How to Make a Good Presentation

Presentations can be nerve-wracking for some people, even for those who have done several already through out their careers. After all, standing in front of a crowd that will determine the next step, whether it’s approving the business plan, agreeing with the advertising communications, or buying the product concept, can give a person nervous jitters. Here are some helpful reminders a person should keep in mind when making a presentation.

presentationBefore beginning any presentation, the first thing the presenter should take note of is who the audience will be. Knowing the audience will determine what they will be expecting or wanting to hear from the presentation. In turn, this affects the way the presentation should be made, from the design elements to the flow. For older, more traditional businessmen, a more straightforward presentation in a muted color template is more apt. When pitching business that caters to a younger market, the feel of presentation should reflect a youthful vibe as well. When a presentation appeals or talks directly to the audience, they will become more attentive and responsive to the communication.

When making a presentation, the speaker should also know if a presentation or a slide show is necessary. There are times when presentations fail to become a visual aid and acts more like a distraction, so this must be avoided. Make sure that the content is timely and powerful, with all visuals supporting the intended message in its true context. Photos should not distract people from the points you are trying to make, but help the audience understand it more. Furthermore, when it comes to using visuals, always use good quality images—clip art pictures can sometimes make a presentation look cheap and dated.

Length of the presentation should also be considered. Avoid long bullet points and reading them, as this proves to be boring and very ineffective. Messages should read as headline, not a sentence, and elaborated by the presenter. Only use key phrases in presentations to make it easier to remember and get the point across.

To prepare for any presentation, presenters should always memorize the key message or the main idea. This will help him or her internalize the whole feel of the presentation, and this, along with powerful visual themes and emotional evidence, can make the presentation more cinematic, interactive, and most importantly, memorable. It is almost always obvious when a presenter is not prepared—he or she does not fully understand what the presentation is all about, and will probably end up looking like a complete fool.

When presenting, always remember to look your audience in the eye. Nobody would want to stare at someone’s back while listening to him or her read a list of bullet points from a slide. This makes the presenter look lazy and stupid. Presenters have to gain the trust of the audience, especially when he or she is trying to convince them, and this will not be possible if he or she looks doubtful, uncertain, and lacking in conviction. Make sure to look them straight in the eye with confidence that you know what you are talking about.

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