In the following, you will learn how to choose a topic, prepare and structure a presentation, which expressions to use, and how visuals can effectively support your points. Afterwards, you will be able to give a great presentation.
Guideline for a great presentation:
1 Choose a topic
Normally, your teacher will provide you with a topic for your presentation. If you are not provided with a specific topic, you will have to find one on your own. Here are some helpful tips for finding a good topic:
- something you are interested in
- something the audience will enjoy
- anything you are passionate about
=> Choose a topic that provides enough information but is not too broad to be covered.
2 Preparations
Get started:
- do some research
- find reliable facts from thrustworthy sources
- write down the most important information, for example with the help of a mind map or a list
- include fun facts
3 Structuring
Structure your presentation using:
- introduction: try to catch the attention of your listeners and explain the structure and limits of your research
- main part: the body of your presentation includes the aspects of your research or the points of your argumentation
- conclusion: summarize your key aspects, optionally lead to a further discussion and at the end thank your audience for listening
4 Visuals
To help listeners follow your presentation use visuals but keep it simple:
- slides
- posters/handouts
- videos/sounds
- props
5 Presentation Tips
During presentation:
- speak slowly and clearly
- use short, simple sentences
- look at your audience
- involve the audience, e.g. through polls or questions
- and watch your body language
Presentations: Useful phrases
Here is a list of useful phrases to help you formulate your ideas and thoughts during your presentation:
Introduction
- Today I am going to talk about ...
- My presentation is about ...
- Let me start by introducing myself ...
Main Part
- First, letʼs take a look at ...
- Next/Now, let us move on to ...
- Now, letʼs talk about ...
Conclusion
- To summarize ...
- Finally, Iʼd like to ...
- In conclusion ...
Corrections
- Sorry, let me rephrase that.
- What I meant to say was ...
- Let me just take a moment to gather my thoughts ...
Exercises you can do to practice giving a presentation:
A Voice & language
- Reading aloud: Read texts out loud, paying attention to intonation, pauses, and pace.
- Varying pitch: Vary your voice intentionally (higher/lower, faster/slower) to avoid monotony.
- Reducing filler words: Record yourself, note words like “um” or “uh,” and try to avoid them.
B Body language
- Mirror exercise: Practice in front of a mirror, paying attention to gestures, posture, and facial expressions.
- Video recording: Record yourself and analyze eye contact, hand movements, and stance.
- Power poses: Short exercises before the presentation to boost confidence (e.g., arms crossed or in a victory pose).
C Structure & content
- Bullet point cards: Explain content using only bullet points, without full sentences.
- One-minute practice presentations: Summarize a topic briefly and clearly.
- Storytelling practice: Practice presenting facts in logical order or as a story.