Essays

How do you feel when you have to make a presentation

How Good Are Your Presentation Skills?

Making a presentation is a requirement either in school or, at times, it is a strategy used for reporting in jobs. It is not an easy task for everyone. The thought of standing on the podium to explain something for everyone to understand frightens me. The heart pounds too fast because of the worry of not presenting as expected or not giving the desired effect to the audience. However, the feeling diminishes whenever I get to the podium. A deep breath before I start lets out all the fear and confidence. At this time, I composed myself and gave the presentation confidently, just as required.

The characteristics of a good presentation

First, a presentation should be brief. Briefness refers to concise and precise content delivered in the presentation. The content given should be concise to ensure effectiveness. Briefness also ensures the audience remains focused and concentrates on the period of the presentation. It also provides an unforgettable experience and ideas for the audience to interpret and analyze.

Secondly, the presentation should be engaging and should motivate the audience to keep listening and taking part in it. It is a way to keep them focused on the topic and contents of the discussion in the presentation. Lack of engagement makes the individuals feel distant and lose track of the flow of information, which leads to failure in understanding the ideas. Participation requires the presenter to be happy and have a purpose that the audience must recognize to attract their attention and involve them in the presentation.

Thirdly, a visually rich presentation is more appealing and captures the audience’s attention (Moulton, Turkay & Kosslyn, 2017). Visually rich means that the slides should be in point or bullet form for ease of reading. Too wordy slides make the audience read too much, hence not concentrating on the texts and failing to listen to the explanations. The visual strength should also be quality, in that the slides should display their contents in large font, and the lighting should be convenient for everyone, not too bright and not too dim.

Fourthly, effectivity is vital in presentations. Effective refers to the intention of the presenter to achieve a specific result. Effectivity is achieved through the structure of the presentation. The way a presenter introduces the presentation either draws the audience away or attracts them to listen attentively. After the introduction, a display of points follows based on a sequence that depicts the flow of information. The conclusion reminds the audience of the presentation’s contents and instructs actions or discussions to take in the future.

References

How Good Are Your Presentation Skills?: Understanding Your Impact. (2019). Retrieved 21 November 2019, from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCS_96.htm

Moulton, S., Turkay, S., & Kosslyn, S. (2017). Correction: Does a presentation’s medium affect its message? PowerPoint, Prezi, and oral presentations. PLOS ONE, 12(10), e0186673. Doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186673

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key characteristics of a good presentation?

A good presentation should be brief, engaging, visually rich, and effective in delivering its message to the audience.

How can I make my presentation engaging for the audience?

To engage your audience, keep them involved through interaction, use clear and relevant content, and maintain enthusiasm throughout the presentation.

Why is briefness important in a presentation?

Briefness ensures that the content is concise and easy to understand, helping to keep the audience focused and preventing information overload.

What role do visuals play in a presentation?

Visuals help capture attention, make the content easier to follow, and prevent the audience from losing focus. Use large, readable fonts and keep slides simple.

How can I ensure my presentation is effective?

Structure your presentation with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Stay on topic, maintain a logical flow, and end with a strong call to action or summary.

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