How to Deliver a Presentation

Occassionaly, you might be required to deliver a presentation. It could be during the course of study at school, at work, or at a social event. In this post, I will give you useful tips on how to deliver a presentation that would captivate your audience.

Below are 6 tips on how to deliver a presentation that your audience would find interesting:

1. Do a thorough research of your presentation topic

Before you deliver a presentation, do a thorough research of your topic so that you can provide adequate and useful information for your audience. Another benefit of conducting a thorough research before delivering a presentation is that you might receive a question from the audience. Thus by doing adequate research before you deliver a presentation, you will be equipped with sufficient knowledge on the topic.

2. Prepare notes or slides before you deliver a presentation

Most often than not, you would need to prepare some notes or slides for your presentation. In some cases you may have to print out copies of your notes for the audience. In other cases, slides would be used and the slides would be projected for everyone to see. Ask in advance from the relevant person whether slides would be used and whether it is necessary to print copies of your notes for the audience. If you would be using slides, ensure that your slides are well written and organized.

2.1 There are usually three types of relevant notes for a presentation:

1. Your own personal note to help guide your thoughts when you are delivering the presentation.
2. A note that highlights the keypoints of your discussion - copies of this are usually giving to the audience where necessary.
3. A full transcript of your presentation.

The 2nd and 3rd types of notes are not usually required in many cases. But as mentioned above, it is always a good idea to ask from the relevant person in advance. Nevertheless, it is still recommended that you make your own personal notes before you deliver a presentation. This is because it could be difficult to memorise everything you are going to talk about during the presentation.

You should also avoid writing down everything you are going to talk about in your personal notes. Your personal notes are supposed to help you to guide your thoughts rather than being a transcript of your whole presentation.

3. Start with a story when delivering a presentation

To deliver a presentation that your audience would love, start with a story. When you start by telling a story, you will get your audience attention and involvement. You will also make it less nerve-racking to ease into your presentation.

Suppose I come to you and say that at 2:00 pm on Saturday, I went to the mall to get some groceries, and I didn’t get back until 8: 00 pm. What would be your reaction? I bet you’ll become curious to know why I took so long at the mall. Isn’t it? Then I go further to explain the rest of the story, just to make a point at the end of the day. I’m pretty sure you’re likely to remember my point for a long while. Do you know why? I got your attention, to start with. I also gave you a pictorial representation of what I was driving at. So, every time you remember the story, you’ll remember what it was all about. Guess what, it’s easier to remember stories.

You should also tell stories from time to time while giving your presentation. Give examples of real-life situations as well. It’ll make people remember your points much better. Plus, they can easily relate to the subject that way.

4. Talk passionately about the subject

Have you noticed how comfortable you get when you are talking about something that you are passionate about? Well, the truth is that it’s hard to be yourself when you are nervous. So, allow yourself to get into the conversation, and talk passionately about it.

When you are passionate about the subject of your presentation, you’ll be able to connect easily with your audience, especially because you are talking about their need.

Be enthusiastic and honest and watch how well your audience will respond to you.

5. Keep it simple

Whether your presentation involves using PowerPoint slides, graphs and the likes, the key is to keep it simple. Use simple vocabulary that people can understand easily. Also, try to make your presentation as short as possible.

You can also read this: How to be confident when addressing a crowd.

6. Move around

A great way to also capture your audience attention is to move around as calmly as possible when delivering your presentation. Try not to stand behind the lectern or your computer the entire time. Instead, ensure that your audience is participating and following your presentation by moving slowly from one point to another.

You can start your introduction at the centre of the stage, and then move around as you make the rest of your points.

Note that you shouldn't move too far from your computer or slides so that you don't rush back too quickly when you need to make the next point.

7. Maintain eye contact

To help deliver a great presentation, consider it as a conversation with a friend. Your goal is to interact with your audience and ensure that they understand and are interested in what you are saying so that they don't get bored.

To achieve this, you have to make them feel involved by maintaining eye contact with them. Look from person to person so that they feel like you are speaking to them directly. This will make them pay more attention to you.

8. Engage your audience when delivering a presentation

Finally, the best way to get people to remember your presentation is to get them involved one way or the other. Make it interactive. So, ask questions or plan group activities that will get everyone involved. Not only will you be dealing with likely chances of boredom but also improving their participation. I'm sure at the end of the session, everyone will want to deliver a presentation as you did.

Knowing how to deliver a presentation is an essential skill. If you follow the tips above, delivering a presentation should be fun and you would most likely be applauded at the end.

You might also be interested in how to be confident when addressing a crowd.