The Times 100 - Careers - Presentation Skills

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Careers Home » Presentation Skills

Presentation Skills - continued

The talk itself - continued

Practice

• Practise your presentation in front of other people - and in front of a mirror. Get used to the sound of your voice. Time yourself. Wear the clothes you will be wearing on the day.
• Practise your route to the venue.
• Practise using the equipment you will have e.g. using the mouse to move onto the next slide. Being comfortable with your equipment will boost your confidence and make your delivery smoother.

Some additional tips on delivery

Remember that you are selling both yourself and your subject. A thorough knowledge of your subject and obvious enthusiasm for it will captivate your audience.

• Do not read from a script - your delivery will flow and you will bore your audience.
• Use notes to jog your memory and have them written out on cards - they are easier to hold than sheets of A4.
• Make sure the audience can see both you and any visual aids you use - do not obstruct screens by standing or walking in front of them!
• Make eye contact with your audience - and talk to your audience not at them.
• Try not to move about or gesture too much - this only causes distraction.
• Speak clearly and try to sound enthusiastic. If you sound bored, your audience will be bored.
• Explain the meaning of any abbreviations or technical language that might not be understood.
• Personal stories and examples add interest and depth, if appropriate, but avoid jokes - you cannot assume your sense of humour will be shared!

Make the most of any presentations or talks that you go to, or even when your teachers are presenting information - pay attention to the speaker's style and techniques of delivery. Learning to make an effective presentation will not only help you to get through the interview process, but will also be a valuable skill for your future career.

Quick tips for beating nerves:

• Take slow, deep breaths
• Drop your shoulders
• Smile!

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