Number One: Be prepared as best as possible. Know your topic and how you plan to present it. Anticipate likely questions and cultivate a confident demeanor.
Number Two: Choose a presentation method that best suits your audience and setting. Prepare materials that are suitable to the venue. Rehearse, if possible in the location where you will present. Check the view your participants have so you are sure that non-verbal communication and visual reinforcement will actually reach your intended targets.
Number Three: Relax - speek conversationally but be sure you can be heard, speak clearly, breath, think silently, present confidently.
I believe the most important items include knowing and understanding your topic, knowing your audience and knowing your presentation material.
I think the top three things are your audience, your central idea and the main points.
1. Remember the audience and taylor the presentation to their needs and interests.
2. Prepare a strong opening to the presentation to get the audience interested.
3. Plan ways to get the audience engaged in the presentation.
So true Melissa, especially practicing with visual aids. I have my students practice several times with visual aids, especially if they are technological. I wish I had a dollar for every time...You can fill in the blank. Great reminder.
Ryan
In preparing for a presentation I beleive organization, practice, visual aids, and outling are key items you must focus on. An organized presentation will be more effective and outling helps you get and stay organized. In addition, practice allows you to make adjustments when necessary and incorprating visual aids helps your audience better understand and follow your presentation.
Strong ideas, knowing your audience, and preparing for questions.
Absolutely! I find this is not only important from a content standpoint but also from actual presentation. If the person going before me is a wonderful orator & I'm not as strong in that area that will make me work twice as hard to prepare incredibly good content & brush up on my speaking skills, etc.
All great points. Until I took this course I never relized how important it is to research the presenter/speaker that you follow. Sure can make a big differance in how recepitve your audience will be.
Tania,
Absolutely. Some people do have a talent for speaking & confidence cannot be replaced. I work with students on this everyday & try & encourage those who may not be as natural to make sure they prepare so they too have a source for confidence.
Ryan
Tania,
Yes & audience analysis really does not take a great deal of time. Essentially it's a matter of asking some good questions & thinking it through. I'm glad that idea resonated with you.
Ryan
I completely agree that you can never be too "overprepared". In addition, I do think that some people just have a knack for speaking well/presenting where others really have to work at it. Confidence is a major factor of conveying your message as well as knowledge and interest in the topic being discussed.
The top three or four things to remember when delivering an effective presentation is:
-research your audience
-plan/create your speech or presentation(what is your goal?)
-rehearse your speech or presentation
-be engaging in your topic
I know I have never really considered researching my audience but it makes perfect sense. This could make or break your entire presentation by simply not doing your homework on the people you are speaking to.
Videotaping & peer review...two of the most humbling, yet powerful techniques for getting some really good feedback on your presentations. It sounds like you found that experience helpful too.
Ryan
When I was in training to be an instructor, we had to give a presentation to the other new trainees on any subject. The training manager taped us and then we got to have the other new instructors review us on our high and low points. It was a great tool to help us prepare for a role that I have never done before.
Yes & I would also add to have strong transitions between major points. This area is often overlooked in presenting. It can make a good presentation even better as it helps the audience know where you are in the presentation, alerts them that you are moving to a new point & is another way you can be reinforcing your points along the way.
Ryan
Several suggestions for success":
1. Get audience attention.
2. Clarify the purpose and preview of the talk.
3. Support each point with reasoning and evidence.
4. Summarize key idea before concluding.
Good list. Along with anticipating questions I would add to make sure that you have the data & information you will need to intelligently answer those questions.
Ryan
1. Know your audience
2. Know your time frame
3. Anticipate questions
I believe the top things to remember when preparing and delivering an effective presentation is to first know my target audience. Secondly,define and prepare my objectives and stay focused on my key points when delivering my presentation. Rehearsing prior to presenting to my audience will also aid in presenting an effective presentation.
