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- I suggest Microsoft Powerpoint as the student essential here, there are a few key parts to a good presentation:
1. Graphics - Fully customize your graphics so that it becomes your presentation and relates to the subject you are talking about (And not just a tacky template-based slide show).
2. Animation - Again, customize, customize, customize! Play with timing effects for a professional look.

3. Uniformity - Design the slide layouts so that they carry a style throughout the whole presentation, irregularity does not work!
4. Text - keep it to a minimum, if what you're saying appears on screen, your viewers may have read it all well before you finish, boring them and making your presentation look messy. Show talking points only on the screen along with images and movies, not only does it make you presentation easier on the eyes, but it will keep your viewers interested!
SIMPLY - Make the presentation yours using custom graphics and animations, keep the screen content to a minimum, and do not use Clip-art (It's cheesy).

MAKING THE SCRIPT - Make it easy to read for yourself, when typing double space the lines and use an easy to read text, something like Arial. Some of my local schools use Comic Sans since it is the easiest font to read by people of all ages. Again, do not put too much on your script, the last thing you want is to lose yourself.
SIMPLY - The above, plus type commands to say when to click the mouse etc.

PRACTICE - Speak to yourself in front of a mirror, try to avoid constantly looking at your script, do a full rehearsal including the presentation to check for any final errors which may have been missed previously.
SIMPLY - Start practicing early, then you will have more time to perfect your presentation. Remember, failing to prepare is preparing to fail!

Other small things to do is to dress appropriately, look smart and wear some comfortable shoes, you do not know how long you could be standing up for. Also try investing in a presentation remote, this means you will not always be stuck beside your computer or laptop, enabling you to interact with the audience a lot more. The important part is keeping your audience interested, and showing your knowledge of course!

Learn more about this author, Martin Barnes.
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