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Preparing and delivering a presentation 

This guide will help you master every step, from preparation to delivery, ensuring a confident and polished presentation.
Essential tips
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A student with a laptop giving a presentation at the top of a classroom

A great presentation goes beyond just speaking. It requires careful preparation, structured practice, and effective delivery techniques.

This guide covers essential steps for pre-presentation planning, delivering with confidence, and refining your presentation skills.

Structuring your oral presentation

Preparing a presentation is no different from writing an essay or report. Producing engaging visual aids starts with structuring your oral presentation.

To avoid confusing your audience, structure your talk with an introduction, body & conclusion (just like an essay) and clearly link these sections.

Before following our guide for each section:

  • Settle on your main topic and concepts to cover

  • Consider the time limit and amount of available information.

  • An introduction is like a road map that tells your audience the direction your presentation will take. Be sure to:

    • State your topic and tell the audience what your presentation will cover
    • Capture your audience’s attention by greeting them and introducing yourself
    • State your topic clearly, for example:
      • ‘I’m going to talk about...’
      • ‘Today I’d like to discuss…’
    • Provide an outline of the main points
    • Explain any necessary context or define relevant terms for your presentation topic.

  • The body of your presentation is where you develop the main points and present examples and evidence. Decide on an organising principle to structure your information consistently; it could be by chronological order, theme or order of importance. In your body:

    Make sure you provide clear links between main points, explanations and examples

    • Use visual aids to engage your audience and ‘show’ while you ‘tell’
    • Specifically indicate when you’re sharing important information for your audience, and explain why it is interesting
    • Use verbal ‘signposts’ to guide your audience through the presentation, highlight key points and bookmark the different sections of your presentation; with phrases such as:
      • ‘F¾±°ù²õ³Ù±ô²â’
      • ‘Another point is...'
      • ‘For example ...'
      • ‘[Author name] states that ...’
      • ‘A contrary view to consider is’
      • ‘In conclusion’.

  • The conclusion is usually a summary of the main points made in the body of the talk. Remember to:

    • Restate the purpose of your talk and mention the main points again briefly
    • Re-answer the question
    • Avoid introducing any new information
    • Restate the purpose of your talk, and show that you’ve achieved the aim you set in the introduction
    • Work out an engaging way to end your talk
    • Thank the audience, and invite questions or comments.

Pre-presentation

Tailor your presentations to class requirements

Across many courses at ºÚÁÏÍø´óʼÇ, you may be required give oral presentations in tutorials and seminars, either indvidually or in groups.

Quick tip: Presentation topics are usually scheduled early in the semester. If you’re able to choose a topic, select the one you’re most curious about.

Check other presentation guidelines and requirements, such as paired written assessments, in your course outline, study guide or assessment brief.

How to approach presenting for assessments

  • Examine the assessment criteria careully. Do you need to answer a set question, present an argument, discuss something critically?
  • Analyse your audience. What are their needs, constraints, knowledge level?
  • Research your topic. Look beyond your course readings.
  • Think critically. Demonstrate an ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your research sources.
  • Stick to the time limit. Allow roughly 400 words per five minutes.
  • Use visuals to your advantage. Graphs, diagrams, videos etc. can reduce your word count.
  • Review your work. Do I have any gaps or irrelevant information?
  • Start by practicing alone

    Rehearse in front of a mirror or record yourself to identify areas needing improvement. Gradually progress to presenting to a friend or colleague.

    Time yourself

    Keep track of your presentation to stay within the allotted time. Adjust your pace if necessary.

    Rehearse with your visuals

    Practice running your presentation slides while you rehearse to ensure they align with your talk. Check that the flow of your slides complements your words without overwhelming the audience.

    Use your phone to record yourself

    A great way to improve your skills is to record yourself presenting on your phone and watch the video. Note how you look and sound - what do you do well, and what would you improve?

  • Being thoroughly prepared with your equipment and understanding the room setup is essential for a seamless presentation, helping you avoid technical glitches and enhancing your confidence.
    • Rehearse with the equipment

      If possible, have a practice run with the equipment in the actual presentation room. This allows you to familiarise yourself with the controls and any quirks of the system.

      Visual compatibility check

      Open your slides on the presentation computer to ensure compatibility. Verify that the visuals display as intended, including fonts, images, and animations.

      Connecting your laptop

      If you’re using your own laptop, ensure that it connects seamlessly to the projector via the room’s computer console. Bring necessary cables, adapters, or connectors

      Power outlets

      Identify where power outlets are located. Check if you need an extension cord or double adaptor to reach your equipment comfortably without causing clutter or hazards.

    • Computer location and operating position

      Determine the position of the computer. Choose a standing spot that allows easy access without turning your back to the audience.

      Projection screen position

      Identify where the screen or projection surface is located. If there is no screen, a clean, light-coloured wall or whiteboard can serve as an alternative.

      Projector setup

      Locate the projector and test its alignment. Ensure that you won’t accidentally block the screen while presenting by standing off to the side.

      Room lighting

      Assess the room’s brightness. Decide whether you need to dim any lights or close curtains to enhance the visibility of your slides.

Delivering presentation

On the day of your presentation, focus on maintaining composure and engaging your audience.
  • Project confidence with your stance
    Position yourself with feet apart, facing the audience. Avoid slouching, shuffling, or leaning on furniture. 
  • Pause and focus
    Take a deep breath and wait for the audience to settle before starting to speak.
  • Start by saying hello
    Acknowledge the audience and introduce yourself, even if they already know who you are.
  • Smile and relax
    A smile helps establish rapport with the audience and projects confidence and warmth.
  • Speak naturally
    Avoid reading directly from a script, notes or visuals. Use them as guides and maintain a conversational tone.
  • Make eye contact
    Eye contact helps you connect. Scan the room and engage with as many people as possible. A brief glance is enough.
  • Use verbal signposting
    Guide your audience through the presentation using signposting words or phrases like ‘In conclusion’ and ‘Firstly, secondly, thirdly’.
  • Express yourself with body language
    Add emphasis and interest with hand gestures. Use ‘open’ body language to convey confidence. 
  • Maintain a moderate pace
    Nervous speakers often rush, so pace yourself. Don’t be afraid to pause and slow down to emphasise key points.

Essential presentation tips

Strong presentation skills can help you communicate ideas effectively and keep your audience engaged. Here are key strategies to enhance your delivery:

  • Rehearsing helps you stay on point, stay within the time limit, and improve your speaking skills. It's also the only way to combat nerves. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will feel.

  • Let your personality come through. This builds credibility and rapport with your audience.

  • Even if you don’t feel confident, project it by focusing on your message instead of your nerves.

  • Engaging your audience with questions creates a connection and keeps their interest.

  • Relatable examples and appropriate humour can make your talk more memorable and engaging.

  • Watch experienced speakers and adopt techniques that resonate with your style.

  • Vary your pace, tone, and volume. Use pauses to add emphasis and to allow the audience to digest information.

  • Use eye contact to gauge audience reactions and adjust your delivery accordingly.

Tips for visual presentation

Learn how to make your slides elevate oral presentations for classes and assessments
Read more

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