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Study Skills : Presentation Skills
Presentation Skills (Module 5 of 9)
Many people find presentations intimidating, but they are a common requirement of college courses. This unit will explain how to develop an effective presentation, how to tame your presentation anxiety, and how deliver your presentation well.
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Top Tips
- Know your subject matter.Solid content is essential for a good presentation, so make sure you’ve done your research.
- Have all of your materials organized.Your presentation will go much smoother if your notes and visual aids are easy for you to use.
- Avoid the lecture.Use visual aids, questions and activities to engage your audience.
- Be aware of your non-verbal communication.Stand straight, make eye contact with your audience, and smile. Avoid distracting behaviours, like chewing gum or fidgeting.
- PRACTICE! Be sure to go through your full presentation several times before giving it to your class. Do it on your own and with an audience.
- Practice relaxing.Practicing will make it easier to manage your natural anxiety during your presentation.
- Prepare short speaking notes.Try to write only the keywords or key points on cue cards so that you won’t be tempted to read.
- Take your time.Speaking slowly will help you avoid excessive verbal fillers (“ummm” or “ahhhh”).