Nerves, nerves, nerves...
Let’s talk about those nerves first, because where do they even come from? Perhaps you are afraid of judgement from others, suffer from fear of failure or simply find it daunting to stand in front of a large group. Both a lack of preparation and over-preparation can also lead to sweaty palms. It is completely normal to be a little nervous, but no worries, there are plenty of ways to get those nerves under control!
Prepare well
You've probably heard this advice before, but a good start truly is half the battle! Think ahead about what you want to say in your presentation, but don't memorise your speech word for word. Not only does that come across as less natural, but you also risk blocking if you forget a word or phrase. Practise your presentation a few times until you’re familiar with the content, yet still have room for spontaneity and improvisation.
Make a powerful start
The first seconds of your presentation are crucial. This is where your audience subconsciously decides how much attention they will pay to your presentation. Therefore, start, for example, with an interactive question or a fun fact, to capture your audience's attention right away and keep them engaged for the rest of your talk.
Body language
A large part of communication is non-verbal. Therefore, pay close attention to your body language: with so-called power poses, you appear confident, and your words carry more impact. For example, stand wide and upright with your arms open. Closed poses such as crossed arms or holding something in front of your body are a no-go. Feel free to move around a bit, just make sure not to run a half marathon or block your own screen ;).
Embrace the silence
Silences awkward? Not during a presentation! With silences, you give your audience time to process what you just said and create a moment of tension that increases the impact of your next point. Plus, by dropping silences, you avoid irritating filler words like ''uhh'', ''well'' and ''so''.
Don't talk too fast
You've probably been to a lecture where the lecturer spoke way too fast. Chances are you didn't remember much of that. The same goes for your presentation! Therefore, speak a little slower than you normally would, to ensure your message is conveyed clearly. Don't worry, speaking too slowly is almost impossible. Due to nerves, you'll naturally speak a bit faster, so it's good to consciously take your time now and then.
Vary your voice
Listening to someone who speaks monotonously is quite boring and sleep-inducing. That's why it is important to vary your pitch. In a conversation, you often naturally use different pitches interchangeably as well. Try to do the same in your presentation: alternate between high and low, fast and slow. This makes your story livelier and helps to keep your audience's attention.
Hand gestures
Hand gestures can reinforce your words. Therefore, emphasise certain key words in your presentation with a gesture. This will strengthen your points and make them stick with your audience. Does this still feel awkward? Then practice a few hand gestures beforehand during your preparation. That way, their use will become more natural.
Eye contact
Making eye contact is also essential. While speaking, look around the room and occasionally make eye contact with your audience. This keeps everyone engaged and feeling involved. However, never focus on just one person, as that can become quite awkward.
The ending
And then, the ending: never underestimate the effect of a powerful closing! Think about what you really want your audience to take away and summarise this in a closing sentence or a call to action. This way, you will leave an unforgettable impression.
Content: less is more
Let’s talk about the content, because of course it is important too. In your enthusiasm, you might want to tell everything about your subject, but this is not a smart idea. The more information you give, the more information your audience will forget. Therefore, focus on your core message, keep it brief and concise, and don't forget to use examples now and then to clarify your points.
Use images
A picture often says more than a thousand words. If you put too many words on your slide, people will read it instead of listen to you. Therefore, try to use plenty of pictures, preferably in place of words. This reinforces your story and makes your audience remember the information better.
Engage your audience
Involve your audience actively in your presentation through interaction. For instance, ask questions, incorporate a short quiz in your presentation or let your audience discuss in small groups. This prevents them from getting bored and reaching for their phones.
Presentation workshop at DesignLab
Want to learn even more? Then follow DesignLab's public speaking workshop at the University of Twente. Here you will learn all kinds of tips and tricks and you can also practise in small groups. Keep an eye on the DesignLab's Instagram page or the website for updates on the next session!
