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Preparing for a presentation can be stressful. You have to choose a topic, consider who will be in your audience and you have to create the content of presentation/speech. While all of these are important, it is crucial to know what to do and what not to do on stage. If you have a stellar presentation prepared but aren’t using open body language or lack professionalism, your presentation will not have as much power as it could.

Prior to a presentation ensure that you establish communication with the individual that is hiring you. This should be done in person or over the phone, not by email. Ask questions to gain more information on the expectations and requirements of the presentation. Research the company and your topic to ensure your topic is relevant.

While planning your presentation consider your topic, make sure it is clear and that you can describe it in one sentence. Anything longer indicates you have too many topics for one presentation. Having too many topics can become confusing to the listener and your presentation may not seem organized. Follow the structure of a good speech. The Rule of 3 consists of an introduction, body and conclusion.

Do’s for a great presentation:

1. Be confident, smile and be YOU.
2. Know your topic and presentation inside and out. Cut out any unnecessary facts/information.
3. Practice and practice again. Record your presentation, review and make changes.
4. You “you” more than “I”, this will help the audience feel they are involved and will help them engage in the presentation.
5. Be prepared for possible “hecklers” or “saboteurs”, know what you are going to do if this happens.
6. Display professionalism with your attire and way of being.
7. Use key words that will connect with the audience, talk slow and pronounce your words. Effectively use pausing for effect and provide the audience with a moment to think about what you have just said.
8. Pay attention to your body language, it sends off messages that you may not want to send. Do not cross your arms or legs, face away from the audience or pace. Stand confidently, with open body language and be calm.

DON’TS for Great Presentations

1. Do not use abstract words such as things, instead say the thing is or use words that are more fitting and professional.
2. Do not start a sentence with “um, ah, so, now”, this makes your presentation seem unprepared and your audience will lose interest.
3. Do not end your sentences with “right, huh, eh” – the end of the sentence should be the strongest point. Pause when appropriate for effect and let the audience think about it.
4. Do not read off of your slides or handouts, these should only be used for supporting documentation.
5. Do not let someone in the audience distract you – answer their questions briefly and effectively and then move on to the next question or your presentation.
6. Do not overwhelm your audience with too much information or too many different points. LESS is always more.

The only way to being successful is being prepared. Knowing your presentation well, what you will do if a situation is to occurs on stage and being professional are the main tools to helping your presentation thrive. Taking into consideration the list of Do’s and Don’ts mentioned above will make your presentation that much stronger and meaningful.

Giving a presentation to your colleagues at work needn’t be a horrific experience. All it takes is a little planning and preparation on your part to impress the boss and keep your coworkers awake while imparting the information you want to get across.

The environment of a presentation can be key to success or failure. Many a fine presentation was ruined by an uncomfortable or unsuitable environment. The make the environment as comfortable and productive as possible try to arrange the following items:

1) Room size and location. You want to have the room fit the number of people attending your presentation. Too small a room and your listeners may have to stand, or even sit on the floor. Too large a room, and your listeners could be scattered all over the four corners of the place, making it difficult to establish eye contact, or draw in your audience. If at all possible, have a good idea how many people are attending your presentation before you book a room.

The room location should be clearly indicated in any brochures or advertisements for your presentation. You don’t want your audience wandering all over a building looking for your room and missing half your presentation. You also don’t want your room location to be too close to a potential distraction, like a swimming pool, or a bar.

2) Room temperature, seating, tables. You want the temperature to be cool enough to keep your listeners awake, yet warm enough so they aren’t uncomfortable. Ask your listeners before you begin if they are comfortable. Show them where the thermostat is so they can adjust it during the presentation if need be.

Seats should have good back support, and there should be enough seats for everyone. The seats should have armrests and be adjustable.

Tables should be clean of any extraneous items and allow for a unobstructed view of the speaker. You may want to be sure the tables are grouped together to facilitate team work and exchange of ideas. Prepare the tables with any materials the participants need for your presentation, such as paper to take notes, outlines or copies of the slides you are presenting, pens, markers (if needed), and name tags.

3) Comfort. Nothing is worse for a presenter than a room full of caffeine or food depraved listeners. If you have a morning presentation, it is pleasant to offer coffee, tea, juice and other breakfast type items such as cereal bars or muffins for the participants to have prior or during your presentation. For a later day presentation, pitchers of ice water, soda, and energy bars are appreciated. If your room is near a place that offers food, such as a cafeteria, or vending machines, please point these out to your participants prior to getting into your talk. In addition to food, please tell your listeners where the bathrooms are.

Now that your environment is conducive to good listening and your listeners are comfortable and feel a little pampered and special, all eyes and ears will be on you, not on their growling tummies or sore backs. All it takes is a little preparation.