Oral Presentation Tips

Oral Presentations: Advice from Jennifer Cleary, Senior Lecturer in Theater Arts

Here are five key skills you can practice:

  1. Preparation: refer to outlined notes without directly reading from them (no shame in having notes). Practice out loud. Do not just prepare on paper - speak!!!
  2. Breathing: Practice focused breathing to manage the anxiety and nerves that may come with speaking for any audience.
  3. Energy: Lift up the audience with increased energy - have more energy than your audience, especially if you are on Zoom and cannot see them all.
  4. Authenticity: Be yourself and show your own personality throughout the presentation - don't try to imitate any other speakers.
  5. Connection: it's a human conversation with your audience - remember this.
For in-depth instruction and explanation, view Professor Cleary's videos on best practices for oral presentations:

Speech Process and Structure

Speaking and Nervousness

Hooks, Transitions and Conclusion

Nonverbal Communication and Video Aids

Paralanguage and Everything Else