Effective Presentation Skills

2007-03-08 10:33:40

( Education )



Making a presentation may seem like a difficult task, but even with little or no presentation skill training, you can still deliver your data or material effectively to impress your audience. Effective presentation skills depend on some simple principles and strategies.

Planning the Presentation

Perhaps the most important step of all is to plan out carefully what you are presenting. How long is the time allotted for you to make the presentation? What data do you need? Who is your target audience? What is the best method of exhibiting your information to your audience? How much time do you have to prepare? Do you have the technological resources for your presentation materials?

Preparing the Presentation

Any information you use in your presentation must be well-researched and organized in logical order.

The manner and method in which you are presenting your data should fit the age and intellectual capacity of your audience. For instance, expect to use more color and graphics for younger age groups to help maintain their attention and interest. Make sure that the text is in easily readable characters that your audience will understand. If there are figures involved, arrange them in a logical pattern, such as from smallest to largest, or from earliest to latest time period. Cut off thousands or decimals, and round off to the nearest whole number.

As an alternative to a table, you can use graphs or charts to make your presentation more understandable and meaningful. Use color to indicate sections of pie charts. Graphics and vibrant colors can make your data look more interesting, but be careful that these don't distort your data.

Part of effective presentation skills is to practice what you will say during your presentation. You can do this alone in front of a mirror, or ask someone to act as your audience. Anticipate how your audience might react and what questions might crop up. Prepare some cue cards for you to glance over to avoid forgetting any important details.

During the Presentation

Arrive early so that you can have adequate time to set up your materials and media equipment such as computer, projector and screen. Being early also helps alleviate your tension, and gives you time to make last-minute checks of your materials and equipment, as well as your appearance.

Address the audience warmly and use light language with a touch of humor while presenting. If you're not using a microphone, speak loud enough to be heard. Use a laser pointer or ruler to maintain the audience's focus on your data. Be aware of time constraints but also allow enough time for your audience to comprehend the material, as well as an opportunity for them to ask questions or make comments. Respond to their questions or comments good-naturedly and don't be intimidated by any negative reactions.

If you still feel that you need more training for effective presentation skills, you could also avail of various presentation and powerpoint courses in your area.


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