Presentation Hints and Tips

Presentation Hints and tips - General

  • Tell a Story: Each presentation needs to be self-contained, in other words, you need to make sure it tells a story with a beginning a middle and an end.

  • Here’s how things are broken today: It’s often very good to start with a compelling problem statement, e.g. here’s how terrible things are right now…

  • Make clear when you are done.: Have a clear concluding slide, maybe with a summary and ideas for further enhancements. Say “Thank you. And are there any other questions?” Keep to the time limit. Keep questions to the end. Work on the handoffs between the speakers to make them as smooth as possible.

  • Slides: Don’t have too many words on the slides. Don’t have just words, use whitespace and some illustrations. Don’t read the slides. Don’t have too many slides. Remember that your audience is seeing this for the first time!

  • Proofpoints: Try to provide evidence whenever you can, with data from your own work or from credible online or offline sources.

  • Empathize: Remember this is the first time people see this. You need to explain and walk through Any diagrams, paper prototypes, demos and other illustrations need to be presented and explained so that the audience can understand and be engaged.

  • Practice/Rehearse: Please practice your part of the presentation at least a couple of times with your team. Be familiar with the material so you don’t umm and mumm as if you are seeing the material for the first time. Watch your pacing. Speak clearly and in complete sentences. It’s not needed that everyone speak, in fact if someone is uncomfortable speaking, has a very quiet voice, or whatever, it’s ok if they maybe work the demo or be there to answer questions. But whatever you decide, you need to practice!

  • Performance: A presentation is a kind of performance. Watch your body language! Are you energetic, engaged? If you don’t care, your listener will not either! Keep in mind that no one has seen this presentation before, and at least one person in the audience has never heard of your project.

  • Logistics: Make sure your equipment works. Bring any connectors or other gadgets you will need.

For Inspiration