Presentation Tips for Students

Your hands are trebling, your voice is shaky. You’re nervous, but there isn’t any turning back. Every OCMC student has experienced a moment such as this. It may have been during the tryout case analysis and elevator speech, or maybe it was the first in class presentation. Either way, public speaking and delivering effective presentations should be a key focus for all OCMC participants.

In this blog I am going to highlight some of best tips and tricks in regards to not only surviving through your next presentation, but to help you feel comfortable and to actually enjoy it!

I can only relate this blog to my personal experiences. Like most other business students, I have completed countless presentations and speaking engagements. I have also attended a few seminars and networking events regarding personal communications. With every presentation I am learning and improving my own skills. I still get nervous and jittery but it gets easier every time. Just as it will for you.

Tip #1- Know your material

Choosing a topic that you are comfortable and interested in would be ideal. Sadly, it rarely works out that way. There is nothing worse than watching a presentation in which the presenter is bored or simply doesn’t care about the topic. Even if you get stuck talking about Tupperware, find a way to relate it into your personal experiences (talk about that time your mom threw the neighbourhoods biggest plastic party- I’m sure you remember it).

Tip #2- Everyone else has to do it as well- they’re rooting for you

Chances are you’re not alone. If you are an OCMC participant you understand that presentations are the core of the competition. Everyone (to some extent) will be nervous. The process may be gruelling but it is a learning experience. Ask other participants and coaches for feedback, get them to note every time you say “Um”. Remember, we are all a part of a team. Working together is what will bring success.

Tip #4- Don’t apologize

In my opinion one of the worst things to do during a presentation is to stop and apologize for problems or mistakes. Not only does it stop the flow of the presentation but it also makes everyone focus on you even more. The audience anticipants the next fumble, it may make you feel even worse and more nervous. In most cases nobody will even notice if you messed up, you are the only one that cares.

Tip #4- Relax

Many people, including myself get too worked up; we panic and forget why we are even standing up at the front of the class. Take a deep breath, calm yourself down and close your eyes. Nerves are good, but too much can be detrimental. Your main goal is keep cool. Take as long as you need and remember that everything will be okay.

Tip #5- Be aware of speed, tone and body language

Once you know you are comfortable with the material, the next thing to focus on is conducting the actual presentation. Just because you are able to understand yourself doesn’t mean that everyone else is comprehending what you are saying. The key is to talk in a slow, calm and relaxed manner; however, this is difficult as you still need to project your voice in a engaging and exciting manner in order to maintain the audiences attention.

When you are presenting, you’re not the only one talking. Body language accounts for a large portion of the ‘conversation’, be confident and open. Be aware of posture and hand gestures as excessive movements may be distracting for your audience. Lastly, remember to smile; after all its contagious.

Now you are READY!

I hope that many OCMC students will be able to find this blog helpful. Most of the concepts are fairly ‘elementary’ in nature; however they tend to be the most overlooked. Please feel free to comment if you have any further tips and tricks to help overcome presentation nerves.

Remember to…

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

- Tim