Some quick tips for students for oral presentations to be delivered in the Week 12 tutorials.
Public speaking is pretty much near the top of the list for most when it comes to their greatest fears. Don’t be scared, here’s some tips to help you out:
- You’ve got less than five minutes, so don’t cram too much in
- Don’t use palm notes
- Don’t – whatever you do – read verbatim off a prepared script
- Engage your audience by looking at them
- Remember five key points that you wish to deliver
- Humour (if it suits you) never killed anyone
- Be yourself
- Know your material and prepare in advance; don’t wing it
- Analyse your article: where could you have improved and what could you have done better
- If you make a mistake, move on. Don’t apologise and never apologise for being nervous; it will all be over in less than five minutes
- Be yourself: your presentation is a reflection of your style so don’t try and be something you’re not
- Remember, no-one wants to see you fail. Your audience is not your enemy
- Use anecdotes about your experience. Personalising your experience of producing the article shows that you’re human and also gives an insight into your experience, challenges and how you overcame them
- Breathe. This is important.
- Don’t rush, take your time. Most people who are nervous tend to rush so try and slow down the pace
- Make sure your voice can be heard by the back of the room and maintain your volume throughout
- Ensure your voice has vigour and energy. You don’t need to deliver in a “reporter voice” but avoid a delivery that is completely monotone
- Don’t drop your voice at the end of sentences
- Focus on the positives of your piece and what you were proud of. That said, be prepared for questions that may identify a weakness in your story
- Be honest, don’t make things up. Your teacher has a sixth sense for bull.
- Be yourself, be yourself, be yourself
- There is no written component to this piece of assessment as you’ve already done it
- Be prepared for questions throughout your presentation and don’t think your teacher hasn’t already seen your article
Matt Mitchell
