Giving a Successful Presentation
(0) speakers feel a little nervous at the start (1) a presentation. The answer is to pay special attention to the beginning. First impressions are important and this is the time when you need (2) get the attention of your audience. When you begin, try to speak slowly and calmly. It’s a good idea to learn your introduction by heart. After a (3) moments, you will relax and gain confidence.
You need to build a warm and friendly relationship with your audience. Enthusiasm is contagious. If you are enthusiastic your audience will be enthusiastic too. And (4) careful to establish eye contact (5) each member of your audience. Each person should feel that you are speaking directly to (6) or her.
It is, of course, important that your audience can hear you clearly (7) your presentation. Remember that if you turn (8) from your audience, for example towards the whiteboard, you need to speak (9) little more loudly. In general, you should try to vary your voice. Your voice will then be more interesting for your audience. The important point is (10) to speak in the same, flat, monotonous voice throughout your presentation. This could put your audience to sleep!
Of all (11) information that enters our brains, (12) of it enters through the eyes. 80% of what your audience learn during your presentation is learned visually (what they see) and only 20% is learned aurally (what they hear).
It is well worth spending time in the creation of good visual aids. But it is equally important not to use (13) many. Keep the information on each visual aid to a minimum, and give your audience time to look (14) and absorb this information. Remember, your audience have never seen these visual aids (15) . They need time to study and to understand them. Without understanding there is no communication.