2. By Danilo López

3. The Presenter… Greet the audience Introduce yourself and your co-presenter(s) if applicable Opening words are important to catch the audience’s attention. You may choose to start with a question or any other strategy to get the audience focused. Briefly outline the content of the presentation. The latter includes indicating who will talk about what when there is more than one presenter. It is important to alternate with the other presenters. Stand on a spot where you can see everybody and everybody can see you. You do not want to turn your back on part of the audience. Announce whether you will accept questions during the audience or at the end of it.

4. The Presentation Arrive early so that you have enough time to get prepared. Make sure the equipment you are to use works properly. (Check power, internet signal, speakers, datashow, laptops, microphone, placement of equipment, seat arrangement, etc.) Make sure you have all the material to be used such a photocopies, online material, pictures, videos and others.

5. The Power Point Presentation Do not show too much written information on the slides. Combine written information with pictures, audio or videos in order to reinforce your message, and make you presentation dynamic and lively. Do not read too much! The audience knows how to read. They want to listen to your discussion of the written information. When you have to read, do not lose eye contact, do not turn you back to the audience. Also, never stand in the middle of the datashow so that your shadow covers visibility. It is a good idea to use a pointer.

6. The body language 1 The proper management of the body language is instrumental for a succesful presentation It is known for a fact that up to 70% of the message is conveyed by the body language, as opposed to only 30% being expressed by verbal language. Do not overuse body language, though. You are on the spotlight and people are observing any of your gestures or movements. You do not want to distract their attention. Do not use gestures to replace words you do not know. Keep effective eye contact witht he audience at all times.

7. The body language 2 Lack of proper eye contact causes loss of interest. People will start getting bored. Do not stare at people, though, and do not look at one person only. The others will feel ignored. Remember, it is a general presentation not a personal conversation. If you feel nervous, choose friendly faces in the audience and focus on those. Do not focus on someone who looks distracted. This will only shatter your own concentration.

8. The verbal language During the presentation use simple language so that everybody understands your point. Avoid fancy language. In other words, Be Yourself! If you need to use some technical terms or any uncommon words, make sure you explain what they mean. Also, make sure you know in advance any special word you need to use. It is totally unacceptable to be asking about a word while the presentation is already in progress.

9. Your voice Project your voice in such a way that everybody can hear what you are saying comfortably. Make sure you don’t talk too softly or too loudly. Be careful of your tone. You want to modulate your tone to emphasize your message and convey subliminal nuances such as acceptance, disapproval, disbelief, and so on and forth. Do not speak too fast or too slowly. You may be misunderstood. Speak at your natural rhytm.

10. Time Management Keep track of your time. It is unprofessional to either speak too briefly or exceed the time allocated by far. Consider people may have other activities after your presentation. It is not polite to retain them for too long after the time allocated is up. This only shows lack of preparation on your part. Allocate time to each part of your presentation according to the time available. Monitor your own time by rehearsing the presentation. Proper management of time will leave a positive impression of you as a presenter.

11. Last but not least… Choose the appropriate attire to depict a professional appearance. It is important to underscore who says what. Get to know your audience so that you can adjust your style to that particular group of individuals. When you are ready to end, announce the conclusion by saying something like : In conclusion,… I’d like to conclude by saying… Finally, I’d like to say… or the like. Choose carefully your closing words. You want to leave a lasting positive effect. Make sure you summarize the main points discussed in your presentation and add you own final commentaries. At the very end, do no forget to thank the audience for their time and attention and smile while you do so.

12. Thank you for your attention