The first step is completed.
Your presentation is created and ready for prime time.
Now is your chance to shine when you deliver it to an audience.
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Here are some tips to turn this presentation into a successful venture.
Don’t Memorize
This is, after all, a presentation, not a recital.
Every presentation needs two major components: life and energy.
Recite from memory and your presentation will lack both of these factors.
Rehearse
Rehearse your presentation out loud, accompanied by the slideshow.
If possible, get someone to listen while you rehearse.
Ask your listener for honest feedback about your presentation skills.
Make changes where necessary and run through the whole show again.
Keep repeating until you feel comfortable with the process.
Pace Yourself
As part of your practice, learn to pace your presentation.
Generally, you should spend about one minute per slide.
If there are time constraints, check that the presentation will finish on time.
Know the Room
Be familiar with the place where you’re speaking.
Arrive ahead of time, walk around the speaking area, and sit in the seats.
Running the show from a CD may slow your presentation.
Know the Equipment
If you are using a microphone, see to it it works.
The same goes for the projector.
If it’s your projector, carry a spare bulb.
Also, check to see if the projector is bright enough to overpower the room’s lighting.
If not, find out how to dim the lights.
Use a Remote Control
Don’t hide at the back of the room with the projector.
Get up front where your audience can see and hear you.
Remember:Youare the focal point of the presentation.
If you are nervous, the dot may be hard to hold still in your shaking hands.
Besides, aslideshould hold only key phrases.
You are there to fill in the details for your audience.
Do Not Speak to Your Slides
Many presenters watch their presentation rather than their audience.
You made the slides, so you already know what’s on them.
Turn to your audience and make eye contact with them.
Learn to Navigate Your Presentation
Audiences often ask to see the previous screen again.
Practice moving forward and backward through your slides.
With PowerPoint, you’re free to also move through your presentation non-sequentially.
Learn how to jump ahead or back to a certain slide, without going through the entire presentation.
Your presentation will appear seamless to viewers.
Have a Backup Plan
What if your projector quits working?
Or the computer crashes?
Or the CD drive doesn’t work?
Or your CD gets stepped on?
