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Essential Study Skills

Delivering Presentations

Once you have created your presentation and your visual aids, and you have prepared for the presentation, you can deliver it to your audience. This module will help you learn how to confidently deliver your presentation.

Tips

  • Ask questions.man with speech bubble and question markAsking your audience questions, such as “have any of you experienced this issue?” can help keep them engaged.
  • Use verbal cues.man with speech bubble and exclamation markUse introductory phrases, such as “This part is really important” to let your audience know to pay attention.
  • Look at your audience. big eyesIf you’re not comfortable looking people in the eye, look at their shoulders or foreheads instead.

Strategies for Your Presentation

How to Deliver an Effective Presentation

Watch this video or read the tips below to learn some techniques for delivering a presentation.

Tips for Delivering a Good Presentation

  • Be aware of your non-verbal communication. Use body language that shows CONFIDENCE!
    • Have good posture
    • Smile and act relaxed. It will make you look and feel more confident.
    • Make eye contact with your audience instead of reading off your notes the entire time.
    • Avoid distracting behaviours, like chewing gum or fidgeting.
    • Watch for nervous gestures, such as rocking, or tapping.
    • Make sure to dress appropriately for your profession.
  • Take time to think during your presentation! People have a tendency to speak more quickly under pressure. Make an effort to slow your pace and include pauses. Speaking slower will also help you avoid excessive verbal fillers like “ummm” or “ahhhh”.
  • Pay attention to your volume. Think about projecting your voice to the back of the classroom so that everyone can hear what you have to say.
  • Try to speak clearly so that your audience can easily understand your words.
  • Avoid the ‘lecture’. By incorporation more than a speech into your presentation, you’ll be better able to hold your audience’s attention. Try using visuals, asking questions, or doing activities.

How to Rehearse Your Presentation

Review this checklist before you present to make you that you are ready to deliver your presentation. It will help you rehearse your presentation so that it will go smoothly when you deliver it in class.

Presenting online involves many of the same skills as presenting in person, but there are a few additional considerations. Watch the video below to learn more about how to successfully present online.