Presentations are one of the most difficult things to do, especially when preparing for the adult world. Standing up to talk in front of people requires lots of bravery. I still am nervous about giving out presentations, but I thought of some things that will help me go through a presentation. Here are 5 tips:
1. It is just a presentation!
Remember this phrase, "It is just a presentation." The presentation is what everyone has to go through if it is mandatory. A presentation just helps pass the time and make everything feel abundant and sufficient. If the presentation is for homework, try your best on it and have fun with it. It does not matter the result, but what really matters is that you are finally through with the presentation. Take it easy, "it is just a presentation."
2. The audience is bored
The audience, most of the time, doesn't really care about the presentation. Some may tend to listen or just pretend to listen. They are hearing the presentation in order to pass the time too. They are more focused on what time that they can leave more than what information is on the presentation. If you are doing a presentation, try to make the presentation lively and fun, so that way it makes you and your audience's day with it, even if you mess it up. No one will really remember your presentation after a few days or so. If you have a chance to know your audience, get along with them and be friends with them. Sometimes knowing your friends are your audience, they become supportive of you in the presentation no matter what.
3. Take deep breaths and smile
It is important to take a deep breath. Sometimes just taking deep breaths can help calm you down. Therefore, some of the stress and nervousness disappear. Just focus on delivering the main points of the presentation. Take deep breaths in between the main points of the presentation are good too. This way, it helps separate and organize the information. Also, smiling is good too because it shows some enthusiasm to your audience and the audience appreciates people trying their best. Smiling also makes you feel comfortable too.
4. Take your time
Don't worry about taking someone else's time or that you need to speed up your presentation. You are expected to do a presentation so you have to take some time anyway. Do not worry about being so boring and slow. It does not matter, you need to spend some time talking anyway. Remember, it helps pass the time for everyone so they do not need to talk either. You can't even read their minds, so do the presentation at your own pace. Just be yourself and take as much time you need. Next thing you know, you are already done with the presentation.
5. Read from your notes/script
If you are really nervous and your mind goes very blank on the presentation, and you have your script or notes, just read it off. No one really cares if you read off from your notes or script but maybe your grader would. However, your grader will understand why you have to read the information. Remember, presentations are still considered to be very hard for anyone no matter how many times they go through with it. Try not to read the whole information if you can. But if you have to read it all, make sure you look and face at the audience. Make sure you are reading out loud slowly and clearly. Don't read it so fast! At least, you have given all the information that you need to present.
Good luck with doing presentations!
