GOAL: A presentation that informs, inspires, motivates
ANXIETY VERSUS NERVOUSNESS 101: Managing ‘Mild’ Anxiety
PLAN, PRODUCE, PRACTICE, PRESENT
Speaking Notes
One of the keys to preparing a successful presentation is finding a system of making speaking notes that works for you. The goal is to find a note system that is detailed enough to allow you to speak confidently while loose enough to allow you to actually talk to your audience rather than simply read something to them.
Some students prefer to write out an entire “script” for their presentation that includes everything they want to say. This strategy works well for many people and gives them a sense of security and confidence. But beware: for some speakers, having a full script leads to a less engaging talk. If you don’t practice your talk a great deal, you will end up with your head buried in your script stumbling each time that you miss a word.
Other students prefer to write their notes in short bullet points. They then elaborate on these ideas while making their presentation. This style has the benefit of making your talk sound more natural and extemporaneous, but, again, beware. Without preparation, you may end up simply reading off the bullet points and end up with a presentation that is not detailed enough or going into too much detail and ending up with a talk that is too long.
Clearly there is no right or wrong way to take notes for your presentation. Either style can work so long as you prepare. Take some time to consider which approach would make you feel more comfortable and leave yourself time to practice your talk.
Images and Presentation Platforms
Audiences often appreciate having some sort of visuals as they listen to a presentation. As you prepare your talk, you may want to identify paintings, photographs, or drawings that could help demonstrate the ideas that you are talking about and keep your audience engaged. However, make sure to choose and discuss your images with care. Images need to be relevant to your topic and, generally, from the time period that you are discussing. Also, you should spend some time analyzing the images, explaining how they illustrate the points that you are trying to make. This will allow the images to become a significant part of the talk rather than just a window dressing.
You may wish to use a platform to present images and other pieces of information during your talk. PowerPoint can be an excellent way to provide your audience with key terms and dates as well as to follow the main points that you are presenting. Make sure, however, that you use the slides to present key points in a concise manner; avoid writing out your whole talk onto slides as this lessens the impact of your speaking.
and … PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE!
ENG3UI - ENG3UP 