Top Tips for a Successful Presentation
Presentations can be one of the most daunting parts of your degree, but they don't have to be! Follow these simple tips and who knows, you may even enjoy it!
1. Take deep breaths.
People will always tell you not to be nervous, but as we all know that's easier said than done. If you stumble over your words or forget what you’re about to say, just take a deep breath, compose yourself and start again. No one is perfect and with that in mind no single presentation will ever be perfect.
2. Make an argument. Pause.
It can be extremely tempting to do your presentation as fast as you can to get it out the way. But the best presentations are the ones that are clearly understood by the audience and of course your tutor who is marking you. When you make a point, allow your audience to digest it by pausing - that way you can think about what you’re going to say next and your audience have time to think about what you have said.
3. Use visuals!
Having a visually stimulating presentation can work in two ways. Firstly the audience have something to look at, so if you're feeling a little shy then a creative presentation will keep your audiences’ eyes on the screen. Secondly a visual presentation shows that you have spent time and made an effort which will work in your favour possibly when you're being assessed.
4. Eye contact.
Keeping eye contact can often be a way you are assessed. But that doesn't mean maintaining eye contact with your tutors the whole time because that could be off putting. Look at everyone by looking at no one and direct your gaze at the back of the room - this way you are talking to everyone. But also of course make eye contact with your assessors occasionally.
5. Be passionate!
Okay, so we can't all do a presentation on our favourite television show, but that doesn't mean you can't find a way to make it interesting to you! If you can, pick a topic you have an interest in, and if you can’t then just throw yourself into the topic. Often people think that it's cool not to care, and ‘wing’ it. It's a lot cooler to speak with passion and interest people with your topic, don't be scared of people judging you, they’re in the same boat.
6. Look at the criteria!
Always make sure you look at the your marking criteria when planning your presentation, your presentation skills will often only be a small percentage of what you’ll actually be marked on. So if you feel like you’re not the best at presentations, work to your other strengths and make sure the content is good.
Whether it’s a group presentation or an individual one, remember these simple tips and above all don’t stress about it, it will be over before you know it and you’ll be wondering why you spent so much time worrying.
