Presentation tips and skills
Liz FitzGerald, IET
Preparation
Preparation is key. It will help you:
… deliver a more professional presentation
… put you at ease before and during your presentation
Preparation (cont)
To help you prepare you might want to answer these questions:
To whom am I speaking? ________________________________
When? _______________________________________________
Where? ______________________________________________
How much time have I got? ______________________________
Why am I doing this? ___________________________________
What do I want my audience to do as a result of my explanation?
____________________________________________________
What are the 3 key things I want to get across?
1. __________________________
2. __________________________
3. __________________________
What is the most effective way of getting these things across?
____________________________________________________
Preparation (cont)
Then:
• Make sure that your explanation is broken down into logical steps
and that you are sign-posting where you have been and where you
are going next as you go along
• Write yourself some prompt-cards if you will find this helpful
Then: practise, practise, practise...
Audience
(Try to) know your audience!
•
Language and culture
•
Depth/assumed knowledge
•
Expertise, academic, experience (audience profiling)
•
Expectations
If in doubt, assume nothing.
Fundamental Structure
Tell ’em what you’re going to tell ’em
(outline your talk)
Then tell ’em
Then tell ’em what you’ve told ’em
(summary)
Handling Questions
Taking questions is a useful exercise in gaining more
knowledge
Make sure you understand what you’re being asked
Be honest
Tips
• Good introduction (well prepared)
• Target your audience (i.e. using key messages for the
right group)
• Balance oral/visual communication (using visual aids at
the right time and use notes rather than reading
directly from a script)
• Body language (i.e. stationary, mobile)
• Know (and be enthusiastic about) your subject
• Act confident even if you don’t feel it
• Speak clearly and (perhaps) more slowly than you
normally would
Beginnings
Make an
IMPACT!
Grab
ATTENTION!
 outline structure
 indicate focus
 be explicit: what’s in it for them?
Endings
People often remember the last things they hear
Leave a clear impression of the main points
Controlling nerves:
A brief guide to overcoming nerves
What is fear?
Physiological changes:





Increased adrenaline
Increased heart-rate
Sweating
Pupils dilate
Muscles tense
You are not alone
Stephen Fry has established himself as an actor, novelist,
comedian and all-round wit.
Televisions includes the comedy shows “A Bit of Fry &
Laurie”, “Blackadder” and “QI”.
BUT….
Stephen Fry suffers from bouts of stage fright.
Since Paul Weller formed the Jam in 1976 he has been at
the leading edge of British music. From the days with the
Jam, through The Style Council and into his solo career he
has inspired many successful bands and is still respected
as an outstanding songwriter and musician.
BUT….
Paul Weller also suffers from bouts of stage fright.
Mark Twain
‘There are two types of speakers: those that are
nervous and those that are liars’.
What are your fears around public
speaking?
This may include:
• How will I start?
• What if I forget what to say?
• What if I shake visibly?
• How will I cope with questions?
• What if I talk too fast?
The killer question
Consider the following question:
What is the worst thing you believe will happen to you
when you speak to an audience?
Body language - negative
Firstly consider negative body language.
What sort of body language would someone show if they felt nervous
or fearful?
Slumped posture
Little or no eye contact
Shallow breathing, high in chest
Defensive body language – maybe folded arms
Body language – positive, confident
Contrast this with the body language of someone who feels positive,
confident and self-assured
Shoulders back
Head held high
Breathing deep into abdomen
Comfortable with eye contact
Clear voice
Open body language
An exercise in controlling physiology
Try the following exercise:
Slump forward in your chair.
Hunch your shoulders.
Breathe shallowly, high in your chest.
Think about something sad for about 10 seconds.
Now sit upright again and breathe normally.
Smile.
Exercise continued…
Stand up.
Take a deep breath into your abdomen (belly).
Look up.
Think of a time when you felt great – remember what
you saw, how you felt, who you were with, what you
heard, etc.
Make the memory as vivid as possible for 20 seconds.
Sit down again.
Now compare the two experiences. You have just proved
that you can control your feelings!
Positive thinking
Take a minute to think of examples of yourself being
successful.
This may involve
•
confidence in your work
•
feeling in love
•
showing someone how to do something
•
planning a successful trip
Allow the positive feelings to wash over you 
Preparing a talk
If you are well prepared for a talk:
 You feel confident about your material
 You can handle questions well
 Your passion for the subject comes across
 You can master your nerves
Pay particular attention to the beginning of the talk.
Prepare the first minute in great detail.
After that the talk will flow naturally.
Conclusions
Fear is common, but it can be overcome
You can control the way you feel
Breathe calmly
Use your body language consciously
Prepare well – especially the first minute