Learning how to properly give presentations is a must. There are a large number of students who do not know what to do when it comes to presenting. Public speaking is an important skill for all majors. For instance, an architecture major might have to publicly present their new design project. The presentation itself might benefit the student greatly if they know how to properly speak in front of large/small crowds. Although there are some people who get stage fright, it's important to try to overcome this by slowly pushing themselves to speak publicly. Knowing how to properly act while giving a presentation will make you look like you're on top of your game.
DO:
1. Avoid using slang language. While giving a presentation, the way you speak should reflect who you are professional.
2. Speaking properly is key to getting your audience more engaged in whatever you have to say. Enunciate properly and make sure you make the right pauses. This will get your audience much more engaged.
3. Behave appropriately. Act professionally, there will be another time when you can act goofy.
4. Have proper posture, avoid slouching. Please don't stand so still people might confuse you with a talking statue. Simply act normal-ish.
5. Face the speaker the majority of the time. Never give your back to your audience. Your audience should be able to see at least the side of your face when you are presenting.
6. Research your topic extensively. Knowing what to say is crucial when giving a presentation. You look worse when you present and you're just rambling about something unrelated to your topic.
7. Use note cards. Although it's better to present knowing everything you'll talk about. Note cards are a great idea in case you forget or if you have any side notes for yourself.
DON'T:
1. Use too many hand gestures. If your hand moves around too much when you speak, the focus of your audience will be geared mostly to your hands instead of your presentation. Try to use them as little as possible and instead use them to point at important topics.
2. Move around too much. Again, if you move too much you'll bring more attention to yourself than the actual presentation.
3. Fiddle with your hair. Especially for women, it's better to have your hair in a ponytail, or a bun. This way you'll avoid fiddling with it and you'll look less nervous. For men simply avoid running your hands through your hair.
4. Say "umm." Avoid saying "umm" at all costs. This makes you look more knowledgeable and more professional. Saying "umm" makes a person look uncertain and unsure of what they're saying.
5. Use controversial topics unless necessary. Controversial topics can lead to arguments and that's something you don't want. Although it is important to give your opinion, controversial topics do more harm than good. However, if your presentation is about a controversial topic then provide your audience with some key factors that make your argument valid.
