Did you know that 70% of people say that effective presentation skills are vital to their career success? You may still be in school, but there’s no better time than the present to hone your skills!

Developing your school presentation abilities will not only boost your experience in the duration of your education but your future career as well.

But what can you do to give better presentations? Are there specific steps you can take to ensure you’re giving the best performance possible? Absolutely!

After reading this article, you’ll know exactly what to do when preparing for and giving your next presentation.

Now then, let’s get started!

1. Present Yourself Well

When it comes to giving a presentation or other speech, the way you present yourself is crucial, perhaps even more so than the information you’re conveying. You could have the most well-researched presentation in the world, but if you’re not speaking confidently and clearly, it will not come off as such.

Keep good posture and your eyes on the audience. Speak with confidence! You did the research, you know what you’re talking about!

2. Use Slides Appropriately

To make your presentation as appealing as possible, it should be more of a visual aid than a script. In other words, the bulk of your speech should be in your head, not on your slides.

Your slides should be used for things like charts, infographics, and brief bullet points, when necessary. And you don’t need any expensive programs to do so! Using an online graph maker or image editor is all you have to do to take your presentation to the next level.

3. Organization is Key

Know what you’re going to say before you ever step in front of your audience. It’s great to inject some personality and story-telling methods into your presentation, but keep the opinions to a minimum. Your audience will take your speech much more seriously if you speak only the facts.

Along with your slides, you should have a smooth intro and outro in mind. Start and finish strong and the rest will follow!

4. Don’t Skip Rehearsals

Even if you think you know exactly what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it, do not go into presentation day without practicing first. You may think you don’t need to rehearse, but going through a test run or two, especially in front of a willing friend or family member, can make a huge difference.

5. Return the Courtesy

Being a good audience member is just as important as being a good presenter. When others in your class are giving their performances, make sure you’re paying attention and asking questions, if appropriate. Give your fellow presenters the same courtesy you would expect them to extend to you.

Give a Stellar School Presentation

If you feel anxiety or uncertainty when preparing for a school presentation, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Keep these tips in mind, take a deep breath, and know that you’re doing your best!

Remember, it’s important that you present yourself well, first and foremost. Speak clearly, avoid “umm”s whenever possible, and keep your eyes on your audience!

Take your time crafting your presentation, taking care to make attractive, brief slides. Last but not least, never go into presentation day without having practiced a few times. You’ll be amazed by the difference a rehearsal or two can make!