"Public speaking is the #1 fear in America.  Death is #2.  That means people would rather be inside the coffin at a funeral than the person giving the eulogy." 

So what is it that makes standing up in front of a group of people so frightening?  My guess is that it is not preparing in the right way.  I've given speeches for various groups for about 10 years now.  These are some of the tips that I can suggest that will make your presentations a little bit better.

1.  KNOW THAT YOU ARE GIVING A PRESENTATION.  Sounds a little ridiculous, but this first step is the most important.

2.  KNOW THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE PRESENTATION.  You probably can't give presentations about the benefits of reading the Exponent for your final chemistry presentation.  Know the subject area and the type of presentation that you are expected to give.

3.  RESEARCH.  Adding some professional thought and resources gives you a good place to base your presentation on.  Not only does it give you some credibility, but it beats making up the information and being caught in a lie.

4.  ADD HUMOR AND FUN.  Your presentation isn't going to be interesting to other people if you aren't interested in it yourself.  You know the classes that the professor is boring and doesn't care (not that this happens at MSU)?  Things are going to change just because the speaker changes.  Are you doing a presentation on golf?  Show a clip from "Caddyshack".  I did a speech once on Transgenderism.  I kept the audience entertained by being dressed in drag.

5.  HAVE VISUAL AIDS.  Some people learn by listening.  Others by sight.  Use clear visual aids to accent your presentation, but make sure not to overcrowd them.  That way people have to listen to you to get all of the information.

6.  PRACTICE.  Run through your presentation to make sure that it flows smoothly and that it's not too long or too short.  If you have trouble speaking in front of groups, practice in front of anyone who's willing to listen.

7.  GIVE YOUR PRESENTATION.  Make eye contact with the audience, keep them paying attention, and ask for questions in case someone is unclear of an area that you covered.

These are the things that help me out.  You may have other ways to prepare that are better for you.  There is not a set way to prepare for a presentation, but this list should give you a good start.  Make sure to personalize your presentation, and you will be remembered for a good presentation, not for having a bad presentation.

Return to regular view	Text-only	Updated: 11/01/06