Most courses require students to give a presentation at some time during their studies, for many the prospect fills them with dread. Unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your perspective, the inherent nature of academic jobs means that at some point there will be a requirement to submit or resolve an audience.
The prospect of presenting is so shocking for some, that they wasted too much time worrying and vital preparation time is lost. Worrying is counterproductive, so you should put it out of your mind.
The fact is that trust is a great antidote to nerves and a presentation that is well documented and properly prepared will give you the confidence.
The converse is also true. we've known students who have been so side tracked by the fear that they have been able to concentrate on the task in hand, leading to sub-standard preparation to return to foster a lack of trust, which corresponds to increased nerves.
You have to break the vicious circle! Focus on the work and the nerves will take greater care of themselves. Forget not even finished, it will be easier next time.
If your presentation should be assessed the first step is to read the assessment criteria. Looks at how the marks are awarded and gear your efforts accordingly.
Especially taking into account the time held at a time specification is a vital part of the presenter's skill, so make sure yours is spot on. Too much in the allotted time, and you will probably have failed to make your subject justice, over run and interesting as you may be subject, will not you show your ability to plan effectively.
Decide whether you want to use a visual aid, and if so what. AIDS tend not to be mandatory, but their use is beneficial for four reasons:
1. They add quality and will make you look more professional.
2. Make it easier for your audience to follow.
3. Give you a prompt so you do not have to rely on the map.
4. Take out the audience away from you.
Their topic will likely dictate the type of aid you will be able to use. Acetates still have their uses, but the favorite of many now is 'PowerPoint' it is easy to use and very effective.
Whatever you decide to ensure that you are using a font size that is easy to read and use a clear title and bullets around 4-6 per 'page', avoid cramming in lots of information.
Do your research, know your stuff, and do not forget that knowledge equals confidence!
Make sure that the information that flows in a logical order when you have it planned out practice, practice and practice some more.
Not just run through it in your head, actually speak the words will take longer than to think them remember that the deadline!
It is a common mistake to believe that successful people are just born so. Footballer's, for golfers, Lawyer's, actor's, artist, writer's, whatever the area, successful people have one thing in common is that they practice and keep practicing until they get it right. So please!
Presentation complete, the next thing to consider is how you will ask yourself. Do not turn up in jeans and trainers show your audience and the occasion some respect. If you look professional, you will act professionally, and if you are assessed you will get extra points.
If you are unfamiliar with the equipment, ensure that you have a couple of practice sessions, so you know how to use it.
When the moment arrives, wait until everyone is seated and quiet, introduce yourself and tell the audience the topic you would investigate.
Make eye contact with a couple of the audience at regular intervals throughout your speech.
Unless you are extremely safe and time is not a problem, you will not want to be interrupted by questions, as this can throw you off course and will eat into your time. Then tell your audience that you will take questions at the end. At least if you are selected evaluator will know at what time speech ended and the questions began.
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