Preparation is key. It will help you:
… deliver a more professional presentation
… put you at ease before and during your presentation

Verina feels this slide is covered in her presentation therefore could be taken out?
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?
____________________________________________________

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
(Replace with ‘ Use your poster to highlight your points’?)
Then: practise, practise, practise...

Covered by Verina therefore take out?
(Try to) know your audience!
• Language and culture
• Depth/assumed knowledge
• Expertise, academic, experience (audience profiling)
• Expectations
If in doubt, assume nothing.

They only have 2-3 mins therefore not enough time for this…?
Tell ’em what you’re going to tell ’em
(outline your talk)
Then tell ’em
Then tell ’em what you’ve told ’em
(summary)

Move to the end of the presentation?
Taking questions is a useful exercise in gaining more knowledge
Make sure you understand what you’re being asked
Be honest

Take the first 3 points out – covered by Verina
• 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

 outline structure
 indicate focus
 be explicit: what’s in it for them?

People often remember the last things they hear
Leave a clear impression of the main points

Verina felt that the next few slides on controlling nerves is excellent advice for conference presentations, but possibly overkill for a 2-3 minute presentation to competition judges? – could it be toned down slightly?

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’.

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?

Consider the following question:
What is the worst thing you believe will happen to you when you speak to an audience?

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

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

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.

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!

Is there time in the programme for this?
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 

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.
The handling question slide (6?) to go after this one?

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