Delivering Presentations
This module will help you learn how to confidently deliver your presentation. Once you have created your presentation and visual aids, and you have prepared for the presentation, you can deliver it to your audience. Delivery strategies can help you communicate your information clearly and effectively.
Top Tips
✓ Ask questions. Asking your audience questions, such as “Have any of you experienced this issue?” can help keep them engaged.
✓ Use verbal cues. Use introductory phrases, such as “This part is really important” to let your audience know to pay attention.
✓ Look at your audience. If you’re not comfortable looking people in the eye, look at their shoulders or foreheads instead, or at the wall at the back of the room.
Watch How to Deliver an Effective Presentation
Watch this video (The Learning Portal Ontario, 2019) or read the tips below to learn some techniques for delivering a presentation.
Tips for Delivering a Good Presentation
Be aware of your non-verbal communication. Use body language that shows CONFIDENCE!
Have good posture.
Smile and act relaxed. It will make you look and feel more confident.
Make eye contact with your audience instead of reading off your notes the entire time.
Avoid distracting behaviours, like chewing gum or fidgeting.
Watch for nervous gestures, such as rocking or tapping.
Make sure to dress appropriately for your profession.
Take time to think during your presentation! People have a tendency to speak more quickly under pressure. Make an effort to slow your pace and include pauses. Speaking slower will also help you avoid excessive verbal fillers like “ummm” or “ahhhh”.
Pay attention to your volume. Think about projecting your voice to the back of the classroom so that everyone can hear what you have to say.
Try to speak clearly so that your audience can easily understand your words.
Avoid the "lecture." By incorporating more than just a speech into your presentation, you’ll be better able to hold your audience’s attention. Try using visual aids, asking questions, or doing activities.
How to Rehearse Your Presentation
Review this checklist before you present to make you that you are ready to deliver your presentation. It will help you rehearse your presentation so that it will go smoothly when you deliver it in class.
How to Present Online
Presenting online involves many of the same skills as presenting in person, but there are a few additional considerations. Watch the video (The Learning Portal Ontario, 2020) below to learn more about how to successfully present online.
Attribution
Unless otherwise stated, the material in this guide is from the Learning Portal created by College Libraries Ontario. Content has been adapted for the NWP Learning Commons in June 2021. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons BY NC SA 4.0 International License.
All icons on these pages are from The Noun Project. See individual icons for creator attribution.