From the Desk of Mr Daniel

Here are some tips for giving a good presentation:

Introduction:

• When introducing your topic, smile and look at the audience, do not look down in fear. Maintain eye contact.
  
     
• Start slowly, with your shoulders back and chin up and then gradually speed up.
  
    
• Use a genuine opening like: “I am glad to be here today”; “I am happy to be talking to you about …”; “I am delighted to share with you…”
  
    
• Recognize that you are the expert on the topic you are talking about. Do your research before beginning the presentation.
  
    
• Always Smile and tell yourself how good you feel. Rehearse in front of your mirror, to see yourself and correct bad body language. 
  
     
• Dress nicely in professional looking clothes.
  
  Don't speak like this!
  
  

• Make sure your audience can hear you, so practice projecting your voice as there is no excuse for not being loud enough.
  
    
• Effective air intake (breathe) and appropriate pauses during your talk will help you control the volume of your voice.
  
    
• Periodically change your speed, pitch and volume and do not mumble in a monotone (one tone). If you blank out, forget a word or choke, just smile! The audience will assume you know what you are doing.
  
    
• Learn to listen to yourself talk so you can control your voice more easily because you are conscious of how you sound before you speak.
  
    
• Avoid saying words when you stop, such as: “Um”, “Er”, “Like”, and “Totally”.
   
  Avoid doing this in your presentation:
   
  
   

• Smile: This is very important as your positive attitude rubs off on the audience.
   
• Eye Contact: This builds trust with the audience.
   
• Gestures: This means speaking with your hands. Try to make sure gestures are smooth and natural and do not use too many.
   
• Keep your hands out of your pockets: Keep them visible and feel comfortable using them.
   
• Shoulders: Can help convey confidence if straight, but if bent they can also make you appear tense and nervous. So, keep your shoulders straight!
  
  Take note of the don'ts
   
  
   

• Keep them simple: Put the main points on them only.
   
• Minimize words: The audience wants to hear your presentation, not read the paper.
   
• Use large fonts: Large fonts will let the back row of students see the presentation.
   
• List key points: Makes them easier to remember.
   
• Use color: The audience pays attention when they have to watch colorful images.
   
• Prepare Handouts: This helps the audience remember your topic the next day, something they will thank you for, if they have to write a test or an exam.
  
  Finally, prepare a good PowerPoint Slides!