How to prepare for your presentation

Questions you might ask about your presentation.

How will I know if my speech will be at least four minutes but not more than five? Practice it aloud at home and time yourself.

Can I read my notes? No. You can refer to your Power Point pictures and notes to remind you what to say next.

Why you shouldn’t read your presentation: It's boring, boring, boring. There is little or no eye contact. There is no body language. There is little or no feedback from the audience. The audience will not listen to you.

This is what you need to do: 1. Research your topic. 2. Read the information of your topic. 3. Find the answers for these questions: a. What is the problem? b. What fact are there to describe the problem? c. How can the problem be solved? d. What can people do to solve the problem? 4. Understand the information. 5. Simplify the information by using your own words.

Can I memorize my speech? No. Why not? If you forget a word, you would not be able to continue. You will concentrate on the words, not your ideas. Sometimes it sounds too formal, like a written essay.

How can I practice? Find a quiet place. Practice your speech with the pictures over and over. Record your speech if you can. Time your speech.

How should I start my presentation? Good morning. My name is…. and today I am going to talk about air pollution, how it affects the environment, and what we can do to solve this problem.

How should I end my presentation? “Thank you. Are there any questions?” Don’t end with “That’s all.”

Concluding Advice Don't read. Don't memorize. Plan. Practice aloud. Use keyword and picture to help you remember what to say. Communicate ideas, not words.