Presentations are usually one time, big time shots. They usually aren’t something you can prepare overnight. You must maintain your colleagues’ attention and deliver your findings or arguments clearly, in a concise manner.
Here are some key points you may want to keep in mind:
1. What is your objective?
Of all the tips in this article, this is the priority. What is the outcome you hope for? Who is your audience? Always keep these two points in mind when preparing and delivering your presentatIon.
2. Do your research
Often, the most fundamental part of a presentation is to convey your ideas or findings based on strong research. Solid research which backs up your argument will allow for a more convincing presentation. Research can be tedious, but it is essential; cross-check the information you use in your presentation to ensure you have relevant and accurate data. You want to avoid irrelevant and incorrect information such as fake news and debunked ideas, which would weaken your argument.
3. Structure is key
Ensure your presentation follows a fluent and logical structure. Like writing a report, your presentation should have an introduction, main body and a conclusion which summarizes your main points and takeaways. A structured presentation will help your audience to follow your flow of thought and enable them to comprehend and, more importantly, remember your main points. The sequence, as well as how you link points together is important in structuring a coherent work presentation.
4. The back-up plan
Having back-up plans is necessary in all things we do. It helps anticipate problems that may arise. For peace of mind, back up your presentation on extra drives and on the cloud. Make sure you are prepared if technology fails you during the presentation. Can you still carry on if you can no longer show your audience presentation slides? It may be a good idea to have hard copies of images/graphs etc. that are necessary for your presentation, in case there is a technical glitch.
5. You are what you wear
Well, at least for this context. Realize the importance of power dressing. Putting a little extra effort in your appearance and ensuring that you are well groomed can make a big difference. After all, presentations are visual and all eyes will be on you. Your presentation slides/visual cues can be important as what you wear.
6. Create a good slideshow
Whether you like it or not, presentations have a lot to do with the aesthetics of your slideshow. Make sure your presentation slideshow is neat and understandable. A common mistake is using too much text in your slides- avoid overcrowding your slides with too much information that cannot be easily digested. For each point, try to limit it to 1-2 sentences. The images you use must complement and enhance the content of your speech. The information on your slides must work to enhance the points you are trying to get across to your colleagues. Remember to exercise high attention to detail when creating slides- fonts, colors, style of writing, sizing etc. should be consistent and comprehensible.
7. Practice makes perfect
Cliche as it may sound, practice really does make perfect. Just the fact that knowing you are prepared will put your mind at ease. Check and recheck everything and start preparing for your presentation early. Practice in front of your friends or family and get honest feedback.
Those were 7 basic tips for a good work presentation. The most important thing to remember is to ensure you are achieving the objective of your presentation, whether it is to inform colleagues of your results or to introduce a new idea. Good luck!
