Presentation Tips

When you step in front of the podium to give your conference presentation, the audience will be looking forward to learning from your research, insight and expertise. Follow these tips to make sure your presentation is as interesting as the material you’re sharing.

1. Speak with conviction. Show that you really believe in what you are saying. The material you present orally should have the same ingredients as that which are required for a written research paper – a logical progression from a compelling introduction, to strong supporting arguments with accurate and up-to-date information, to a conclusion or summary.
2. Watch your body language. People would rather see you active and engaging you’re your face, body and hands than sitting down or standing still behind the podium.
3. Remember that YOU are the presenter, not your PowerPoint. Do not read from notes or slides for any extended length of time, although it is quite acceptable to glance at your notes.
4. Speak loudly, clearly and with enthusiasm. Do not mumble. If you made an error, correct it and continue. No need to make excuses or apologize profusely.
5. Maintain eye contact. Use the 3-second technique: look into the eyes of a person in the audience for 3 seconds at a time. Make direct eye contact with a number of people in the audience, and every now and then glance at the whole audience while speaking. Eye contact helps make your audience feel engaged and involved.
6. Respond to the audience. Adjust and adapt as needed. If what you have prepared is obviously not getting across to your audience, be prepared to change your strategy midstream. If you are short of time, know what can be safely left out. If you have extra time, have another section on hand to add in. Always be prepared for the unexpected.
7. Slow down and pause as needed. Allow yourself and your audience a little time to reflect and think. Don't race through your presentation and leave your audience, as well as yourself, feeling out of breath. Avoid “um” between thoughts. Brief silence is a good alternative.
8. Add humor whenever appropriate and possible. People like to laugh. Remember that fun, interesting speech makes time fly, but a boring speech is always too long to endure.
9. Make sure everything works before you start your session. If possible, have an emergency backup system readily available. Should you face a challenge like a misbehaving microphone, just adapt and move on.
10. Tell your audience what to expect. Let them know you will be providing an outline so they will not be distracted taking unnecessary notes during your presentation. Also, indicate when you will be taking questions (throughout the session or at the end).
11. Have a clear, positive ending. End your session with an interesting remark or an appropriate punch line to leave your listeners with a positive impression and a sense of completion. Do not belabor your closing remarks. Thank your audience and suggest next steps or indicate where you will be for additional questions.