How can I make my presentation better?

Answer 1

Your presentation can always be improved!

Answer 2

Here are five tips to improve your next Public Speaking presentation:

Plan

Have a map or outline of your speech, laying out each point clearly. You can write out or print these points on notecards and hold them while you are delivering your presentation. Your speech should begin with a HOOK--something interesting, shocking, or surprising to leave your audience wanting to learn more after just the first sentence. Within the first three minutes (or less, depending on the length of your presentation), you should have delivered your THESIS, or, your intention for the presentation. This could be posed as a question or a statement that will be proven or explained over the course of your speech.

Practice

Read through your notes and practice delivering your speech over and over again. There are no maximum number of times to read your speech out loud before you deliver it to your audience on presentation day.

It is important to remember that there is a certain level of preparedness that works in the comfort of your home, that will not work when you are battling nerves in front of your audience. Practicing until you know your presentation backwards, forwards, and upside-down is the best way to prepare. Also, delivering your presentation in front of family members or friends is useful to gain feedback and to practice combatting your nerves in front of other humans before the big day.

Engage

On presentation day, the most important thing to do is engage with your audience. This is useful for them and for you. Look at each member of your audience in the eye, and begin. As you go through your presentation, continue to check in with your audience in order to gage your speed. Nerves can cause us to speak more quickly than we realize so it is always okay to pause, take a breath, and slow down. Surprisingly, you will find that the slower you go, the sooner it will be over. If you try to speed through, you will stumble, maybe attempt to correct yourself, ultimately becoming even more nervous. Remember that you are not talking at your audience, you are talking to them. Try to imagine that your audience is one other person, with whom you are having a conversation.

Body Language

Before you begin you presentation, stand confidently at the front of the room--shoulders back and relaxed, chin up, feet apart, slight bend in the knees, and a smile on your face. Your body language will communicate directly with the audience, telling them how you are truly feeling. A tense speaker will make the audience tense, causing them to disengage with what you are saying and making them uncomfortable. The mind is in control of the body, so the best way to transmit positive messages through our body language is through...

Positive Thinking

Thinking positively is the most important thing a speaker can do, before and throughout their presentation.The best way to boost your own confidence is through affirmation and visualization. Affirm yourself by showing appreciation to your audience--think, they are seated listening to you. In our age of technology and instant gratification, how often do you have a room full of real people open to listening to what you have to say? Next, visualize your presentation being a success and the positive impact your words will have on your peers. Thinking genuine, positive thoughts will always manifest positively in real life.

By following these tips, your next presentation should be a home-run. Good luck!