Skip to Main Content
live chat

Presentation Skills

This guide takes you through the process of creating a successful, engaging presentation.

Logistics

Understanding the logistics of your presentation is essential for delivering smoothly and confidently. From technical setup to timing, this section helps you anticipate what to expect and plan accordingly. The more you know in advance, the fewer surprises you’ll face on presentation day.

Key Considerations:

  • Assignment Details
    Review all instructions and expectations. When in doubt, ask for clarification from your instructor or event organizer.

  • Location & Setup
    Learn where you'll present and what’s provided—room layout, podium, microphone, projector, lighting, and more. If possible, preview the space in order to anticipate what the speaker and audience will experience.

  • Audience Size
    Find out how many people will attend and consider how room size might affect your delivery and interaction.

  • Timing & Schedule
    Know your start time, speaking duration, and place in the schedule. Plan to arrive early and be ready for transitions.

  • Media & Materials
    Confirm what technology is available. Choose appropriate tools (PowerPoint, video, handouts, QR codes) and test them in advance.

Audience and purpose

Before you build your slides or write your first sentence, take a step back and ask: Who am I speaking to, and why am I speaking to them? Identifying your audience and purpose helps shape your tone, content, structure, and delivery style.

Why It Matters:

A great presentation isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how well your message lands with the people in the room. Tailoring your approach to your audience and clearly understanding your goals will make your presentation more engaging and effective.

Ask Yourself:

  • Who is my audience?
    Consider their age, background, experience level, and interests. Are they experts, peers, or people new to the topic? What do they care about? What questions or concerns might they have?

  • What is my purpose?
    Are you informing, persuading, demonstrating, teaching, inspiring, or entertaining? Your goal will influence how you structure your talk and what content to include.

  • What is the main message I want them to remember?
    Summarize your core idea in a single sentence. This message should guide your entire presentation and help your audience stay focused.