by Deborah C. Washington

Created on: October 25, 2007

The keys to making an effective presentation are to be prepared, keep the audience's attention and to be aware of your audience's reaction. Being prepared means practicing your presentation. Make a check list of all the necessary materials that you will need.
To keep the audience's attention, presentations need to be made using several different medias. People absorb information in various ways and by utilizing various presentation methods; you will keep the interest of the audience. Here are some steps to follow to become a successful presenter.

1)Always provide typed handouts for the attendees to take back
with them to reinforce what they heard.

2)Some material can be read to the audience; however, reading to them
should be done in limited amounts. Your audience is old enough to
read it on their own. You should be familiar enough with the
material to be able to present the information in your own words. This
means you have to practice your presentation. Write an outline of
the material that you want to present and follow it precisely.

3)Use a variety of media: videos, computer graphics or charts.

4)Involve the audience in brainstorming by using a flip chart. List their
ideas and use or incorporate their thoughts or ideas into your material
as it fits.

5)Ask the audience questions to keep them alert and to be sure they
understand your concept before you proceed too far. Be sure to be open
to any questions that they might have along the way.

6)Be aware of the audience's body language. Is there too much shifting in
the seat? In that case, they may need a break. Are there blank stares?
You may need to quiz them to see if you've lost them.

7)Don't be afraid to use a little humor to break up what might be an
intense presentation.

8)If applicable, have props that will bring home your point. If they can
be passed around, this is another way of keeping the audience
involved and focused utilizing more than just their hearing and seeing
senses.

In summary, a good presentation involves the audience and helps them stay focused on the subject by a variety of media. The most important effective tool for a presenter is to be prepared. By putting a little time into preparing your presentation and following the above mentioned steps, you should be able to make an interesting, informative and successful presentation.

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