1. Do your research
If you want to give an outstanding presentation, then you have to present like an expert on the topic you are communicating. Research the topic thoroughly to make your audience believe in the information you share with them. However, having a degree or experience in the field can give a plus point to influence your audience. Search the Internet, use libraries and talk to experts to get as much information you can get about your topic, until you have enough information to effectively give the answers to any questions bounced on you during the presentation. The more research you do on your topic, the more confident you will become. More confidence means there will be a great show.
2. Know your audience
If you want to increase elegance in your presentation skills, first you have to study your audience. Knowing and reading the mind of your audience will give a better idea about the content of your presentation that will engage and interest them. Presenting to a group of specialists and presenting to a group of eighth graders requires different tactics. Though you can’t identify everything about your audience, their needs and interests, you can acknowledge the age and the group of people you’ll be presenting to. Keep this factor in mind as you practice your presentation.
3. Know your time limit
It is likely you have been allotted a certain slot and time limit for your presentation. It could be half an hour for a board meeting presentation or 10 minutes in a class presentation. Whatever your time limit is, make sure your presentation fits comfortably within the time frame, so you could identify the important topics you want to discuss briefly. You should try to make it shorter so you’re left with enough time to finish the presentation in style.
4. Make eye contact
Eye contact is a very important factor in everyday communication; because it gives the audience a sense of acceptance and involvement in your presentation that helps convey the message on a personal level. Always try to make eye contact with all members of the audience by shifting your focus around the hall or room.
5. Select your presentation design
Another tip can be dedicated to good presentation design. Selecting the content and design for the presentation is crucial in grabbing the attention of your audience or disengaging them. Don’t confuse your audience, by putting anything unnecessary on a slide like text, pictures, tables, animation or graphs. Respect your audience; don’t load your slides with heavy text and then read the whole sentence. Always try to shorten complete sentences on your slides by selecting the main point and escaping other related points.
6. Move around during the presentation
Look around you to find the space in the hall or room. Use the space, and be prepared to move around in the space in the room, maybe around your podium. By moving you are projecting an appearance of confidence and dominance.
7. Include short stories to explain main points
You can use a short story related to the topic to explain main points, share an experience or other references which support your presentation and is directly related to the topic. The main purpose of doing this is to give a broad view of the presentation and talk about the important items.
8. Keep it simple yet attractive
You should keep the presentation simple, by controlling your text and concentrating each slide on the main idea. Make it attractive by constructing your story around related, high-impact images and keep formatting consistent.
9. Practice, practice and more practice
If you want to build more confidence and make a strong grip on your presentation, then one of the best options is to rehearse your presentation. Rehearse in front of the mirror, practice it in front of your friends or family members to feel comfortable.
10. Talk to the audience
Make sure to have variation in your voice. Your objective is to involve your audience, not to give a speech. Be energetic and give the presentation in a conversational way. If the presentation doesn’t engage the audience, they will start to feel detached. Project enthusiasm for the topic; the majority of communication should be conversational. Featured photo credit: vimeo.com via i.vimeocdn.com
