Welcome to our multi-part series on Presentation strategies!
From useful language and communication skills to body language and powerful techniques, this series will help you feel prepared and confident when giving a presentation in English.
In this article, you’ll find advice on how to prepare your presentation.
Before:
Preparing for a presentation is almost more important than giving the presentation. So, what can you do to prepare a presentation so that you feel ready and comfortable?
1. Prepare the main ideas
– Write out the full presentation first to organize your thoughts. – Transfer the main ideas to note-cards or a PowerPoint. – Practice, don’t memorize. If you memorize the presentation word-by-word, you might get blocked during the presentation if you miss a word.
2. Practice with a friend / in the mirror
-Practice your pronunciation on difficult words. The more you say a new word, the easier it becomes to use. -Time yourself. Be clear and concise. You probably have a limited time. – Pay more attention to what you are saying (precision) and not how fast you are saying it. The most important part is being understood.
3. Know your surroundings, your resources and your audience
– Are you going to use audiovisuals? If so, make sure you know how they work and that you test them before the presentation. – Do you have a microphone? Know how to use it! – Will there be questions? Be prepared for them! – Who is the audience? Are they experts in your industry or subject? If not, moderate your language. Below you’ll find an example of how to structure your presentation notes. Of course, all presentations are different. Modify your notes to fit your presentation.
Sample Outline:
I. Introduction
a. Attention-catcher: statistic, anecdote, joke, or powerful statement
b. Introduce yourself and the topic
c. Explain how questions will be answered: during or after?
II. Topic
Summarytation about? Are you going to prove something? Offer solutions to a problem? Present a new idea or project?
III. Main Point 1
- a. Supporting Point
- b. Supporting Point 2
- c. Supporting Point 3
IV. Main Point 2
- a. Supporting Point 1
- b. Supporting Point 2
- c. Supporting Point 3
V. Main Point 3
- a. Supporting Point 1
- b. Supporting Point 2
- c. Supporting Point 3
VI. Summary of main points
A brief recap of what you’ve covered.
VII. Conclusion
Do you have a presentation to prepare? Try to use this outline with your own information.
In the next article…
Effective Introductions
