Presentation

Depending on your program, you may be asked to give presentations throughout your academic career. Presentation skills are also important for many careers.

Steps
Identify your presentation setting and parameters

Questions about your presentation?  Ask your instructor, TA, or contact the person or group hosting the presentation and identify: 

  • The expected length of the presentation, including a question and answer period. 
  • The setting, including audience size and room layout. 
  • What technology (if any) is available, including: 
    • Computer types 
    • Software (Microsoft Office? Which version?) 
    • Internet access 
    • Speakers 
    • Projector
Percent time spent on this step
5
Create an outline of your presentation

Develop a rough outline and identify any visuals and props you will include.

Percent time spent on this step
10
Choose your medium

With the setting, parameters and outline, you should identify the medium(s) you will use for this presentation. This might include, but is not limited to: 

  • PowerPoint 
  • Prezi 
  • Handouts 
  • Posters 
  • Multimedia (video, audio)
Percent time spent on this step
5
Create your first draft and test it

By now, you should have the rough draft ready for practice.

  • Identify a person or group who can watch you practice the presentation. 
  • Provide an evaluation sheet your practice audience will use to provide valuable critical feedback. 
  • After practicing, sit down and discuss the quality of the content, visuals and your delivery.
Percent time spent on this step
25
Revise your presentation and test it again

Using the feedback you received in your practice session(s), update your presentation.

Percent time spent on this step
15
Test your revision

Ask the same or a different person to provide feedback on your revised presentation. 

  • By this point, your current draft should meet time limitations and only need polishing. 
  • Identify terms you might stumble over and practice those until familiar.  

If time permits, give yourself a few days to rest before practicing. 

Percent time spent on this step
15
Practice, practice, practice

You're in the home stretch! The presentation should be finished with only minor polishing necessary.  

  • Your time should be spent making certain you know the content and are prepared to present well. 
  • Practice the presentation until you are satisfied. 
  • This can be done alone, in front of people, or using a video device for review. 
  • Make certain you do not have any unanswered questions about the location, time of presentation, allotted time for the presentation, technology, etc…
  • Be prepared! Make backups of your presentation: USB stick, CD, and/or send a copy to yourself and your host via email. 
Percent time spent on this step
25