Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, occurs in 3 out of 4 people. This statistic is of course surprising, as most careers require an element of public speaking. The following article will show you how to do a presentation, so don't be afraid.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Presentation
Step 1. Write notes on index cards
Write your main idea here. Don't write down the details, because you'll end up reading them later. Write down some funny facts, interactive questions, and interesting activities to share during class presentations.
- Write down the main keyword or idea. If you want to look at your index cards, you only need to look at the big idea, you don't have to read each word for word.
- Writing on index cards helps you to remember information. So, even if sometimes you don't need it, it can be a help when you forget what to say.
Step 2. Practice
In many presentations, it is very obvious who is practicing and who is not. Practice what you are going to say and how to say it. You'll feel a lot more confident when you actually do it.
- Practice in front of family or friends, or in front of a mirror. It's better to try it on a friend you don't know well, as it will help to replicate this feeling in front of the class.
- Ask your friends what they think when you're done. Is it too long? How is your eye contact? Are your points clear?
- Critique your practice. Challenge yourself to fix all the things you believe can be improved. When the time comes, you'll feel absolutely confident knowing that you've been training hard.
Step 3. Do your research
To give a compelling presentation, you need to know what you're talking about. You don't have to be an expert, or read every book, but you should be able to answer every question your teacher or classmates ask.
- Look for quotes from reliable sources. A good quote makes a presentation even better. Taking what smart people say and incorporating it into your presentation not only makes you look smart, it also shows your teacher that you are taking the time to think about what other people have to say.
- Make sure the source is trustworthy. There's nothing more damaging to your confidence than realizing the information you've provided is wrong. Do not always trust the information that can be obtained on the internet.
Method 2 of 2: Delivering a Presentation
Step 1. Smile at the audience
When it comes to presentation time, nothing catches the audience's attention more than your smile. Be happy, you can teach the whole class something they didn't know before.
Studies show that smiling is contagious; which means when you smile, other people will smile too. So if you want to get off to a great start, smile. This will make everyone smile, and maybe that smile will actually make you smile
Step 2. Be confident in your presentation
When you give your class a presentation, your teacher is actually asking you to take their assignment for a while. So it's your job to make everyone understand what you're saying. Make sure you pay attention to how your teacher does it before the presentation, because the teacher is a great presenter.
- Visualize success before, during, and after presentation. Be humble about your presentation, and don't be arrogant. Imagine a successful presentation. Don't let thoughts of failure enter your brain.
- Most of the time, your beliefs are just as important as what you say. You don't want to spread misinformation, but what many people value more is your confidence.
- If you need extra confidence, think big picture. After 10-15 minutes, your presentation will end. What effect will your presentation have in the long run? Maybe not much. Do the best. If you are nervous, remind yourself that there are many important moments in your life ahead.
Step 3. Make eye contact
There's nothing more boring than hearing a presenter look at the floor or at an index card. Relax. Your audience is your friend, and you talk to them all the time.
Have a goal of seeing everyone in the class at least once. That way, everyone will feel attached to you. Plus, you seem to know what you're saying
Step 4. Make sure you have Inflection in your speech
Your goal is to connect with the audience, not put them to sleep. Play your tone of voice and talk as if your topic is the most interesting topic in the world.
Inflection is like the movement that Radio DJs put in their voices. You don't want to sound like you just saw a lion, and also a squirrel. Vary it to make the presentation more interesting
Step 5. Use hand gestures
Move your hands as you speak, use them to emphasize points and keep the audience interested. It also channels your nervousness.
Step 6. Have a good conclusion
Your conclusion is the final impression on your audience, including your teacher. Make it interesting by introducing the final stats, or in some creative way. Your conclusion can be anything as long as your audience knows you're done.
- Tell a story, perhaps in a personal way. Stories are great for history or English presentations. Maybe someone can relate your presentation to a small anecdote about famous people in history?
- Ask provocative questions. Ending with a question is a great way to get your audience to think about your presentation in an interesting way. Is there a specific conclusion you want them to think about?
Step 7. Return to your chair with a smile
Know that you have finished your presentation well. Don't be disappointed if you don't get applause.
Tips
- Have good posture. Don't fold your hands. Don't bend over.
- Don't argue with the audience. Let's just say they have an interesting point and you'll check it out and get back to them.
- Don't forget to look at everyone, not just the floor.
- If you make a mistake, don't worry. Maybe no one notices it and even if you did, they would quickly forget about it.
- Be confident and as you approach the end of your presentation, ask your audience for any questions or comments. This shows you are mature and lets the class know that you care about the topic.
- Remember: make your voice clear and audible to everyone.
- Try to get the formal level right in your presentation, depending on what you're presenting and who you're presenting to.
- Remember that power point is a tool for your audience, not your script. Your presentation should include a lot more than what you wrote in power point and your slides should not consist of a lot of writing.
- Make sure you look around the room, not just the center.
- Move around! You don't have to stand somewhere. Have fun! Using your body to emphasize your voice can add to the natural feel of your presentation.
- Be aware that the person watching you is also nervous about the presentation, and may not be listening to you!
- Place your hands under your shoulders so that the audience is not distracted.
- Choose a place in the middle. This way you can go through multiple presentations and see their mistakes, and your audience won't be too bored when it's your turn.
Warning
- Some people think so much about their presentation that they feel like dying during their presentation. If this is you, make sure you prepare well and make sure your sugar levels rise before the presentation.
- Don't keep your cell phone in your pocket or it will interfere with the microphone (if you do).
