Here in the data school we have weekly presentations - either to other cohorts and coaches or, to external clients - to show what we have learnt for the week. During this time (and during presentations before the DS) I have had to think about what will make my presentations better so here is some of my advice.
- My main piece of advice is practice before your presentation- this helps with nerves which I feel is most of the issue for people. Additionally, to be sure about the topics that you are going to cover
- Have an idea of what you are going to say but not a script - this will seem more natural and less rehearsed (which will give the idea that you know what you are talking about). However, if you are super super nervous it may be better to have a script just so you don't freeze!
- Think about the purpose of the presentation and who you are presenting to. The same presentation to two different stakeholders or people within a business will be very different, even if the topic is the same, due understanding and level of details required
- Tone, complexity, language - reiterating from the point above, the type of language and amounts of detail different people will appreciate will differ depending on their role and understanding of a topic so keep this in mind when presenting and in your preparation
- Pause for a breath if you aren’t sure - this will get rid of a lot of umms and ahhs
- Try not to rush. I am sure in all of the history of presentation feedback no one has ever been told to speed up. So slow down, think about what you are saying and remember whoever is listening doesn't know what you are about to say and are just processing the information you have just said. Give them time to digest what is going on
- Again, practice!
- Most people take in the most info at the beginning and end of the presentation so make sure you reiterate key points then so the listener will remember the point you are trying to convey