This is my collection of quick tips to improve your communication in presentations. This is informed by How to Speak and On Writing Well.

Structure

Presentations should consist of the following pieces:

  • Introduction
    • who and what?
    • Introduce yourself
    • Introduce your topic
  • Empowerment Promise
    • You will be able to...
  • Idea
    • Present one idea you want people to remember.
  • Examples
  • Show how it can be applied

Slides

  • First Slide - include title and your name, introduce yourself.
  • Remove Visual Clutter - logos, titles, bullets, backgrounds, etc...
  • Big Font - have only a few words per slide, assume people will read the words and stop paying attention to what you are saying.

Speaking

  • Slow Down - draw out your words
  • Pause - take a breath every now and then - let people take a break to absorb what you have said.
  • Vary Pitch and Volume - monotone puts people to sleep
  • Express Passion - express your excitement about your subject - if you don't care how do you expect others to care?
  • Interact with Audience - this is the main advantage of a live presenter - you can respond to your audience, you can ask them questions, and get a response.

Reflect

  • Ask others what they took away from the presentation.