industry and audience. Know your crowd.
7. Use Your Voice and Body
Your voice and body language represent powerful presentation tools. Make eye contact, gesture naturally, vary your vocal tone, and avoid filler words like “um.” This conveys confidence and authority.
Move around the stage appropriately as well. Avoid pacing or standing statically.
8. Interact with Your Audience
Engage your listeners directly by inviting their questions and feedback. Pause during transitions for rhetorical effect or audience reactions.
Address people by name if appropriate. This interactive approach keeps them attentive and involved.
9. Use Quality Visual Aids
Quality visual aids are essential for impactful presentations. Prioritize easy-to-read text, relevant graphics and images, and clean, simple slide design.
Avoid distracting backgrounds and animations. Allow visuals to complement your words rather than duplicating content.
10. Practice Using Technology
If using presentation technology, practice with it extensively beforehand. Test presenting with a microphone, advancer remote, projector, and other equipment. Identify potential technical issues ahead of time.
Bring spare batteries, charging cables, backup thumb drives, and other useful tech accessories. Consider wireless lav mics for moving freely.
11. Dress the Part
Audiences perceive credibility partially based on appearance and dress. Dress professionally in attire reflecting your industry, organizational culture, and occasion.
Wear comfortable shoes allowing you to move naturally. Dress conservatively to avoid distracting from your message.
12. Manage Nerves
It’s perfectly normal to feel some anxiety before presenting. Manage nerves by arriving early, doing vocal warm ups, and breathing deeply. Visualize yourself succeeding.
Channel nervous energy positively into your voice and gestures. Once underway, adrenaline will actually improve your focus and engagement.
13. Prepare Extensively
Thorough preparation breeds confidence and skill. Practice your talk extensively to polish delivery and timing. Ask colleagues for feedback.
Also prepare notecards with key points and talking points just in case. However, strive to minimize reliance on notes.
14. Record Yourself
Record practice runs on video so you can evaluate areas needing improvement. Pay attention to elements like pace, volume, eye contact, filler words, and movements.
Strive to project authenticity, approachability, and gravitas befitting your content goals and personal brand.
15. Reflect and Set Goals
After presenting, write down constructive feedback and areas for growth. Set future goals like improving storytelling skills or managing Q&A sessions.
Celebrate your presentation accomplishments as well! Public speaking is a journey of continuous improvement.
- Craft focused content tailored to the audience
- Structure logical, engaging presentations
- Incorporate compelling multimedia elements
- Use body language and vocals effectively
- Interact dynamically with listeners
- Manage nerves and project confidence
- Prepare extensively and rehearse
Keep working to improve these areas and your presentations will inform, inspire, and motivate. Use these tips to excel as a speaker no matter the venue, topic, or audience. Confident, charismatic presenting is a learned skill, so keep setting new goals.
1 Take a pause.Â
If youâre feeling anxious, got stuck, or just need a quick break, take a pause. Adding short pauses throughout your presentation gives you time to collect your thoughts and calm down for a moment.
1 Tell a story.Â
Have you ever wondered why TED Talks are so much more interesting than any other presentations? The answer is that TED speakers are storytellers. Make your presentation more powerful when you tell a story.Â
4 Tips To IMPROVE Your Public Speaking – How to CAPTIVATE an Audience
How do I become a good presenter?
Like many other skills, giving great presentations takes time and practice. Building other related skills such as communication, public speaking and logical thinking skills are great ways to become a better presenter. Here are 10 simple ways to become a great presenter: 1. Know your topic well
Why is it important to be a good presenter?
A strong presentation conveys information in a clear, logical way and keeps an audience engaged. Being a good presenter takes practice, but there are ways you can improve your skills. In this article, we discuss why it’s important to be a great presenter with 10 tips to improve your presentation skills.
How to prepare for a presentation?
One of the quickest and best ways to make a presentation would be with the help of a good presentation software . Otherwise, let me walk you to how to prepare for a presentation step by step and unlock the secrets of crafting a professional presentation that sets you apart. 1. Understand the audience and their needs
How to give a good presentation?
Take mental notes and the next time you’ll be even more prepared. The secret sauce to know how to give a good presentation is to always keep learning the ways to improve. When you keep learning, you keep growing. This also applies to the art of giving good presentations. Follow well-known presentation experts like Nancy Duarte and Carmine Gallo.
