Unit 5: Delivering a Presentation

Now is the time to write notes for your delivery of the speech. Make sure to note down all the important quotations, facts and figures, and any information you may not remember, but do not write down entire sentences to be read. The best size of your notes is half the size of a European A4 page. It lets you note down only the main ideas, but also does not distract the audience, who will be watching you turn big sheets of paper.

Choose the style, i.e. words carefully! Use simple language, keep sentences short, be specific, and avoid clichés. You want everybody to be able to understand you so avoid using technical jargon. In some cases, however, using a field-specific language can create a bond between you and your audience. For example, computer science students may feel at ease and follow happily a presentation by their colleague. The same presentation given to students of law may lead to misunderstandings and frustration of the audience.

When it comes to using humour, a presenter needs to be very careful, especially when talking to a group of people he or she does not know well. It is better to avoid humour altogether than end up with a very embarrassed audience!

You want to be enthusiastic when speaking but also comprehended well. Therefore, you will need to check the pronunciation of certain words beforehand, and work on speaking at a normal rate, making pauses at appropriate places and adjusting the volume of your speech.

Finally, when everything is carefully planned, it is time for you to rehearse your speech. If possible, you might ask a friend or a family member to listen to you and give you their feedback. If not, record your speech or speak in front of the mirror. Apart from obvious advantages, the actual speaking process also lets you check the time limit and minimizes stage fright. You may want to pay special attention to your posture and movement, gestures and eye contact.

Posture should be straight but relaxed. Do not lean on anything, do not sway, and do not fold your hands in front or back. Vary your gestures and adjust them to the size of your audience. Watch out for things you do unconsciously (you could make a video of yourself speaking, if possible). Do you know that you always scratch behind your left ear when asked a difficult question?

Different cultures will approach public speaking differently. Remember that Europeans prefer a more formal style of presentations than Americans; they do not like a lot of walking or gesturing during presentation, and they usually stand during speech making. North Americans prefer an animated style of presentation (bigger gestures). They also make eye contact during the last few words of a sentence and then hold it for a second or two.

In general, you want to maintain eye contact with individuals in your audience, not just one spot. Also, dress conservatively, wear clean comfortable shoes, and do not play with your pencils while speaking. Remember to smile.