Giving a presentation is something that scares a lot of people with good reason. You may be afraid of having to stand in front of a lot of people and explain certain material (especially if you are not familiar with the material). Do not be afraid! There are several ways that can help you do a good presentation and the more you do it, the easier it will be!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Preparing the Presentation
Step 1. Focus on your presentation
You will not succeed in getting the audience to listen to what you have to say if you make a presentation that is too long and poorly structured. You need to make sure that your presentation is clear and focused, and that any additions you include should support the main theme of your presentation.
- You must submit a statement as your main thesis or overall theme, with 3 main topics that support or complement your main theme. If your presentation material is longer, the audience will not be interested in paying attention to you. Therefore, all the facts and information that you prepare must be able to support these three main discussions and complement the theme of your presentation.
- For example: If you're giving a presentation on 17th-century alchemy, it's a good idea to explain the history of alchemy (and maybe you should), but you don't need to let the audience get caught up in stories about history and not about alchemy of the nineteenth century. 17. The three main headings you choose might be a discussion of "alchemy based on popular opinion," "the famous alchemists of the 17th century," and "the legacy of alchemy of the 17th century."
Step 2. The less the better
You don't need to over-deliver information and important things. Even if they are interested in your topic, they will start to daydream and not pay attention to you anymore. You should focus on discussing the 3 main headings but make sure that you provide information only that can support and explain these three main titles.
Choose the most appropriate facts, information, or quotes to support your presentation. Do not give too much information to the audience
Step 3. Decide whether you need to use presentation media or not
You don't have to use powerpoint, or visual media, especially if you are a well-known speaker and the material you present is quite interesting. In fact, presentations with visual media often distract participants from the main discussion, namely your presentation material.
- Make sure the media you use can make your presentation better, not mess it up. The presentation is the most important. Everything else is just a complement.
- For example: going back to the discussion of 17th century alchemy, to support the information you convey about alchemy based on popular opinion, you should show pictures in your flyer about the negative effects of alchemy and then explain what the general opinion and the alchemists of that time were.
- You also have to choose a presentation media that you are good at. If you are not familiar with using powerpoint, you can use the whiteboard, or share the essence of your presentation material that you present in outline with supporting evidence.
Step 4. Practice
People may reason that they don't have enough time to practice and ignore this, but practice is one of the keys to the success of a good presentation. By doing practice presentations before your performance, you can identify difficulties or problems that may arise from the materials and equipment that you will use, and make your presentation run more smoothly.
- You can try a good tip is to record your presentation rehearsal on a video so you can see if you say unnecessary words or show stiff body language, so you can break this habit. (Unnecessary words such as "um…" and "uh…" or using the word "maybe" inappropriately; rigid body language such as you constantly swinging from side to side or holding your hair unconsciously.)
- Note that the duration of the presentation during practice is usually 20% shorter than your actual presentation, don't forget to take this into account when determining the duration of your presentation.
Step 5. Visualize success
This may seem like a stupid way to go, but by visualizing the success of a presentation, you will truly achieve success at the time of presentation. You will be lifted towards success if you have prepared your brain for this condition. You can do this preparation by finding a place to sit alone for a few minutes while imagining your presentation going well.
Step 6. Dress yourself well
You have to dress well in order to be successful. If you wear nicer clothes, your mindset will lead to a good presentation. So that you still feel comfortable, try to choose clothes so that you not only look stunning but can also make you feel comfortable.
- For example, if you're not comfortable wearing high heels, don't force yourself to wear them just for a presentation. You will be bothered by discomfort during the presentation. There are better options, you can wear shoes without heels or with low heels.
- You can wear clean and attractive trousers or skirts, usually shirts with button fronts in neutral colors can be the right choice of clothing. You should not choose clothes that can distract the audience from your presentation, do not choose a bright pink shirt.
Method 2 of 2: Delivering a Presentation
Step 1. Deal with nervousness
Quite a lot of people feel nervous when delivering a presentation, even though the audience is not too much. This is a natural thing. You just have to try not to look like you're nervous, if you can't shake it off.
- Before giving your presentation, clench your fists a few times to ease your adrenaline rush and then do 3 slow, deep breaths.
- Keep smiling even if you feel like hiding. You can manipulate your brain into thinking you're not as anxious as you are feeling, so you can mask your nervousness from the audience.
Step 2. Engage the audience
To make your presentation memorable and interesting, you need to interact with the audience. Don't act like there's a wall between you and your guests, involve them in the presentation. Get them to talk to you instead of just you talking to them or with the wall behind, talk to your guests.
- Make eye contact with the audience. Don't just look at a specific person, but instead look across the room and make eye contact with a guest of yours sitting in a certain position as you look at the rest of the audience.
- Ask listeners questions and have them ask questions during your presentation. The atmosphere of your presentation will be like a conversation so it feels more fun.
- Tell interesting jokes to explain what you're talking about. Based on the above examples of 17th century alchemy, you can find interesting anecdotes about alchemy from that period, or you can tell from what you know about alchemy.
Step 3. Look attractive
An eye-catching appearance is not the same as getting the audience involved (even if you hope your performance will engage the audience). In order to appear attractive, you only need to try to make it attractive and dynamic.
- Walk around, but move calmly and carefully. Don't be nervous when you move your feet (it's best if you imagine your feet nailed to the floor except when you want to walk quietly).
- Use voice intonation to make your presentation more dynamic. Vary your tone of voice when speaking. No (once) no one wants to sit still and listen to someone talk in a flat, hum-like voice, even if the material is interesting enough (think Professor Binns in the Harry Potter films; which you don't like).
- Find a balance between presentations that you prepare for and those that are spontaneous. Actions and other things that come up spontaneously, as long as you feel comfortable can be very useful, because if you are not comfortable, spontaneity will only make your presentation distorted and messy. Combine spontaneity and preparation according to practice so you can find the balance.
Step 4. Bring your presentation in the form of a story
To get the attention of your audience, you have to connect with them emotionally, and the best way to do that is to present your presentation like you're telling a story.
- Briefly explain the topic you are going to cover and don't assume that the audience is familiar with all the terms you are conveying, especially if the topic you are going to convey is not widely known.
- Find the reasons why you want (or should) deliver this presentation so that it is easier for you to prepare the material/theme of the presentation as a whole. Maybe so you can pass. Or you want to convince people that they will give you money, join you in funding activities or engage in activities for social or political purposes. Express this desire in your presentation. Give an answer as to why they should certify you pass or why they should provide you with financial support. This is the gist of the story you have to tell.
Step 5. Speak at a slower tempo
One of the most common ways to make a presentation go awry is because the tempo of speech is too fast, and most people make this mistake. They become nervous and seem to be racing with their own presentation, as a result the listeners become uncomfortable because of the barrage of information..
- Provide drinking water and if you notice that you are talking too fast, stop for a drink.
- If any of your friends are in class or present at this meeting, before your presentation try asking for help so they will signal if you speak too fast. Look at them occasionally to see how fast you speak during your presentation.
- If your time is running out and your presentation isn't over yet, just end it or briefly present any material you haven't covered. Say that the material that you have not had time to explain will be discussed further in the question and answer session.
Step 6. Finish with a memorable closing remark
The beginning and end of the presentation are the most memorable for the audience, so make sure you end your presentation with words that make them feel like they've been hit hard (this is just a figure of speech; don't hit your listeners). You should reiterate the 3 main topics in this presentation and make sure the audience understands why they need to understand the topics you cover in your presentation.
- Explain again what your audience knows after listening to your presentation and why this information is important to them.
- Summarize by giving an example or story about your main discussion. For example, you could conclude by telling a story about the nature of alchemy (perhaps through a film) to demonstrate its malleability.
Tips
- Use pictures or photos. The pictures and photos you display can show that you understand what you are talking about, and give the audience an idea of what you are discussing.
- Give a "keepsake," so the audience can take it home and remind them of your presentation, it could be a handout or a book.
- Hold a short question and answer session at the end of each subtopic. A question and answer session can provide an opportunity for listeners to be more involved. This session can also give your guests a chance to take a break if your presentation is long enough. You must be well versed in the material you choose. Understand well and learn more about the topic you will present, more than just mastering the basic knowledge of the topic you choose.
Warning
- Don't make a presentation that's too long, unless the material you're presenting is really important, and you're used to doing presentations so you can deliver a long presentation well. Try to keep your presentation short and engaging.
- Don't put off preparing your presentation until the last minute. This habit will make your presentation seem sloppy. If you have to prepare for a presentation while you're busy, do it little by little, you might end up doing well. It would be better if you make preparations in advance, so that everything can be ready on time and you can check in advance all the material that you will present.
