Presentation Skills
Presentation skills refer to the ability to make effective
oral speeches on specific work-related themes, projects, ideas, proposals,
reports, or research. These speeches are supported by various audio-visual aids
such as slides, videos, audio, images, text material, physical objects, and
even physical or mental activities.
The predominantly oral skill of making effective
presentations is crucial for survival and progress in the corporate world, as
it helps in sharing ideas and achieving organisational goals. In fact,
presentation skills are essential in almost all spheres of public life today.
Fundamental
Elements of a Presentation
• Understanding the aim or purpose of the presentation:
The
structure, content, style, and audio-visual aids should be selected according
to the purpose of the presentation. In the corporate world, presentations are
used for sales, business plans, persuasion of stakeholders, information
sharing, brand building, instructions, training, and introducing or describing
people, events, or products.
• Knowledge of the audience:
The content and style of a presentation should match the audience’s age group,
education level, socio-cultural background, profession, interests, and
requirements. Every audience is unique and must be addressed accordingly.
• Preparation of the
presentation:
Preparation involves three major
steps:
– Planning: Finding, researching, analysing, and adapting facts
– Writing: composing and organising the information
– Completing: drafting, revising, editing, proofreading, and finalising
• Format of the presentation:
A good presentation should have a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
And centred on one main idea.
Two common structuring strategies
are:
(a) answering the questions who, what, why, when, where, and how; or
(b) using the MOM plan—Must (most important information), Ought
(next important information), and May Be (least important information,
if time permits).
• The introduction should be interesting,
relevant, and attention-grabbing.
Before,
During, and After a Presentation
Before
the Presentation
•
Rehearse your presentation at least
once before the actual event.
• Time your presentation carefully.
Ideally, use only 50–60% of the allotted time, keeping the rest for interaction
and unforeseen delays.
•
Dress neatly, formally, and
appropriately.
•
Check the room, stage, and technical
equipment in advance.
•
Arrive early and interact with the
audience to understand their interests.
• Control nervousness by deep
breathing, relaxation, positive thinking, and good posture.
•
Be prepared for technical failures.
•
Your main strengths are your
knowledge, voice, and body language.
During
the Presentation
• Begin with a strong hook
such as a story, quotation, fact, or image.
• Maintain eye contact with the entire audience.
• Modulate your voice according to the content.
• Avoid fillers like “um”, “ah”, “you know”, “actually”, “okay”, etc.
• Maintain a confident posture and use natural gestures.
• Connect with the audience using examples, stories, humour, and interaction.
• Avoid inappropriate, offensive, or biased language.
• Clearly explain the rules for questions and feedback.
• Use cue-cards for key points.
• Take pauses when needed and remain calm and confident.
• Appreciate audience participation and respect all views.
• Summarise the main points at the end of the presentation.
After
the Presentation
• Provide handouts or online
resources for further reference.
• Answer audience questions confidently and politely.
• If you do not know an answer, admit it honestly and promise to follow up.
• Thank the audience and share your contact details.
• Interact with participants to receive feedback and build positive
relationships.
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Using
PowerPoint Slides for Presentations
Many audio-visual aids such as whiteboards, charts, models,
multimedia devices, audio, videos, and handouts can support presentations.
These aids should be relevant, functional, and non-distracting.
PowerPoint slides are widely used
today. Some important tips are:
• Do not depend completely on
slides; they are only an aid.
• Decide the number of slides according to the time limit.
• Avoid overcrowding slides with text or images.
• Follow the Rule of Seven: not more than seven lines per slide and
seven words per line.
• Use original content and acknowledge sources properly.
• Use clear fonts and readable font sizes.
• Limit colours to three or four and maintain visual balance.
• Use appropriate images and respect copyright rules.
• Do not turn off lights unless necessary.
• Do not read directly from the slides—explain ideas in your own words.
Good presentation skills can be
developed through regular practice and are one of the most valuable assets for
professional success.
Exercises
B.
Short-Answer Questions (Answer in
100–150 words)
1. Explain the importance of knowing your audience before a presentation.
Knowing the audience is very important for an effective presentation. It helps the presenter choose suitable language, tone, and content. Different audiences have different levels of knowledge, interests, and expectations. When a presentation matches the audience’s background and needs, it becomes more engaging and meaningful. This also helps the presenter connect better with listeners and achieve the purpose of the presentation successfully.
2. Mention any three points to be kept in mind before and during presentations.
Before a presentation, one should prepare well, rehearse properly, and manage time effectively. Dressing appropriately and checking technical equipment are also important. During the presentation, the speaker should maintain eye contact, speak clearly, and use natural gestures. Connecting with the audience and avoiding fillers help make the presentation effective.
3. Explain ideal behaviour in the post-presentation stage.
After a presentation, the speaker should answer questions politely and confidently. The presenter should thank the audience and appreciate their participation. Providing handouts or resources is useful. Accepting feedback positively and interacting with the audience helps improve future presentations and build good relationships.
4. How can nervousness be overcome during presentations?
Nervousness can be reduced through proper preparation and practice. Deep breathing, positive thinking, and maintaining confident posture help control fear. Rehearsing with friends and focusing on friendly faces in the audience also help. Believing in one’s knowledge and experience increases confidence.
5. Mention five important points while using PPT slides.
Slides should not be overcrowded with text or images. The Rule of Seven should be followed. Fonts should be clear and readable. Colours should be limited and balanced. Slides should support the speaker and not replace oral explanation.
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