Quick Tips - The 3 P's of Effective Presentations

Prepare

i) The Content

• The OPENING: include a "hook" to get the audience attention, possibly a brief description of who you are, an overview
• The BODY: make an outline of key points, interpretations, examples or evidence. Don't plan to think on the spot! Use visual aids sparingly.
• The CLOSING: recap main points and original purpose, leave them something to think about, thank audience
• The QUESTION PERIOD: Anticipate questions and prepare a response.

ii) Yourself

• Eat, drink modestly and sleep before a presentation.
• Arrive early to check space and equipment.
• Believe in your abilities: practice a positive attitude.
• Anticipate glitches and be ready for them.

Practice

• Rehearse aloud 3+ times: alone, using a mirror, with a friend. Is presentation within time frames?
• Be aware of your body language: stand tall; eye contact with someone or back of room; smile; use purposeful movement; good volume, pace, pitch, pauses.
• Become familiar with the technology.
• Use relaxation techniques while rehearsing. See Tackling Presentation Anxiety module.

Perform

"Tell ‘em what you're going to tell ‘em, tell ‘em, tell ‘em what you told ‘em."

• Follow your outline.
• Expect some "nerves". Breathe at the end of each sentence to relax your throat.
• During Q&A: Open with "What are your questions?" Listen carefully and repeat question to class before answering. Think before answering. It's OK to be honest with your limits of knowledge.
• Handle difficult persons calmly and politely: move on, or redirect question to audience.

Go to the Tackling Presentation Anxiety module for more strategies 

---