Remember high school. The days that everyone had to give a presentation were always really interesting. How can it be that some people talk so easily and feel so little nerves while others are all nervous and planky. Well today we're going to present, if you will, some of the secrets for a killer presentation. It's not all in the genetics, it can be taught. I think I'm a living example of this. Back in the early years of high school I was an awful presenter. But in the final two years of high school all my presentations went fantastic, grades were always in the A region. Consequently my first college presentation was again spot on. So let's look at the pointers, you can also download the powerpoint file to teach your students or to learn it more properly. Download the file underneath to get additional tips, tricks and to have the information within reach always.
1. Gestures
The first thing you need to remember is to use gestures. Gestures are movements with your arms to suggest something. For example if you're excited about something then you can show it by making a big movement with your arms by moving them (excessively) from the outside to the inside until your hands are connected. Moving both arms from side to side in a smooth motion is also very strong. It can suggest things like: we're moved on or it was something completely different. Experiment with gestures to benefit from this very strong tool.
2. Use phrases.
It might not've come to mind but it can act as a hold on for your audience. Lookup strong phrases on the internet and use them with caution. Ideally use one or two strong ones multiple times in your story.
3. Slides should compliment your story.
This one is overlooked by a lot of people. Don't use the slides as a reminder of what to say. Try to avoid bulletins and use interesting photos and catchy sentences in your slide. Download the attached powerpoint file to see examples of bad and good slides.
4. Walk around.
While talking walk around a bit. It can be an important differentiator between you and your classmates for instance. On top of that it can emphasize points you make. Try to walk around at times when you're starting to feel nervous. Or to lower the pace of a presentation that is going to fast. Ultimately the right time to walk will be handed out to you with a good look at your audience.
5. Look at the audience, or your hands.
The basic rule is that you should look at your audience while presenting. This is somewhat true. But there're two more things you can look at that gives your presentation a whole new twist. One is looking at your hands. If you really want to put focus on the gesture you're making then look at your hands or the ground underneath it. For example the following combination says a whole new thing: holding your hands together, making small movements with them and looking at them is perfect to show your audience that something was really important. Less powerful is the gesture without the looking and least powerful is by just saying it. Also handy is using your slides to remind something or lower the pace. Point at your slide and swiftly look at it (this is to emphasize your gesture and to get the slide information) will look very strong.
6. practice your speaking, especially the terms.
To make the whole experience smooth, you should practice your presentation multiple times. Especially focus on the terms because those need to come across confidently. The audience needs to know that you know what you're talking about.
7. Know everything about the things you're presenting.
Know more than your audience. This is pretty obvious but sometimes forgotten. Make sure you know a lot about the subjects you're talking about. It will help to steady your nerves and it will give you a lot more confidence. In fact this is probably the most important part of your presentation. All the above can't help you if you don't know what you're talking about.
Seven pointers for giving a killer presentation. Take these tips to heart and your presentations will never be forgotten. |
