Presentation techniques

An excellent presentation needs excellent planning and preparation. The University Library offers resources and support in presentation techniques and rhetoric to help you achieve your presenting goals.

Presenting

Presenting information clearly, memorably and in a way that impacts your audience is an important skill - both here at the university and later in your professional life. Many university courses require you to present information either individually or in groups and some courses are even examined through an oral presentation or discussion.

If the mere thought of presenting in front of an audience or even recording yourself presenting makes you nervous, you are not alone. Presenting is a skill that can be practiced and developed and, as we become more competent, we tend to become less nervous.

Like academic writing, preparing a high quality presentation is a process. When you are asked to write a text, the scope is often clearly stated in either number of words or pages required. It can be more difficult to determine the scope of a presentation, but it's perhaps useful to know that average speaking speed is approximately 150 words/minute - so a 10 minute presentation is likely to contain approximately 1500 words.

Regardless of whether you choose to write a complete manuscript or simply a list of keywords, it's important to practice your presentation to get a feeling for how long it will take you to deliver your content. When preparing for an oral exam it can be a good idea to record yourself answering practice questions and possible follow up questions.

Presentation checklist

Below you will find all the key points for creating a successful presentation.

Target group

Who is your intended target group?
A good presentation is adapted to the intended target group.
Find out and reflect on the following points:

• Who will listen to my presentation?
• What does my target group know about the subject?
• What are their expectations?
• What do I want the audience to get out of taking part in my presentation

Purpose

Do you know what the purpose of your presentation is?
The purpose governs how you design and present your presentation.
It can be informing, teaching, entertaining, convincing or sharing knowledge.
Consider the following points:

• What do I want to achieve with my presentation?
• What is my main point or my main argument?
• How would I briefly summarize the purpose of my presentation?

Scope & format
Do you know the length and format of your presentation?
The length of the presentation and the format are important frameworks when you plan and structure your content.
Consider the following points:

• How long should my presentation be?
• Do I have any specific instructions to follow?
• Should the presentation be performed live, digitally or should it be recorded?
• How do I best manage my time?

Content of the presentation

Do you know what the presentation should contain?
The content of your presentation should be clearly linked to its purpose.
Start by summarizing your message as clearly as possible in as few words as possible and then think about the following points:

• Are there concepts and terminology that must be included and that need to be explained?
• Can I use concrete examples to make the message clearer?
• What more is needed to reinforce and explain the message?

Structure

Do you know how to set up your presentation?
Based on the intended content, create a clear structure with headings and subheadings.
Consider the following:

• What are the most central parts of my presentation and in what order do they need to be presented to the audience?
• Is there a common thread that makes it clear how the different parts of the content are connected to each other?
• What do you need to think about structurally if you are several who present together?

Performance

Does your introduction arouse the interest of the audience?
Your introduction should capture the interest and attention of the audience.
This can be done, for example, by:

• Start by presenting something surprising, e.g. facts or statistics that "stand out" in some way.
• Start with a question for the audience that arouses curiosity and makes them think.
• Use humor or everyday examples in a way that invites to your presentation.

Do you have smooth transitions between the different parts of the presentation?
Well-elaborated transitions clarify to the audience how the different parts of the presentation belong together and make the presentation flow.Reflect on the following points:

• Are there smooth transitions between the different parts of the presentation?
• Are the transitions in a possible slide show well thought out?
• If there are several of you presenting together, how do you pass on to each other?

Do you have a clear conclusion that leaves an impression?
It is important that the presentation does not just end suddenly.
The conclusion is an opportunity to emphasize the most important thing in your message.
Keep the following points in mind when formulating your conclusion:

• What are the main points of your presentation that you want the audience to take with them?
• Are there any "next steps" or final thoughts that you can round off with?
• Invite to further discussion and dialogue if you are interested.

Do you have a strategy for dealing with any issues?
When you conduct your presentation, the audience may want to ask questions.
Feel free to inform the audience about how and when they can ask their questions.

• Do you want to answer any questions during the presentation or do you want to set aside time at the end of the presentation?
• What questions do you think your presentation could generate and how would you answer them?
• How will you handle questions that you cannot answer or that are not relevant to your presentation?

Will you use a slide show to support your presentation?
If you use a slide show, it is important that it complements the information that you present orally in a good way.
Consider the following points:

• Keep your slide show simple and stylish by limiting the amount of text and information.
• Choose high quality images and graphics.
• Choose a few colors that complement each other and appeal to the eye.
• Choose clear fonts and good size for your text.

Do you feel confident about how you will present the presentation?
Presenting and speaking in front of an audience can feel uncomfortable, but through training and proper preparation, you give yourself the best conditions for success.

• Make sure that your material is well worked out so that you are safe and happy with all parts.
• Practice your presentation so that you can speak as freely and naturally as possible without being tied to a script.
• Think about what preparations or techniques allow you to handle a stressful situation and use these.

Are you aware of how your body language can reinforce your message?
Through your body language, you can show credibility and create commitment to the topic you are presenting on.
Record yourself as you practice your presentation to become aware of your body language.

• Does my attitude and position communicate that I am open and interested in the audience?
• Do I use my arms and hands when talking? Do I need to use them more or less?
• How do I focus when presenting? Focus on the audience and not on your slide show!

Tutorial in presentation techniques

Students can book a 30 minute tutorial in presentation techniques.

With us you can:

• Get guidance in planning and structuring your presentation.
• Get feedback on a presentation you are preparing.
• Get guidance on how to create a clear and clear Powerpoint.

In order for the tutorial session to be as good as possible, it is important that we decide in advance what we are going to look at in more detail.

Contact the university library Opens in new window. and describe what about presentation technology you would like guidance on.