Tips for an Effective Presentation

Tip 1 - Connect with your audience

• One of the best ways to connect with your audience is to let your passion and knowledge for the subject shine through
• Be honest with the audience about what is important to you and why it matters
• Be enthusiastic and honest, and the audience with respond

Tip 2 - Keep it simple

• Concentrate on your core message - what are the three key points for my audience to take away
• Keep your core message focused and brief
• If what you are planning to say doesn’t contribute to your core message, don’t say it

Tip 3 - Smile and make eye contact

• Smiling is a natural relaxant that sends positive chemical messages through your body
• Smiling and maintaining eye contact also help you build rapport with your audience

Tip 4 - Start strongly

• You should try grab your audience's attention and hold it
  • Ask a question (direct or rhetorical)
  • Welcome them with a thank you
  • Memorize your first opening lines
  • State the purpose of your presentation
  • Quote someone

Tip 5 - Use your voice effectively

• The tone of your voice and your body language are important to getting your message across
• Follow the three core elements of vocal production
  • Volume - to be heard
  • Clarity - to be understood
  • Variety - to add interest
• Pauses are powerful. They can be used for effect to highlight the preceding statement or to gain attention before an important message

Tip 6 - Body language

• Make your gestures open and confident
• Move naturally around the stage or stand confidently beside your work
• Body language to avoid:
  • Crossed arms
  • Hands behind your back or in your pockets
  • pacing around the stage

Tip 7 - Relax, breath and enjoy

• Concentrate on your breathing
  • Slow it down, make sure that you’re breathing fully
  • Continue to pause for breath occasionally during your presentation
• If you can bring yourself to relax, you will most certainly present better
• If you can actually start to enjoy yourself, your audience will respond to that, and engage better