1. Know your material well.

2. Prepare an outline - follow it.

Organize presentation into three sections: Beginning, Middle, and End.
Memorize the Beginning and End

 Beginning: “Tell us what you’re going to tell us”

(Overview of topics you’ll cover, session plan, timeframe, handouts)
 Middle: “Tell us”
(This is the body of your presentation) 
 End: “Tell us what you’ve told us”
(Summarize)

3. Practice your presentation (in front of a mirror, a family member, or a friend; & in an empty room).
Videotape yourself. Add some movement – “using the space” adds interest & energy.

4. When you practice, time yourself; time is your enemy.

5. Be “ready & waiting” before the audience is ready & waiting; arrive 15 minutes before your presentation.
6. Be familiar with the room arrangement, including the A/V set-up.
7. Establish your credibility early; start by introducing yourself & panel members by name, position, & LGA.
8. The first five minutes are everything.
 Check the microphone sound with the audience.
 Exhibit that you are prepared.
 Use eye contact.
 Be energetic through your voice and facial expressions.
 Tell participants when they can ask questions.
 Audiences tend to remember the first and last bits of a presentation.
 Have a “cheat sheet” to remember to do these things.

9. Eye contact establishes rapport.

 Look directly at one person for a few seconds, then at another, etc., so everyone can feel included.
 Avoid the inclination to speak to only one section of the audience.
10. Audience participation increases attention span and learning; use participants’ names when you can.
11. Use your voice to best advantage to maintain audience interest & exhibit confidence.
 Modulate your volume & tone, putting “light and shade” in your voice.
 Avoid: speaking in a monotone Avoid: dropping words at the end of a sentence
 Avoid: raising your voice at the end of a sentence (connotes uncertainty)

12. To emphasize an important point, say it a second time using different words; illustrate with an example, story or
anecdote.

13. Accept some fear as being good (energizing stress vs. destructive stress).
14. Identify your fears; categorize them as controllable or uncontrollable, & confront them.
15. Rest up so that you are physically and psychologically alert; dress comfortably.
16. Convince yourself to relax (breathe deeply; meditate; talk to yourself).
17. Imagine yourself as a good speaker (self-fulfilling prophecy).
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 P R A C T I C I N G B E F O R E H A N D W I L L M AK E A DI F F E R E N C E !

KEEP THE AUDIENCE WITH YOU

AVOID THESE PITFALLS

A weak opening

Reading your presentation

Know your subject matter in order to use your own words.
Use more than one training aid/approach to deliver your info.

Small PowerPoint font

Too much detail

Most participants can only remember up to 5 main points.
Give a handout for useful detailed info.

Long or slow-moving statement/example

Talking to a specific handout

without confirming participants are “on the same page”
“Tell & Show” participants where you are.

A/V glitches
Check out the set-up beforehand.
Have a checklist re: cords, connections, microphones, etc.
If you have A/V assistance, the two of you need to be “on the same page” during your presentation.

PREPARATION PAYS OFF!

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