Know the topic
You should and have to know the topic of presentation in greater depth than anyone else. Your research and study should help you in knowing intricate details, principles, definitions and explanations, and theories. Learn them, and try to remember. It always helps if you know more than requisite, but harms if you know not.
Start and End effectively
Begin your presentation by greeting the audience, and introducing yourself. Then introduce the presentation. Give a short intro of it, and explain what it contains and how you are going to proceed with it. Also, say that you would love to entertain queries in the end.
End the presentation by carefully drawing a conclusion. It should summarize the entire thing in a sentence or two so that your listeners remember points that have been made by you. Then wait for questions.
Concise information
It is not a storytelling competition. Provide information that is to the point, concise, detailed but not unnecessarily dragged. No one will have the patience to sit through a monotonous lengthy presentation. You do not want them to doze off. Thus be to the point.
Have notes but not elaborate
Do not carry notebooks filled up with notes and browse through them while presenting. It is a deterrent to effective presentation. Carry a single sheet or note cards, with only the pointers. Your preparation should have included practicing elaborating on the points. And try to look into your notes the least possible number of times.
Do no readout
In continuation to the previous tip, do not read out the notes that you carry. They are mere references, so you know how to proceed, do not leave out anything, and to help you in case you forget something. It is not a book reading exercise.
Pictures and Graphs, and Handouts
These make your presentation effective, interests the audience, and explain it better. Others get glued to it, be interested and as it helps them understand better, you score more. It also makes the presentation non-monotonous and boring.
Effective answering
When you are asked a question, firstly thank the individual for it. This is a polite gesture, and also provides you some moments to get yourself geared to answering it. You have time to recall and then answer effectively. Grants your composure and confidence. And keep your answers brief, simple, and to the point. Sound very grounded while replying.
Be understandable
Make your speech legible. Do not speak too fast or too softly. Emphasize words and phrases. Keep your diction simple and avoid using difficult words. Most students have a conception that the use of powerful words, quotes, and long phrases will prove their superiority and expertise, but this is not true.
Be entertaining
Smile, crack jokes if you can relate to the topic, do not be stationary. Make its activity and not an exercise.
Gestures
Make hand movements, but not too provocative. You can nod. You can use such movements to emphasize the points you are making. This will only make your presentation lively.
Make eye contact
Making eye contact is very important. This way the viewers know you are honest, confident, and know your topic well. They also feel connected. They will react positively then, by nodding or smiling at you. This will prove as a plus point to high scores.
Do not fumble or stammer
Try to practice so well that you do not stammer, do not search for words or forget your facts. Stammering and fumbling signify two things – either you are not prepared (that means you are not sincere) and that you are nervous. Both are bad.
Voice training
Train your voice to have clarity, to be audible but not loud, to have a normal speed, to take pauses while speaking, and proper pronunciation.
Breathe
Breathe before and during the presentation. But not heavy breathing that can be heard by all. Deep breathing, not loud breathing.
Apologize if wrong
If at any point in time you are wrong, apologize for it instead of trying to prove yourself correct. Do not be arrogant. This will not add to your negative points but prove your humility which will be appreciated. But do not keep apologizing for being nervous, not knowing the topic in detail, or not having prepared well. Do not try to command sympathy.
Practice
The key to success is practice. Practice as much as you can, even when you are confident you know all and can make the best presentation ever. Give yourself at least a fortnight for this. Practice with your parents or elder siblings; in front of the mirror to check posture and movements. Get effective feedback and improve upon them. So you need ample time.
Be at the venue before everyone
Provides you time to set up, organize your papers and charts, and stay calm and composed.
