We have all faced this pretty scary moment when the entire class and our teacher pay attention to us, while we try to remember that one awful word that just ran off our mind. Yep, presentations can be weird and make your legs tremble, manly if you’re shy. But here are some good tips for you to work it out!
Do not use overly refined words if that’s not your thingEven though you are going to make a formal presentation to important people, you should keep it simple and try not to change your vocabulary. Sometimes, words we are not used to sound awkward and make us feel uncomfortable, so maybe just stick to the synonims you do know is a better approach. People will understand your ideas in a clearer way if you maintain your normal way of speaking. Of course, just try not using words as “like”, “dude” or any other slang, but remember that you don’t need to sound like Shakespeare to be respected (only if you are Leonardo DiCaprio, but I don’t think that’s the case).
Flashcards are ALWAYS handyHaving a few flashcards with the main words of your subject is a great exercise for memory! It’s not necessary to have the role speech in your hands, but some key words are pretty good if you get too nervous and forget what’s the next part of the presentation. Just remember to write them in a size that you won’t need to stop for reading it. And DO NOT read your presentation or slide, please. That’s the worst thing ever. Keep in mind that your audience can do a fine job reading your slides on their own.
Use technology in your favorDepending on the subject, people can get really bored during presentations, even if you follow all these amazing tips here or simply have a natural Amy Poehler charisma. One way of making things more attractive is to use images and videos to illustrate what you are saying. Clear, soft colored and organized slides are a great option. If you are more bold, you can always go for Prezi. Sometimes even gifs can be used, if it’s something more informal or perhaps related to your project, like History of Television. Just remember to explain why you put them there and what they have to do with the subject.
Calculate your timeKnowing how much time you will have to present your subject can help you organizing your speech. If it’s a long period, remember to split it in parts and share the main topics with your audience right when you start. It helps them understand how your process will work. If it’s a short period, it’s always good to talk to the mirror and measure the time, so it won’t be too short or too long.
Just relaxWorrying too much about the presentation just makes it worst at the time, so just relax.You should be confident that you know what you are going to say, mainly if you’re going to talk about something that you like or that you have studied about. And as soon as you imagine, everything will be finished!