How to Present a Presentation Confidently, Public Speaking For All

Matab Brahimi Article Presentation

Whether it's a PowerPoint presentation, a speech, or plain old teaching; There's sometimes that bit of nervousness involved in publicly speaking. Here are some tips to get you AND your presentation ready for that big day.

Things You'll Need

• music
• good old pen and paper
• mirror / video camera / sound recorder
• Some good spirit, You can do it!

Instructions

1. Preparation. The first step to public speaking is obviously to be prepared, which means: No procrastination. Procrastinating will lead to stress which will lead to more nervousness, the last thing you need or want. Get everything you need together, whether it's a PowerPoint presentation, speech, or another lesson. Don't worry about presenting just yet. Just have everything done and ready.

2. Write a little outline of how you want to present your presentation. People remember what is said in the beginning and the end of presentations most. This is called the "primary" and "recentcy" effects. So if you want your audience to really absorb something make sure you stick it in the beginning, end, or both.

3. Record yourself presenting. If you don't have a video camera use a sound recorder. If you don't have a sound recorder present in front of a mirror. I promise you you will be surprised at how you communicate. Try to pause instead of saying interjections such as "ummmm", "ahhh", "like", and "basically". The word "Basically" is used so many times in some presentations it's no longer a basic one!

4. Put music that you know will distract you and present while listening to it. This is a good distracter and lets you know what you most likely will forget during the presentation. Take a note of the points that you seem to forget, or skip. Write ONE word or a phrase that reminds you of those points. Some people have a paper filled with their presentation word for word. A big no-no. When you forget something it's going to take time to find it. So the solution is to have just small phrases that remind you of the points you tend to forget. It can also be a picture or figure. Whatever works for you and reminds you. You want to be able to just scan the paper and see what you are forgetting.

5. If you are the kind of person that really really gets nervous while presenting it's not a bad idea to tell the audience "I'm a little nervous". A lot of times being nervous appears as if you are being snobby instead. Telling the audience "I'm a bit nervous" is a great ice breaker and something a lot of people can relate to, your off to a good start!

6. Don't think about yourself. Don't be selfish. The presentation is not about you. It's about informing, teaching, or presenting information that the audience is waiting for. Make your goal to inform the audience as best as you can instead of just getting through the presentation without looking like a fool. Once you realize the presentation is not about you, it will take a load off you back. (If you are really making a speech about yourself make the goal to teach the audience or encourage them to strive... And if you are nominated for an award, I guess this step doesn't apply to you!)

7. During the presentation. You can have the best presentation ever, but without good eye contact it's a bummer. Don't EVER choose someone to look at during a presentation and look at them the whole time. Give every side of the room its fair turn. Don't forget the people to the far ends of the room either. Studies showed that looking at every side actually makes people more intent. The audience will feel valued and therefore not only pay attention more, but enjoy the presentation as well.

8. Have an incentive for after the presentation. An example is "I get to go out with my friend to that nice restaurant after this". Know that no matter what happens you still have that incentive. Having an incentive will lighten the load and make you more pleasant.

9. Good luck, You'll do great!

Tips & Warnings

• Please rate this article and leave comments to let me know if this helps, thanks so much :)

Resources

• MatabArt.blogspot.com
• 3 tips on public speaking
• conquer fear of public speaking
• wiki on public speaking