There are seven key aspects to giving an effective presentation.
First, clearly state your purpose. What is your presentation about? Why should the audience care?
Second, have a clear pattern of organization. Is there an obvious beginning, middle and end? Does this sequence make sense?
Third, use clear transitions. Make it apparent when you have completed one topic and when you are beginning another. This is particularly necessary if you have audience members whose first language is not English or who have hearing limitations.
Fourth, provide support for the information. What is the basis for your comments? Can you cite facts or figures, or refer to a written article?
Fifth, keep your voice clear, varied, and interesting. You want to avoid having a monotone delivery. Vary your pitch and tone. Raise and lower your voice to maintain interest.
Sixth, make sure that your presentation will help solve the audience’s problems and meet its needs. The audience may not know it has this problem until you tell them about it. Ensure that you have been persuasive enough so they agree they have the problem. Then make sure you can present a viable solution that they can implement. Otherwise, you will frustrate them.
Seventh, maintain the audience’s attention and get them involved. A good way to get their attention is to use their names or a situation that they are all familiar with. Ask questions and call on volunteers to hear their answers. Don’t assume that they are knowledgeable about the issue or content you are discussing. Ask questions to draw out their knowledge and keep the audience involved and interested.
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