Papers are confusing enough, but presentations are much more confusing. You've already written the paper, but how do you turn it into a dynamic, informative, and fun presentation? Here's how!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Guide & Audience
Step 1. Know the requirements
Each presentation for each class will be slightly different. Some teachers will be happy with a 3-minute presentation, while others will ask you to stand there awkwardly for 7 minutes. Know the guidelines clearly when you will write your presentation.
- Know how long your presentation should be.
- Know how many points you have to master.
- Know if you need to include sources or visuals.
Step 2. Know your audience
If you are giving a presentation to your classmates, you may have a rough idea of their knowledge of the topic. But, really, for every other situation, you probably wouldn't know. Whatever the situation, prepare your paper so as not to make any assumptions.
If you're presenting to people you know, it's easy to spot what needs to be spelled out and overlooked. However, if you are presenting to an unknown shareholder or faculty, for example, you need to know about them and their level of knowledge. You may have to break down your paper into its most basic concepts. Find out about their background
Step 3. Know your sources of information
If you're giving a presentation in a facility you've never been to before, it's better to ask what you'll get at the presentation and what you need to prepare beforehand.
- Does the facility have a computer and a projector screen?
- Is there a WiFi connection that can be used?
- Is there a microphone? Podium?
- Is there someone who can help you set up the equipment before your presentation?
Method 2 of 3: Scripts and Visuals
Step 1. Create a script for your presentation
While you can write everything down, it's better to jot down notes to help you remember – you'll sound more like you're talking and be able to make more eye contact.
Note only one point on each notecard – this way, you won't be looking for your information on your notecards. And don't forget to number the cards in case you mixed them up! And the bullet points on your card should not match your paper; rather than explaining information, discuss reasons why the key points in your paper are important or different points of view on this topic within the field
Step 2. Determine the limited number of ideas you want the audience to understand and remember
To do this, look for the most important points in your paper. These are the points you should practice at home. The rest of your presentation is just an addition, it doesn't need to be explained in your work – if they've read the paper, they don't need to be lectured about it. They are there to learn more.
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Create a summary outline to help you prepare for your presentation. As you compose your summary, you'll see what aspects of your paper appear most often and the best order of submission for those aspects.
As you review this summary, omit any special terms if they may not be understood
Step 3. Design visual aids to make your presentation much better
To help your audience follow along (and for visual learners), use slides with pictures, tables, and bullet points to make things look more interesting. Yes, it can deepen the information in your paper, but it also prevents everyone from moving around much in their seats.
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If you have any statistics, turn them into graphs. The difference will be more obvious if it is shown in the form of a picture in front of your audience – numbers are sometimes meaningless. Instead of thinking about 25% and 75%, they will think about 50% of the difference they see.
If you don't have access to appropriate technology, print visual aids on poster board or foam board
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Presentation software (Powerpoint, etc.) can also be thought of as note cards. Instead of writing down on a small piece of paper, you can press a button to read your next note.
If using presentation software, use short, but sufficient words to get your point across. Think phrases (and pictures!), not sentences. Acronyms and abbreviations can be used on the screen, but when you speak, use their abbreviations. And remember to use a large font size – not everyone's eyesight is great
Step 4. Think of it like a conversation
Just because this presentation is paper based, doesn't mean your delivery has to be on par with what an 8.5 x 11 paper can deliver. You have personality and are a human being who interacts with the audience. Use their human nature to do things you can't do in a paper.
- It's okay to repeat a bit. Emphasizing important ideas deepens understanding and helps recall. When you're done, go back to the previous point to lead your audience to the right conclusion.
- Cut out unnecessary details (procedures you have to go through, etc.) when underlining the main idea you want to convey. You don't want to overwhelm your audience with the unimportant things, make them forget the important things.
- Show enthusiasm! A very boring topic can be made interesting if there is passion behind it.
Method 3 of 3: Practice, Practice & Practice More
Step 1. Practice your presentation in front of friends and family members
Don't be shy – ask for constructive criticism. This helps you know if you meet the timing requirements or not, how you can change your style. And after you practice it 20 times before breakfast, your nervousness will decrease.
If you can enlist the help of a friend who you feel has almost the same level of knowledge as your audience, then even better. They will help you see points that are confusing for people who are less proficient in the topic
Step 2. Record yourself
Alright, so this method is a little tricky, but if you're really nervous, you might find listening to yourself helps. You can see the parts when you are nervous and the parts you already understand. It will also help you to see the flow, when you listen back.
Recording with volume will also help. Some people get a bit shy when it comes to spotlight. You may not realize that you are speaking less loudly
Step 3. Be friendly
You are allowed to appear as a person, not just a machine telling facts. Greet your audience and take a few seconds to create a comfortable atmosphere.
Do the same with your conclusion. Thank everyone for their time and open a question session, if allowed
Tips
- Visual aids not only help the audience, they can help you remember if you forget where your presentation is.
- Practice in front of a mirror before your presentation.
- Most people get nervous when speaking in public. You are not alone.
