Presentation Tips for Public Speaking

Know the needs of your audience and match the content of presentation to meet those needs. Know your material thoroughly and put what you say into a logical sequence. Try to make your speech as interesting and captivating as possible to your audience. Practice and rehearse your speech as much as possible before delivering it and try to get some feedback so you can make it well worth the audience’s time. Getting feedback will also help you to learn what your strong and weak points are.

When you are presenting in front of an audience, large or small, you are performing as an actor would on stage. How the audience perceives you is extremely important to giving a successful presentation. Dress appropriately for the occasion. If you are speaking on a serious topic, be solemn. Look pleasant, enthusiastic, confident, and proud, but not arrogant. Try to appear as relaxed as possible, regardless of how nervous you might be.

Establish a rapport with your audience. Focus on speaking to the person who is farthest away from you to ensure that you will speak loud enough for everyone in the room to hear and understand what you are saying. Speak slowly and enunciate your words. If the audience cannot understand your words, you will not keep their attention. Try to vary the tone of your voice and dramatize if necessary and appropriate. If there is a microphone available, adjust and adapt your voice accordingly.