Most people, even experienced speakers, get nervous before or during a presentation. It’s fine to be nervous, but you should focus your energy.
Practice your presentation in the space where you will be presenting, and rehearse with friends or colleagues (in person or using a video conferencing simulator). Avoid filler words such as um, like, you know and so on.
1. Know Your Topic
A strong presentation focuses on a topic that the speaker knows well. It also supports that topic with visual aids and ends with a strong conclusion.
Specialists from Paper Help advice to avoid a topic that is too broad or one that cannot be covered within your allotted time frame. Instead, narrow your subject to something that is manageable and that the audience will find interesting.
Pace yourself. Speaking quickly can lead to verbal fillers, and it is difficult for an audience to follow.
2. Know Your Audience
Know your audience to create a verbal presentation that keeps them interested. Capture their attention immediately with a powerful opening statement.
Avoid jargon and technical terms that may confuse or lose the audience’s interest. If using slides, make sure that equations are fully explained and graphs clearly explain variables and axes.
Use pauses to bring audible structure and a natural flow to your speech. Avoid filler words like “um,” “like,” and “you know.”
3. Know Yourself
Whether you’re presenting to one person or several, it’s important to keep calm and present yourself professionally. A deep breath before you begin helps reduce nerves and ensures that your voice is at a comfortable volume. Taking time to study how other great presenters convey their ideas is also an excellent idea. It increases confidence and displays a sense of professionalism. Having fun while presenting is also recommended.
4. Know Your Audience’s Needs
Introduce important terms early in your presentation. Once the audience gets lost in unfamiliar terminology, it is difficult to get them back on track.
Avoid jargon, technical language and filler words like um, you know and like. They slow down the pace and sound unnatural.
Often less is more. Limit the number of slides and use large font. It is a good rule of thumb to never use text smaller than 24 points.
5. Know Your Audience’s Expectations
When you speak to an audience, they will probably have certain expectations about your presentation. Understanding these expectations can help you plan a better talk and avoid speaking gaffes.
Maintain eye contact with all the audience members throughout your presentation. This will make them feel that you are talking directly to them.
Use pauses to give audible structure to your presentation. It also allows your audience to catch up between points and helps you avoid filler words such as “um,” "like" and "you know."
6. Know Your Audience’s Priorities
One of your goals is to keep the audience’s attention. Handouts can spoil this because they will draw the audience’s eyes away from you and reduce their retention of your presentation’s key points.
Do not assume your audience knows anything about the topic you’re presenting, but do not patronise them either. Use short pauses to add emphasis to your words and avoid filler words (um, er). Speak at an even pace.
7. Know Your Audience’s Culture
It isn’t always easy to determine the underlying culture and values of a specific group. But age, religion, economic status, history and education are some of the more obvious factors to consider.
It’s important to understand how much your audience knows about the topic you’re presenting. Marching experts through the basics is a waste of time, and speaking at an expert level to beginners will lose their attention.
8. Know Your Audience’s Language
Using your audience’s language helps them understand what you are saying. Avoid industry jargon, and use simple language to describe complex concepts.
Use an anecdote or quote from a well-known person to draw the audience in. Use visuals to support your points and add credibility. Avoid filler words such as um, like, and you know, which make listeners feel uncomfortable. Pace your speaking speed and pause occasionally to emphasize important information.
9. Know Your Audience’s Culture’s Values
While you may have prepared a speech, it must also be adjusted for the context in which it is delivered. This adjustment often involves the topic and sometimes the presentation itself.
Conducting an attitudinal survey can give you insights into the audience’s beliefs and attitudes. However, beware of ethnocentrism, which is the assumption that your culture’s values and customs are superior to those of other cultures.
10. Know Your Audience’s Culture’s Expectations
The most effective presentations involve interactive speaking and listening. Handouts defeat that purpose. If you notice drowsy audience members, for example, you can adjust the presentation to liven things up.
Speakers who pace, pound the podium or jingle change in their pockets can distract listeners. Similarly, certain gestures may seem appropriate in one culture but offensive in another. Prepare simple talking points that guide your presentation.