1. Keep it simple and concise. Do not waste your audience's time.As the saying goes, "Time is money." But, unlike money, time is irreplaceable. Plus, conciseness is more powerful than wordiness.
2. Project your voice. Speak to the person farthest away from you.
I know that I'm soft-spoken, but I often fail to realize how quiet my voice is, so this tip is especially important for me. My audience is less likely to gain anything useful from my presentation if they can't hear me.
3. Do not read from your notes. Occasionally glance at them if you need to.
This is important in establishing credibility with your audience. The more you know without referring back to your notes, the more professional you'll come across as. Thus, adequate preparation is vital. However, as evidenced by my two presentations, I am a hypocrite regarding this tip.
4. Use appropriate body language. Keep hand gestures and facial expressions natural.
Movement is more stimulating to the eye than stillness is. Good posture is important too, for both your presence and your health.
5. Maintain eye contact with your audience. Keep them involved and engaged.
The presentation is for the audience, so give it to them, not to your notes or to the Powerpoint slides. Otherwise, you will appear uninterested in your audience.
6. Mind your manners. Be professional, polite, courteous, cool, and collected.
This tip is important for the presenter's reputation. An audience will be both more responsive and more open to a well-mannered presenter than to one who insults them.
7. Be enthusiastic. Have fun with your presentation! Your passion will be both contagious and an automatic confidence booster.
Don't you get excited just thinking about your favorite hobby? You know its good points and can articulate them to other people. If you can demonstrate the same degree of enthusiasm for your presentation by finding the silver lining on the presentation cloud, both you and your audience will be more relaxed (as long as you aren't overbearing).
8. Focus on your audience's needs. Don't just talk about yourself; talk about what you can do for your audience.
Your audience will be more likely to listen to you if you can show them how your information will benefit them. Stay away from narcissism.
9. Think like a boy scout: Be prepared for anything! Come early to set up in case problems come up.
The projector stops functioning; your laptop battery dies; or a computer virus erases your Powerpoint file. Many things can go wrong, so be prepared enough to give your presentation without any props. This will not only thoroughly prepare you, but your forethought will also impress your audience in the event that something does fall through.
10. Confidence! Know your material and be prepared. Your confidence will give an automatic impression of credibility.
The more I know about a given subject, the less nervous I am. The resulting confidence evokes a sense of credibility since I know what I am talking about.
