Doing presentations
Presenting in front of a group can feel challenging for most people. Even those who like to stand in front of an audience often get bodily reactions – and that’s completely natural. Here we share our best tips for managing and mastering the presentation situation.
Tips for better presentations
1. Managing the body’s reactions
Many people feel uncomfortable speaking in front of others. That’s totally okay! Here are some tricks to stay calm:
- Breathing: Inhale deeply for three seconds and exhale for three seconds. This helps the body to relax.
- Practice regularly: The more you expose yourself to the situation, the more you teach your body that it’s not dangerous.
- Accept the reactions: Increased heart rate, redness and sweating are common reactions. Accepting them rather than fighting back allows you to focus better.
2. Preparation is the key to success
Before you start preparing your presentation, ask yourself:
- Why am I giving the lecture? Is it a school project, a seminar, or a speech at a friend’s wedding? The purpose affects how you structure the presentation.
- Who is my audience? Are they younger children, fellow students or a mixed group? Adapt your language and examples to your target audience
3. Build your presentation
A clear structure helps both you and your audience:
- Introduction: Introduce yourself, introduce the topic and capture the audience’s interest.
- Main part: Share your facts and reasoning. Be clear about your message and reinforce with examples, images, data or sound.
- Conclusion: Summarise the main point and end clearly, for example with a thank you or a memorable picture.
Tip: Repeat the main message throughout the presentation to reinforce what you want to convey.
4. Use digital tools effectively
As a student, you have access to Microsoft Office 365 through your student account, including PowerPoint. Feel free to use the University’s PowerPoint template when representing the University, but remember to follow the rules for copyright.
Microsoft Office 365
External link.
Download Powerpoint template External link.
Tips for digital presentations
- Limit each image to 3-5 items.
- Use a large enough font size that is easy to read.
- Use supporting words instead of long sentences.
- Use the Notes feature for your own words and bullets.
- Present with Presenter view to see both slides and notes at the same time.
Want to learn more about PowerPoint? Via the University, you have access to Learnesy’s online course where you can develop your knowledge further.
5. Plan for technology and unexpected situations
- Prepare locally: If you’re going to use movie or audio, save it locally on your computer to avoid streaming issues.
- Have a plan B: What do you do if the technology fails? Can you use a whiteboard instead?
- Don’t be afraid of silence: Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection in the audience.
6. Implementation and body language
- Accept your physical reactions: Everyone experiences nervousness. By exposing yourself to the situation, you learn to handle it better.
- Think about your body language: Make your body language open and make sure to orient yourself towards the audience. Feel free to use a pen or clicker to keep your hands busy.
- Move or stand still? Choose what feels natural to you.
- Focus on the right things: Just because someone looks bored doesn’t mean they are. Think for yourself about how engaged you usually look when you listen to lectures. When we take in information, we usually look bored – that doesn’t mean we are. Therefore, when you are presenting try not to try to analyse what others think of you.
7. Preparation and practice
Being well prepared is crucial. Around 80% of a successful presentation is about preparation.
- Practice your presentation: Go through your introduction, main body and conclusion several times.
- Practice in front of a friend or film yourself to get feedback.
- Use supporting words instead of an entire script: This reduces the risk of getting lost.
- Have a safety phrase ready: If you get lost, you can use a phrase like “I’ve been talking about X, now we’re moving on to Y” to find your way back.
With the right preparation, structure, and attitude, you can succeed with your presentation. Remember that practice makes perfect and that it’s okay to feel nervous. Good luck!
More information
Speech anxiety is common and many people feel that fear hinders them in their studies. If you find it difficult to give a presentation or speak in front of a group, you can get support from the Student Healthcare Centre.
