Is it time for your first ever, big presentation? Don’t stress, plan it! If you play your cards correctly, you will have that auditorium at your feet!
First of all, figure out what do you want to say. Then, structure your presentation. Choose a topic by using “pizza” approach to narrow down the broad subject into a small one. Then, think about the three main ideas of this topic. Write them down since they will become your guides in a sort of way.
Ticked that box? Good! Now let’s get down to business. Look at each point and start collect information. Take your time to come up with the best explanation for each point so that the audience will understand your message. The information should be simple and good explained. Remember, to win the audience, you need to make sure that your audience is engaged – try to write down some questions by the end of the presentation so that you can have a profound conversation afterwards.
What is next? Design. Always use high-quality pictures that are able to capture the audience’s attention. Pick a color palette, choose a template idea that works for you and if you don’t find one, create one! Make it personal! The key here is to mix parts of your aesthetics with the subject discussed. Use transitions wisely. Too much can get messy, too little can get flat!
The last but more important part of the presentation is… you! Get up there on the stage and own it! Put some ‘you’ in there, start off with a hello and a big smile! Interact with the audience but don’t let them throw you off your game, choose the right time to initiate a discussion and keep it brief. Have a few subject-related jokes in your quiver, just to break that ice and to ‘wake them up’ if needed! Don’t just read from your presentation – talk about your subject as you will talk to your friend. Last but not least, practice and time yourself. This will help you find a correct tone of voice, the right presentation flow and it will help you remember the order of slides and, to conclude, it will boost your confidence!
P.S Speaking from experience – if you have a fear of public speaking – try this. Imagine that you are alone in the room. It will automatically make you calm and less stressed about your performance.