Oral Presentation Tips
Oral Presentations: Advice from Jennifer Cleary, Senior Lecturer in Theater Arts
Here are five key skills you can practice:
- 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!!!
- Breathing: Practice focused breathing to manage the anxiety and nerves that may come with speaking for any audience.
- 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.
- Authenticity: Be yourself and show your own personality throughout the presentation - don't try to imitate any other speakers.
- 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:
Hooks, Transitions and Conclusion
Nonverbal Communication and Video Aids
Paralanguage and Everything Else