How to Present Part 2

A few weeks ago I wrote some tips on public speaking. I told you that it doesn't have to be something that you fear if you follow some guidelines on things that you should do, and sometimes more importantly, not do. Today I'm going to continue this talk on how to give a presentation, specifically a Powerpoint presentation.

Ease up on the effects:
Cool animations can be good, when they're minimal. As far as effects go, stick with the maxim “less is more”. If you have way too many distracting ones, it'll be cool at the start, but then it'll be just that: distracting. I much prefer to have just the simple “fade” effect because it's subtle and won't be distracting when it's done over and over.

Don't look at the slideshow:
Face your audience when you talk. It seems like it should go without saying, but I guess I do need to say it based on how many times people do it. If you can't remember the information on the slide then have your laptop in front of you with the information that is being played behind you. That way at least you are looking forward at your audience and aren't talking with your back to them.

Don't show your sources unless asked:
Nothing ruins the end of a presentation more than saying “Here's where I got my data.” If they ask you to do it at the end, then do it. If they just want you to have it in there somewhere, then say “According to [insert source]...” that way the source is there without ruining the ending. Use the ending to sum up your argument and finish strong. It's the last thing they'll remember, don't ruin it.

Don't address them or thank them:
Don't start off by saying “Professor [Name] and class mates, today I'll be talking about...” and certainly don't end by thanking them for listening or saying that you hoped they learnt something. As I said before make sure you end strong and listing your sources then thanking them for listening is the best way to ruin your presentation.

Presenting doesn't have to be a difficult or scary experience. Make sure that you know what you're saying and say it like you mean it. Make sure that your information is strong so that you don't have to worry about trying to make it look better with distracting effects that will do nothing more than take away from your presentation. Thank you for reading this post. I hope you learnt something. See, didn't that just ruin it?