Delivering a Presentation

• Set objectives on what you are going to cover in the presentation, check the time available and what you want to achieve from it.
• Know your content thoroughly, research and prepare your presentation – you should never present on a subject you know little or nothing about.
• Give an equal amount of thought to the beginning, middle and end to ensure a balanced structure and logical flow.
• The introduction should grab the audience's attention, give direction and set the mood.
• On longer presentations, think about breaking up the monotony of one person standing up talking by getting the audience to participate or introducing some form of interactive or group exercise.
• Use visual aids where appropriate as this will help to maintain audience interest, although don't over do it as too many visual aids can distract form the message being delivered.
• At the end of the presentation, summarise the points you have made and ask if there are any questions. End the presentation positively and decisively.
• You can use humour in a presentation but remember, not everyone will share your sense of humour.
• Try to pace your delivery, not too fast or too slow and make sure you speak clearly.
• You can never be too prepared for a presentation so remember to prepare well and practice, practice, practice.
• Think about the content and consider what you must, should or could include.
• Ask a member of your family, a friend or work colleague to give you feedback on a practice run.