PRESENTATION SKILLS

Very often, the peers of a project demand for a presentation on a research report. Most often, a research paper needs to be presented at a conference. Often, a teacher gives a remit for presentation in the class room. Every time, the word ‘Presentation’ remains scary for the presenters unless they learn and adopt certain skills necessary for an effective presentation.

1.     WHAT IS PRESENTATION?

It is a way to speak, eye-ball to eye-ball, to the audience in order to convince them on the content of a particular topic. The person who addresses the audience is called the presenter. The presenter may be one or more persons. Similarly, the number of audience may vary.

2.     STRATEGY OF AN EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION?

The main function of a successful presentation is to win the attention of the audience for the presenter till end. To achieve this effect, a presenter should adopt the following plan of action before making a demonstration.

1. Structure
2. Presentation skills
3. Handling questions

2.1      STRUCTURE

This step aims at providing a bonny support to the fleshy structure of a presentation. To make a structure round the presentation, the presenter should follow the following road map:

1. Choose appropriate language for the audience
2. Make an outline of the contents
3. Define the sections e.g., introduction, body and conclusion
4. Never forget to include a summary at the end
5. Incorporate visual aids if available

2.2      PRESENTATION SKILLS

Presentation style and personal confidence count much in the production of an effective presentation. Presentations do not speak by themselves, they require intrinsically an energetic presenter with certain qualities.

2.2.1  ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM

No one likes to listen for long to a person speaking in a dull and monotonous voice and style. An energetic speaker always talks boldly and thus, wins the passion of the audience for his content.

2.2.2  BODY LANGUAGE

Body language plays a role of vital significance in snatching the audience’s eyes and ears. The presenter should follow the dress code and stand firmly. He should avoid leaning in any direction or keeping his hands in pockets.

2.2.3  VOICE AND TONE

Speaker’s voice and tone are the basic tools which he needs sharpen to win the audience’s applause. A deep or shrieking voice may lose the interest of the listeners. To avoid this, the presenter should keep talking, till end, moving all around and changing the pitch of voice (e.g., loudly, softly, roaring and calmly) accordingly.

2.2.4  SUITABLE HUMOUR

Without humour, a presentation may become dull and boring. The presenter should crack some jokes to refresh the audience. This will save the presentation from becoming a speech.

2.2.5  MINDFUL OF NEGATIVE GUESTURES

Be mindful and avoid biting nails, scratching head, digging nose or cleaning ears in front of the audience. People have become smarter. They may catch you there.

2.3      HANDLING QUESTIONS

The presenter should nor end up his presentation abruptly. He should devote some time to Question-Answer session. This will give a realistic touch to his presentation.