Tips on Giving a Good Presentation

Speaking

• Face the audience as much as possible.  Try to maintain eye contact with the whole audience, not just the instructor.
• Speak clearly and deliberately; be careful not to go too fast.
• Pay attention to the level of your audience.  They may not know as much as you about your subject area.

• Your talk should be structured to have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
• The introduction should motivate your subject and outline the presentation.
• Summarize key points of the talk during the conclusion.

• When appropriate, consider using transparencies or PowerPoint slides, but use them sparingly.
• When using transparencies, be careful not to obscure the view from the audience.
• If using transparencies, point to the screen with a pointer.
• Minimize wording on transparencies -- use brief phrases and key words rather than complete sentences.
• Hand writing on the board and print on transparencies should be LARGE so that the audience can easily read it.
• If preparing 8 ½^" x 11" transparencies, leave margins at the top and bottom of 2 ½ inches.

• Rehearse your talk at least three times before presenting to the class.  This is critical in making sure you use your allotted amount of time and that you effectively address your key points.  
• Relax -- nobody is out to get you.