PRESENTATION GUIDE

Thesis presentation is just around the corner and I think those who will be in this predicament are dealing with presentation anxiety. Being a little nervous in giving a presentation is normal, it is the body's response to something that is not known. You should be really worried if you do not feel any reaction.

The presentation anxiety fuels the presenter to do his best. However, the extreme feeling of anxiety is disadvantageous, as the energy generated by it converts into tension, fidgets, dry and tight throat, and could disable proper body and mind function.

Here are some tips to overcome the anxiety and help you finish that presentation splendidly:

PREPARE. You need to focus on what you intend to happen and what you want from your audience. Carefully plan out your presentation. Organize your thoughts and your words. But be flexible enough to make the necessary adjustments during your presentation.

REHEARSE. Rehearsing over and over before the Big day helps you internalize the message and make delivery spontaneous. Working out your "muscle-memory" helps you deliver a powerful presentation.

As much as possible, rehearse in the actual place, with the equipment and gadgets you need. Run - through all your slides, lights and sounds.

Do not be absent during "mock" presentation.This is the simulation for your BIG presentation.

WORK YOUR APPEARANCE. You know! Your physical appearance affects how your audience would respond to you. People forms opinion on what they see. You present to your audience to make a positive impression and get the "grade". Be ready, physically and mentally! There are a lot of suggestions and recommendations on what to wear and how to project a good image on the Net.

CHECK YOUR VOICE. Listen to yourself. You like what you hear? How you sound will affect your audience. Record yourself during practice and make the necessary modulation on your voice. Learning to regulate and monitor your self helps a lot. Your voice is a medium that you can use to stress a point that is respectful and courteous.

REMEMBER YOUR PART OF SPEECH. Each part of speech explains not what the word is, but how the word is used (http://www.writingcentre.uottawa.ca). I observed that when students deliver a presentation, a conjunction is not used to link words and phrases, action words are left out and sometimes a modifier is lacking.

MOVE. A little movement will keep your audience awake. There are acceptable gestures that can beat your tension but do not move too much that it distracts the audience and may even confuse you. Know what makes you comfortable.

KEEP EYE CONTACT. Even if you move, keep eye contact to connect with your audience.

KEEP YOUR SLIDE PRESENTATION SIMPLE. Keep your slide presentable. The easiest to read are white on a dark background and vice-versa. Moderately use animation to capture the audience’s attention and interest. Do away with the sound effects. Spelling is important. Don’t rely on just the spell-checker. Ask someone else to read your slides and check for errors. Turn off your screen saver as this could distract your audience from what your are stressing. Slide transition should be flowing.

BE READY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. Know all the angles, elements, and every aspect of your presentation. Questions will be asked to determine your capability and expertise. Anticipate unexpected comments, accept recommendations gracefully and answer with grace. The audience are also willing to share what they know.

Work with your team and with the panel.

Hopefully the presenters would be able to deliver a convincing and enthusiastic presentation.