how to do group presentation in class

How to Present a Presentation in the Classroom: A Comprehensive Guide

Discover effective techniques for delivering engaging classroom presentations with this comprehensive guide, including planning, execution, and interaction strategies.

Understanding the Basics of Classroom Presentations

The importance of classroom presentations, key elements of a successful presentation, planning your presentation, choosing the right topic, research and content gathering, structuring your presentation.

• Introduction: Set the stage by introducing your topic and outlining the key points you will cover.
• Body: Divide the main content into sections or themes, each clearly explaining different aspects of the topic.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and provide a strong closing that reinforces the significance of your topic.

Creating Visual Aids

Designing effective powerpoint slides, using other visual aids, mastering the delivery, rehearsing your presentation, speaking skills, body language and eye contact, engaging your audience, interactive elements, handling questions, managing presentation nerves, techniques to overcome anxiety, the role of mindset, using technology to enhance presentations, presentation software tools, apps and online resources, after the presentation, seeking feedback, reflecting on your performance, create ppt using ai.

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How to Do a Presentation in Class

Last Updated: August 29, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,648,356 times.

Doing a presentation in class can be intimidating, but it does not have to be. This wikiHow will give you lots of pointers on how to do a presentation in class with minimal stress .

How to Give a Good Class Presentation

• Practice running your presentation before you give it in class.
• Write down the points you want to remember on note cards.
• Picture yourself doing well to get a boost of confidence before you present.
• Make eye contact with other people in class while you're presenting.
• Speak with a clear voice and vary your inflection to keep it interesting.

Planning the Presentation

• Write down keywords or main ideas. If you need to consult your index cards, you're only going to want to scan the index card for information, not read every last word.
• Most of the time, the act of putting information down on your index cards will help you remember the information. So, while you might not strictly need the note cards, it's a nice security blanket to have if you happen to forget what you were going to say.
• You don't want to be reading straight off your notecards during your presentation.

• Practice in front of your family or friends, or in front of the mirror, when you rehearse your presentation. It's probably better to do it in front of friends who you may not know well, as this will help you replicate the feeling of being in front of the class.
• Ask your friends for feedback after you finish your presentation. Was the presentation long enough? How was your eye contact? Did you stammer at all? Were all the points clearly made?
• Make a critique of your practice performance. Challenge yourself to work on all the things that you believe you can improve during the real presentation. When it comes time to deliver the real deal, you'll feel confident knowing that you've worked extra hard on what was toughest for you.

• Get quotes from reliable sources. Good quotes make a good presentation great. Taking what smart people have said and putting it into your presentation not only makes you look smart, it shows the teacher that you spent time thinking about what other people said.
• Make sure your sources are trustworthy . There's nothing that can quite break your confidence like a fact that turns out to not be a fact. Don't always trust the information you get off the Internet.

Delivering the Presentation

• Studies have shown that smiles are infectious; that means that once you smile, it's hard for everyone else not to smile. So if you want your presentation to go off without a hitch, force yourself to smile. That'll make everyone smile; and maybe those smiles will make you actually smile.

• Think about your intention before you talk to your audience. Do you want to educate, enlighten, or entertain this audience? What is the effect that you want to have on the listener?
• Visualize success before, during, and after your presentation. Be humble about what you do — no need for cockiness — but imagine a successful presentation at all times. Don't let the thought of failure creep into your mind.
• In many ways, your confidence is just as important as the information you're delivering. You don't want to spread misinformation, or skimp on doing your research, but a lot of what you'll be graded on — and what the other students come away with — is going to be your level of confidence. Also if you are confident, you will have a better time exchanging ideas with the class.
• If you need a confidence boost, think big picture. After 10 or 15 minutes, your presentation will be over. What will your presentation matter in the long run? Probably not very much. Try to do the best you can, but if you're getting nervous, remind yourself that there are much more important moments in your life to come.

• Have the goal of looking at every person in the classroom at least once. That way, everyone will feel like you've engaged with them. Plus, you'll look like you know what you're talking about.

• Inflection is the kind of movement that radio DJs put into their voice; it's the ramped-up pitch in your voice when it gets excited. You don't want to sound like you've just seen a lion, but you also don't want to sound like you've just seen a squirrel, either. Vary it up to make the presentation more interesting.

• Tell a story, maybe one with a personal note. Stories are great for history or English presentations. Maybe you can tie your presentation into a little anecdote about a famous historical person?
• Ask a provocative question. Ending with a question is a good way of getting your audience to think about your presentation in an interesting way. Is there a certain conclusion you want them to come to?

What Is The Best Way To Start a Presentation?

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

Share a quick video tip and help bring articles to life with your friendly advice. Your insights could make a real difference and help millions of people!

• Have good posture. Don't cross or fold your arms, keep them open. Don't slouch and keep your back straight. [8] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't forget to look at everyone, not just the floor. Don't stare at anyone in particular but 'skim' the class. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Try not to argue with your audience. This detracts from your presentation. Just tell them they have an interesting point and that you'll check and get back to them. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

Tips from our Readers

• Don't be afraid to interact with the audience. Ask and answer questions about your presentation. If you're giving a demonstration speech, you could even take volunteers to help out during your presentation.
• If you have a visual aid, don't include a lot of writing on it because your audience will get distracted reading it. Instead of writing out points, bring them up naturally in your presentation.
• If you stress out and can't remember a line, just pause and take a deep breath. Try to pick up right where you left off and keep going so you finish strong.
• If you don't like looking at people's eyes, try looking at the corners of the room or at peoples' foreheads so you still feel engaging with your audience.

• Some people may be so tied up before a presentation that they feel faint and may pass out during their speech. If this describes you, make sure you prepare especially hard and keep your blood sugar up before you present. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 1
• Don't keep your mobile phone in your pocket or it will interfere with the microphone (if any). Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 6

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.gvsu.edu/ours/oral-presentation-tips-30.htm
• ↑ https://www.uwe.ac.uk/study/study-support/study-skills/presenting-and-working-with-others
• ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zcfv4wx/articles/zdn3d6f
• ↑ https://homes.cs.washington.edu/~mernst/advice/giving-talk.html

About This Article

The best way to prepare for your class presentation is to practice in front of a friend or family member. When it’s time to present, make eye contact with your audience and use hand motions to illustrate your points. Don’t forget to smile! Finish strong with a final statistic or provocative question. If you’re still nervous, read on for more advice! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Guide for Giving a Group Presentation

February 21, 2018 - Dom Barnard

In certain academic and business situations, it is more valuable to deliver a group presentation than a solo one. Many people prefer group presentations because there is less pressure on the individual. However there are also unique challenges, such as having to ensure multiple individuals collaborate in order to produce a cohesive piece of work.

Preparing for the group presentation

As with any presentation, there is a significant amount of work during the preparation stage. The group must be well organised because there are multiple individuals, and therefore multiple personalities involved.

Presentation moderator

To assist with organisation, the group should first decide on a presentation moderator – this is essentially the “leader”. The presentation moderator can have the final say when decision-making is needed and, during the Q&A portion of the presentation, can decide which speakers will answer certain questions.

Understanding the audience

To make your presentation engaging you need to  think about the audience  so you can tailor it towards their needs. How much will the audience already know about this topic? What will they want to get from this presentation?

For example, if you are presenting the topic of building a bridge to a group of civil engineers, you can confidently use technical language. However, if you are presenting to secondary school students, you would need to use simpler language and not explain the methods in as much detail.

The presentation’s purpose

As a group, ensure you agree on the purpose of the presentation so that you all understand the message that needs to be conveyed e.g. “We want to find out which treatment works best for social anxiety.” Deciding on your message means that the group can start building key points around this – just keep in mind that each subtopic must contribute to the presentation’s aim.

Divide the presentation

The presentation needs to be  divided into main areas  so there is a clear beginning, middle and end. This is where can you decide on the order of the subtopics. Presentations usually follow this structure:

1. Introduction:

• It is useful to agree on the first minute of the presentation as a team. This is because the audience should be interested from the start and convinced to listen.
• The presentation’s aims are also discussed and an overview of the presentation’s structure is provided. For example, “We set out to explore the effectiveness of different treatments for social anxiety. We will first cover the symptoms and prevalence of social anxiety, before explaining the different treatments. This will then lead into a discussion about the pros and cons of each treatment route. Finally, we will explain which treatment route we decided was the most effective for this disorder.”

2. One or two middle sections:

• These sections consist of providing the information that addresses your presentation’s aim.
• There can be more of these sections depending on your topic.

3. Conclusion:

• After summarising all of the key points, there must be a clear conclusion. It is beneficial to appoint the conclusion to the best speaker as this is where all the information is pooled together.

After segmenting the presentation, a time sequence can be created so the group understands the order in which tasks must be completed. It is important to set deadlines for this.

Share responsibility

A frequent problem when working within a group is unequal participation as this can subsequently cause disharmony.

But this is easily avoidable by assigning each speaker a section of the presentation to work on depending on their interests. This means that each speaker should be doing the research for their section and putting together a speech and slides (if being used).

• It is important to specify exactly what each group member should be doing with their time.
• Make sure the length of time per speaker is agreed on.
• Do not change speakers more than necessary because this can reduce the coherency of the presentation.

Build the presentation together

For an audience to follow and enjoy a presentation, it must flow together. Meeting up and building the presentation helps with this because:

• This prevents the duplication of content.
• You can put the slides together, although only one individual should be responsible for merging the slides so there is consistency within the presentation.
• It is useful to receive feedback on the speeches before presenting to an audience.
• The team can agree on any edits.
• The team can agree on the conclusion.
• You can make sure that each speaker will talk for the same amount of time and cover a similar amount of information.
• The team can come up with the first minute of the presentation together.

Use stories to engage the audience

A good presentation opening could  start with a story  to highlight why your topic is significant. For example, if the topic is on the benefits of pets on physical and psychological health, you could present a story or a study about an individual whose quality of life significantly improved after being given a dog.

The audience is more likely to remember this story than a list of facts and statistics so try and incorporate relevant stories into presentations.

Know what each speaker will say

Each speaker must know what the other group members will say as this prevents repetition and it may be useful to refer to a previous speaker to assist in explaining your own section.

Also, if a team member is unable to attend on the day it will be easier to find cover within the group.

Write and practice transitions

Clean transitioning between speakers can also assist in producing a presentation that flows well. One way of doing this is:

• Briefly recap on what you covered in your section: “So that was a brief introduction on what social anxiety is and how it can affect somebody”
• Introduce the next speaker in the team and explain what they will discuss: “Now Sarah will talk about the prevalence of social anxiety.”
• Then end by looking at the next speaker, gesturing towards them and saying their name: “Sarah”.
• The next speaker should acknowledge this with a quick: “Thank you Nick.”

From this example you can see how the different sections of the presentations link which makes it easier for the audience to follow and remain engaged.

Practice the presentation

Rehearse with the group multiple times to make sure:

• The structure works
• Everyone is sticking to their timing.
• To see if any edits are needed.

The more you  rehearse a presentation  the more you will feel comfortable presenting the material and answering questions as your familiarity with the content increases.

Handling nerves before the presentation

It is  natural to feel nervous  when presenting in front of others, regardless of the size of the audience. Here are some tips:

• Remind yourself that the audience is there to listen to you and wants you to do well; there is no need to be afraid of them.
• Remember that the audience members will have to present their projects later and are almost certainly feeling just as nervous.
• Practicing with your group and practicing your section at home will make you more comfortable and familiar with the material and increase your confidence.
• Practice pauses  – when people feel nervous they tend to find silences uncomfortable and try to fill gaps, such as using “um” multiple times (filler words). Practicing pauses will help the silences feel less unnatural when you present therefore reducing the need for filler words.
• When we are nervous we often begin breathing quickly and this in turn can increase our anxiety. Controlled breathing is a common technique that helps slow down your breathing to normal thus reducing your anxiety.

Exercises to control your breathing:

• Sit down in an upright position as it easier for your lungs to fill with air
• Breathe in through your nose and into your abdomen for four seconds
• Hold this breathe for two seconds
• Breathe out through your nose for six seconds
• Wait a few seconds before inhaling and repeating the cycle

During the group presentation

Introducing the team.

The presentation should begin with the presentation moderator introducing the team. This is smoother than each individual presenting themselves.

Pay attention to the presentation

You may feel nervous as you wait for your turn to speak but try to listen to the presentation. The audience is able to see the whole team so it is important that you look interested in what is being said and react to it, even if you have heard it multiple times.

Body language and eye contact

Body language is a useful tool to engage the audience:

• If it is your turn to speak then stand slightly in the foreground of the rest of your group.
• Smile at the audience as this will make you look more confident.
• Make eye contact  as this helps you engage with the audience.
• Keep your arms uncrossed so your body language is more open.
• Do not look down and read from your notes- glancing down occasionally is fine but keep in mind that you are talking to the audience.
• This is the same for  presenting visual aids ; you may need to glance at the computer slide but make sure you predominantly face the audience as you are still speaking to them.
• Keep your hands at your sides but use them occasionally to gesture.

Vocal variety

How you say something is just as is important as the content of your speech –  arguably, more so . For example, if an individual presented on a topic very enthusiastically the audience would probably enjoy this compared to someone who covered more points but mumbled into their notes.

Here are some pointers:

• Adapt your voice depending on what are you saying- if you want to highlight something then raise your voice or lower your voice for intensity.
• Avoid speaking in monotone.
• Sound enthusiastic – the more you sound like you care about the topic, the more the audience will listen.
• Speak loudly and clearly.
• If you notice that you are speaking quickly, pause and slow down.
• Warm up your voice  before a speech

Take short pauses and breath deeply. This will ensure you have more vocal variety.

Handling nerves during the presentation

• If you find that you are too uncomfortable to give audience members direct eye contact, a helpful technique is to look directly over the heads of the audience as this gives the impression of eye contact.
• Try not to engage in nervous behaviours e.g. shifting your weight or fidgeting.
• Remember that it’s unlikely that the audience knows that you are feeling nervous – you do not look as anxious as you feel.
• Notice whether you are speaking too quickly as this tends to happen when nervousness increases. If you are, pause and then slow down.

Strong conclusion

Since the conclusion is the last section of your presentation the audience is more likely to remember it. Summarise the key points and lead into a clear concluding statement. For example, if your presentation was on the impact of social media on self-esteem you could list all the main points covered in the presentation and conclude “Therefore, from the amount of evidence and also from the quality of evidence, we have decided that social media is negatively/positively impacting self-esteem.”

Questions and answer session

The questions and answers session after the main presentation can be a source of anxiety as it is often difficult to predict what questions will be asked. But working within a group setting means that individually you do not have to know everything about the topic.

When an  audience member asks a question , the presentation moderator can refer a speaker who has the relevant knowledge to provide an answer. This avoids any hesitant pauses.

If you are answering group presentation questions:

• Pause before answering- take the time to gather your thoughts and think about your answer
• Make sure you answer the question- sometimes you may start providing more information than necessary. Keeping answers as concise as possible will help with this.
• Ask the questioner for clarification if you do not understand- it’s better to ask rather than answering in a way that does not address the question.
• You’re not expected to know everything- challenging questions will emerge and if you do not know the answer you can respond with: “That’s a really good question, I’m not certain so let me look into that.”

Ending the presentation

A good ending usually consists of the presentation moderator thanking the audience. If there is another group afterwards they should transition to the next group.

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How to do a class presentation (11 steps)

The best class presentations combine strong content and visuals with an engaging presentation style. This post offers 11 steps for creating memorable and high-performing class presentations.

1. Review assignment guidelines

Before you can strategize about how to start a class presentation, you need to be certain that you understand the assignment details. Consult materials that your instructor provided, like rubrics, to determine what your presentation needs to cover and what form it should take.

For instance, are you presenting individually or as part of a group? How long should the presentation be? Are you required to have visuals? Knowing these details will help you to plan a successful class presentation.

2. Make a presentation plan

Once you've reviewed the specific assignment details, it's time to make a presentation plan. You can start by making an outline of your talking points. Outlines for class presentations will look similar to those for papers, with sections and subsections that work through your main ideas. You'll want to be precise about what points are essential to communicate to your audience. Also, take some time to decide on a completion timeline to ensure that you're ready on presentation day. Remember to build in time for practice!

3. Choose your visuals

At this point, you'll also want to determine what kind of visual aid(s) you want to use: a handout or a digital presentation, or both? Keep in mind the assignment requirements, but also the audience and the presentation format. For example, are you presenting to a large audience? If so, a handout might not be efficient. Are you presenting in-person or online? If you're preparing an online presentation, a PowerPoint or Google slides presentation will help your audience follow along.

4. Fill out your outline and keep it simple

Now that you've developed a plan for completing your class presentation, you can begin to build out the actual content. If you've created a basic outline, fill it in with some substance. Remember to keep it simple. At around 10-15 minutes, the average in-class presentation can only effectively communicate around three main points. Avoid long quotes or monologues. Your audience may find it difficult to follow longer textual components.

5. Design your visuals with minimal text

Along similar lines, don't simply plop your outline or textual notes into your visuals. Visual aids should be just that: aids that allow your audience to better visualize the main points of your presentation. Large blocks of text on a PowerPoint can be hard to see, so work on creating a digital aid that is mostly comprised on images. When text is appropriate, use bullet points and active words that your audience can remember.

6. Allow time for revisions

Once you've compiled your notes and created your visuals, take some time away from the project. You'll return to your work with fresh eyes. Then, allow time for revision: be sure to proofread your notes, slides, and/or handouts and make sure your visuals are clear. Check to see if any images that you're using appear pixelated on a larger screen and make sure your text is readable from a distance.

7. Check your citations

Many in class presentations will require citations, especially if they are accompanying a paper or another class research project. You can use BibGuru's citation generator to create your citations and copy them to your slides or handout. Consult your assignment guidelines, or ask your instructor, to find out what citation style is required.

8. Practice...and practice again

Give yourself time to practice your presentation in front of an audience before the big day. Familiarize them with the assignment guidelines, as needed, and ask them to time you. You'll need to know if your presentation meets the time requirements. After the first run though, consider these questions:

• Is your presentation too long or too short?
• Are you hitting the main points in a logical sequence that your audience can follow?
• Are your visuals clear?
• Is your delivery fluid or are you pausing too often to look at your notes?
• Are you making eye contact with your audience?

Use your answers to these questions to determine what, if at all, you need to change and then schedule another practice. You should practice your presentation as many times as you need to in order to achieve a fluid delivery.

9. Prepare for technical difficulties

Since most class presentations will include a digital element, be prepared to troubleshoot if there are technical difficulties on presentation day. Always have a back-up plan and be sure to save your visuals in multiple places. Keep a copy of your notes and slides in your email, on a thumb drive, and/or on the cloud. Practice enough so that, in the event that you can't get your visual aid to work, you can still deliver your presentation.

10. Take the stage with confidence

If you've followed your plan, practiced thoroughly, and prepared for possible technical difficulties, you should be ready to take the stage with confidence. Nervousness is absolutely natural, but try your best to relax and breathe. A few shoulder rolls and deep breaths right before the presentation can go a long way to making you feel more focused and centered.

11. Connect with your audience

From the first moment of your presentation, you'll want to establish a strong connection with your audience. Smile, make eye contact, and modulate your voice appropriately. Remember, people exhibit all kinds of facial expressions when they are listening or concentrating, so try not to pay too much attention to individual faces.

Also, although your instructor will be the one grading you, don't simply present to them. Include the entire class in your gaze. Finally, be careful about pace. If you have a tendency to speed up your speech when you're nervous, make a conscious effort to slow down.

The bottom line

Following the tips above will enable you to confidently deliver a class presentation to your instructor and classmates, or to any audience. With solid preparation and ample practice, your next class presentation will be a memorable success.

Frequently Asked Questions about class presentations

The most successful presentations begin with a hook. This could be a short, yet compelling story, an eye-catching visual with brief analysis, or an inspiring quote or statistic. No matter how you begin, ensure that you can fluidly transition to the main substance of your presentation in a way that your audience can easily follow.

Regardless of the subject of your presentation, you can make it interesting for your audience by engaging them through consistent eye contact, a relaxed and confident delivery style, and interactivity. For instance, to keep your audience engaged, you might try including questions or brief activities in your presentation.

Wrap up your presentation by summarizing your key points. You can also end with a provocative question or thought. You should also thank your audience for listening.

Good presentations are well-organized, time-sensitive, clear, and delivered with confidence.

The most common presentation mistakes include: not engaging your audience, using visuals that are overloaded with text, and not practicing enough.

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7.4 Public Speaking and Class Presentations

Learning objectives.

• Know how to overcome nervousness and anxiety associated with public speaking and giving class presentations.
• Effectively use the six-step process to prepare for and deliver a class presentation.
• Create effective visual aids for use in class presentations.
• Work with a group to successfully plan and deliver a class presentation.

Public speaking—giving an oral presentation before a class or another group of people—is a special form of interaction common in education. You will likely be asked to give a presentation in one of your classes at some point, and your future career may also involve public speaking. It’s important to develop skills for this form of communication.

Public speaking is like participating in class—sharing your thoughts, ideas, and questions with others in the group. In other ways, however, public speaking is very different. You stand in front of the class to speak, rather than from your usual seat—and for most students, that changes the psychology of the situation. You also have time outside of class to prepare your presentation, allowing you to plan it carefully—and, for many, giving more time to worry about it and experience even more anxiety!

Overcoming Anxiety

Although a few people seem to be natural public speakers, most of us feel some stage fright or anxiety about having to speak to a group, at least at first. This is completely normal. We feel like everyone is staring at us and seeing our every flaw, and we’re sure we’ll forget what we want to say or mess up. Take comfort from knowing that almost everyone else is dreading giving class presentations the same as you are! But you can learn to overcome your anxiety and prepare in a way that not only safely gets you through the experience but also leads to success in your presentation. The following are proven strategies for overcoming anxiety when speaking in public:

• Understand anxiety. Since stage fright is normal, don’t try to deny that you’re feeling anxious. A little anxiety can help motivate you to prepare and do your best. Accept this aspect of the process and work to overcome it. Anxiety is usually worst just before you begin and but eases up once you’ve begun.
• Understand that your audience actually wants you to succeed. They’re not looking for faults or hoping you’ll fail. Other students and your instructors are on your side, not your enemy. They likely won’t even see your anxiety.
• Reduce anxiety by preparing and practicing. The next section discusses the preparation process in more detail. The more fully you prepare and the more often you have practice, the more your anxiety will go away.
• Focus on what you’re saying, not how you’re saying it. Keep in mind that you have ideas to share, and this is what your classmates and instructors are interested in. Don’t obsess about speaking, but focus on the content of your presentation. Think, for example, of how easily you share your ideas with a friend or family member, as you naturally speak your mind. The same can work with public speaking if you focus on the ideas themselves.
• Develop self-confidence. As you prepare, you will make notes you can refer to during the presentation. You’re not going to forget what you want to say. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.

Guidelines for Presentations

Preparing and delivering a presentation in class (or in business or other settings) is a process very similar to the learning process discussed in Chapter 4 “Listening, Taking Notes, and Remembering” , Chapter 5 “Reading to Learn” , and Chapter 6 “Preparing for and Taking Tests” and the writing process discussed in Chapter 8 “Writing for Classes” . The process breaks down into these six basic steps:

• Analyze your audience and goals
• Plan, research, and organize your content
• Draft and revise the presentation
• Prepare speaking notes
• Practice the presentation
• Deliver the presentation

Step 1: Analyze Your Audience and Goals

Who will see and hear your presentation—and why? Obviously, other students and the instructor. But you still need to think about what they already know, and don’t know, about your topic. If your topic relates to subject matter in class lectures and readings, consider what background information they already have and be careful not to give a boring recap of things they already know. It may be important, however, to show how your specific topic fits in with subjects that have been discussed already in class, especially in the beginning of your presentation, but be sure to focus on your new topic.

New terms and concepts may become familiar to you while doing your research and preparation, but remember to define and explain them to other students. Consider how much explanation or examples will be needed for your audience to grasp your points. If your topic involves anything controversial or may provoke emotion, consider your audience’s attitudes and choose your words carefully. Thinking about your audience will help you find ways to get their attention and keep them interested.

Be sure you are clear about the goals for the presentation. Are you primarily presenting new information or arguing for a position? Are you giving an overview or a detailed report? Review the assignment and talk with the instructor if you’re unsure. Your goals guide everything in the presentation: what you say, how much you say, what order you say it in, what visual aids you use, whether you use humor or personal examples, and so forth.

Step 2: Plan, Research, and Organize Your Content

Starting with the assignment and your goals, brainstorm your topic. Jot notes on specific topics that seem important. Often you’ll do reading or research to gather more information. Take notes as you would with any reading. As you research the topic at this stage, don’t worry at first about how much content you are gathering. It’s better to know too much and then pick out the most important things to say than to rush ahead to drafting the presentation and then realize you don’t have enough material.

Organizing a presentation is similar to organizing topics in a class paper and uses the same principles. Introduce your topic and state your main idea (thesis), go into more detail about specific ideas, and conclude your presentation. Look for a logical order for the specifics in the middle. Some topics work best in chronological (time) order or with a compare-and-contrast organization. If your goal is to persuade the audience, build up to the strongest reason. Put similar ideas together and add transitions between different ideas.

While researching your topic and outlining your main points, think about visual aids that may help the presentation.

Also start thinking about how much time you have for the presentation, but don’t limit yourself yet in the outline stage.

Step 3: Draft and Revise the Presentation

Unless required by the assignment, you don’t need to actually write out the presentation in full sentences and paragraphs. How much you write depends on your own learning and speaking style. Some students speak well from brief phrases written in an outline, while other students find it easier to write sentences out completely. There’s nothing wrong with writing the presentation out fully like a script if that helps you be sure you will say what you intend to—just so you don’t actually get up and read from the script.

You can’t know for sure how long a presentation will last until you rehearse it later, but you can estimate the time while drafting it. On the average, it takes two to three minutes to speak what can be written on a standard double-spaced page—but with visual aids, pauses, and audience interaction, it may take longer. While this is only a rough guide, you can start out thinking of a ten-minute presentation as the equivalent of a three to four-page paper.

Never wait until the last minute to draft your presentation. Arrange your time to prepare the first draft and then come back to it a day or two later to ask these questions:

• Am I going on too long about minor points? Could the audience get bored?
• Do I have good explanations and reasons for my main points? Do I need more data or better examples? Where would visual aids be most effective?
• Am I using the best words for this topic and this audience? Should I be more or less informal in the way I talk?
• Does it all hold together and flow well from one point to the next? Do I need a better introduction or transition when I shift from one idea to another?

Visual Aids in Presentations

Except for very short informal presentations, most presentations gain from visuals—and visual aids are often expected. If encouraged or allowed to include visuals in your presentation, plan to do so. Consider all possible types:

• Charts or graphs
• Photos or other images
• Video clips
• Handouts (only when necessary—they can be distracting)

Use the available technology, whether it’s an overhead projector, PowerPoint slides, a flip chart, or posters. (Talk to your instructor about resources and software for designing your visuals.) Follow these guidelines:

Design your visuals carefully. Here are some basic rules:

• Use a simple, neutral background. A light-colored background with text in a dark color works best for words; a dark background used like matting works best for photos.
• Minimize the amount of text in visuals—more than eight words per slide is usually too much. Avoid simply presenting word outlines of what you are saying. Make sure text is large enough for the audience to read.
• Don’t use more than two pictures in a slide, and use two only to make a direct comparison. Montages are hard to focus on and distract the viewer from what you’re saying. Use images only when they support your presentation; don’t use clip art just as decoration.
• Don’t put a table of numbers in a visual aid. If you need to illustrate numerical data, use a graph. (Microsoft Excel can make them for you easily.)
• Don’t use sound effects. Use a very brief recording only if directly related to your main points.
• Don’t use visual special effects such as dissolves, spins, box-outs, or other transitions. They are distracting. Use animation sparingly and only if it helps make a point.
• Don’t use so many visuals or move through them so quickly that the audience gives all its attention to them rather than to you.
• Practice your presentation using your visual aids, because they affect your timing.
• Explain visuals when needed but not when they’re obvious.
• Keep your eyes on your audience, only briefly glancing at visuals to stay in synch with them.
• Don’t hand out a printout of your visuals. Your audience should keep their eyes on you instead of fiddling around with paper.

Step 4: Prepare Speaking Notes

As mentioned earlier, it’s not a good idea to read your presentation from a written page rather than deliver it. To keep your audience’s attention, it’s important to make eye contact with them and to use a normal speaking voice—and you can’t do this if you keep your eyes on a written script.

Speaking notes are a brief outline for your presentation. You might write them on index cards or sheets of paper. Include important facts and data as well as keywords for your main ideas, but don’t write too much. (If you forget things later when you start practicing, you can always add more to your outline then.) Be sure to number your cards or pages to prevent a last-minute mix-up.

Think especially about how to open and close your presentation, because these two moments have the most impact of the whole presentation. Use the opening to capture the audience’s attention, but be sure it is appropriate for your audience and the goals. Here are some possibilities for your opening:

• A striking fact or example (illustrating an issue or a problem)
• A brief interesting or humorous anecdote (historical, personal, or current event)
• A question to the audience
• An interesting quotation

Then relate the opening to your topic and your main point and move into the body of the presentation.

Your closing mirrors the opening. Transition from your last point to a brief summary that pulls your ideas together. You might end with a challenge to the audience, a strong statement about your topic, or a personal reflection on what you have been saying. Just make sure you have a final sentence planned so that you don’t end up uncomfortably fumbling around at the end (“Well, I guess that ends my presentation”).

Step 5: Practice the Presentation

Practice may be the most important step. It is also the best way to get over stage fright and gain confidence.

Practice first in an empty room where you imagine people sitting, so that you can move your eyes around the room to this “audience.” The first time through, focus on putting your outlined notes into full sentences in your natural speaking voice. Don’t read your notes aloud. Glance down at your notes only briefly and then look up immediately around the room. Practice two or three times just to find the right words to explain your points and feel more comfortable working with your notes. Time yourself, but don’t obsess over your presentation being the exact length required. If your presentation is much too long, however, adjust it now in your notes so that you don’t start memorizing things that you might accidentally still say later on even though you cut them from your notes.

Once you feel good speaking from your notes, practice to add some more polish to your delivery. You might want to record or videotape your presentation or ask a friend or roommate to watch your presentation. Pay attention to these aspects of how you speak:

• Try to speak in your natural voice, not in a monotone as if you were just reading aloud. If you will be presenting in a large room without a microphone, you will need to speak louder than usual, but still try to use a natural voice.
• In usual conversation, we speed up and slow down and vary the intensity of our words to show how we feel about what we’re saying. Practice changes in your delivery style to emphasize key points.
• Don’t keep looking at your notes. It’s fine if you use words that are different from those you wrote down—the more you rehearse without looking at your notes, the more natural sounding you will be.
• Be sure you can pronounce all new words and technical terms correctly. Practice saying them slowly and clearly to yourself until you can say them naturally.
• Don’t forget transitions. Listeners need a cue when you’re moving to a new idea. Practice phrases such as “ Another important reason for this is…” or “Now let’s move on to why this is so.…”
• Watch out for all those little “filler” words people use so often, such as “like,” “you know,” “well,” and “uh.” They’re very distracting to most audiences. Listen to or watch your tape to see if you are using these fillers or ask your friend to point it out.
• Pay attention to body language when practicing. Stand up straight and tall in every practice session so that you become used to it. Unless you have to stand at a podium to use a fixed microphone in your presentation, practice moving around while you speak; this helps keep the audience watching you. Use hand and arm gestures if they are natural for you, but don’t try to make up gestures for the presentation because they will look phony. Most important, keep your eyes moving over the audience. Practice smiling and pausing at key points.
• Finally, it’s a good idea to be ready in case of an accident. Most likely your presentation will go smoothly, you’ll stay on track with your notes, and your PowerPoint slides will work fine, but sometimes a mishap happens. Be ready to joke about it, rather than becoming flustered. If the computer fails and you lose your visuals, say something like, “Well, that’s a shame, I had some really great photos to show you!” If you drop your index cards or notes, or accidentally skip ahead in your presentation and then have to backtrack, make a joke: “Sorry about that, I was so excited to get to my next point that I’m afraid I lost control there for a moment!” Let your audience laugh with you—they’ll still be on your side, and you can defuse the incident and move on without becoming more nervous.

Step 6: Deliver the Presentation

Be sure to get enough sleep and eat a healthy breakfast. Don’t drink too much caffeine or else you’ll become hyper and nervous. Wear your favorite—and appropriate—clothing and comfortable shoes.

You may use computerized visual aids when you give a presentation to a class.

John Haynes Photography – OLPC – CC BY-ND 2.0.

Remember, your audience is on your side! If you’re still nervous before your turn, take a few deep breaths. Rehearse your opening lines in your mind. Smile as you move to the front of the room, looking at your audience. You’ll see some friendly faces smiling back encouragingly. As you start the presentation, move your eyes among those giving you a warm reception—and if you see some student looking bored or doing something else, just ignore them. But don’t focus on any one person in the audience for too long, which could make them nervous or cause them to look away.

Don’t keep looking at your watch or a clock: If your rehearsal times were close to your assigned time, your presentation will be also. If you do notice that you’re running behind schedule, it may be that you’re saying too much out of nervousness. Use your notes to get back on track and keep the pace moving. But it’s better to deliver your presentation naturally and fluidly and be a bit long or short than to try to change your words and end up sounding unnatural.

At the closing, deliver your last line with confidence, sweeping your eyes over the audience. If appropriate, ask if there are any questions. When you’re done, pause, smile, say “Thank you,” and walk back to your seat.

Later on, ask other students and your instructor for comments. Be open minded—don’t just ask for praise. If you hear a suggestion for improvement, file that in your memory for next time.

Group Presentations

You may be assigned to give a presentation in a small group. The six-step process discussed previously works for group presentations, too, although group dynamics often call for additional planning and shared responsibilities:

• Schedule a group meeting as soon as possible to get started. Don’t let another student put things off. Explain that you’re too busy and won’t have time at the last minute.
• Begin by analyzing your audience and your goals together as a group to make sure everyone understands the assignment the same. Discuss who should do what. While everyone should talk about what content to include, from here onward, you will take on specialized roles. One or more may begin research and gathering information. Others who are good writers may volunteer to draft the presentation, while one or more others may develop the visual aids. Those who have public speaking experience may volunteer to do all or most of the speaking (unless the assignment requires everyone to have a speaking role). You also need a team leader to keep everyone on schedule, organize meetings, and so on. The best team leader is an even-tempered student with good social skills, who can motivate everyone to cooperate.
• Steps 2 and 3 can likely be carried out individually with assigned tasks, but group members should stay in touch. For example, the person developing the visuals should be talking to those doing the researching and drafting to see what visuals are needed and get started finding or creating them.
• Before preparing notes in step 4, meet again to go over the content and plan for visuals. Everyone should be comfortable with the plan so far. Make final decisions about who will do each section of the presentation. Set the time for each segment. Then speakers should prepare their own speaking notes. Let someone with strong speaking skills open or close the presentation (or both), with others doing the other parts.
• The whole group should be present for practice sessions in step 5, even if not everyone is speaking. Those not speaking should take notes and give feedback. If one student is doing most of the presenting, an alternate should be chosen in case the first choice is sick on the scheduled day. The alternate also needs to practice.
• During the delivery, especially if using technology for visual aids, one student should manage the visuals while others do the presenting. If several students present different segments, plan the transition from one to another so that the presentation keeps flowing without pauses.

Additional Resources

For Class Presentations

Using PowerPoint. A step-by-step illustrated tutorial for learning how to create effective visual presentations with PowerPoint. https://www.baruch.cuny.edu/tutorials/powerpoint/

“How to Give a Bad Talk.” A humorous look (with some very good advice) on what not to do when preparing for and giving a class presentation. http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~pattrsn/talks/BadTalk.pdf

Class presentations on YouTube. Search YouTube with the phrase “class presentation” and look for video examples of actual students giving class presentations. Observing and critiquing the presentations of other students are good ways to get started preparing your own and learning from others. Here’s a good example of a student group presentation on a topic we can all relate to (how body language works):

In this presentation, take note of

• how students make good eye contact with the audience;
• the first student’s natural speaking voice and tone, and how she did not have to use her note cards very often (obviously she practiced well);
• some differences among these students;
• the use of PowerPoint slides within the presentation (some better than others);
• the appropriate occasional use of humor;
• the division of presentation responsibilities within the student group;
• each presenter’s interaction with the audience.

Key Takeaways

• Public speaking skills are important because you will likely give presentations in class and perhaps in a future job.
• Overcome anxiety about public speaking by understanding your feelings, preparing well and practicing your delivery, and focusing on your subject.

Follow a six-step process to prepare and deliver a presentation:

• Deliver the presentation and seek feedback
• Use visual aids to support a presentation, creating visuals that are relevant, attractive, and powerful.
• The success of a group presentation depends on effective group meetings, successful division of roles, and repeated group practices.

Checkpoint Exercises

If you have given a class presentation in the past, what worked best for you? (If you have not given a presentation yet as a student, what aspect do you think will be most difficult for you?)

__________________________________________________________________

Name the two most important things you can do to reduce anxiety about a class presentation you will have to give.

For each of the following statements about class presentations, circle T for true or F for false:

Describe how best to use body language (facial expressions, eye movements, gestures, etc.) when giving a presentation.

If you were assigned along with three other students to give a group presentation in the class using this textbook, what would be your preferred role in the preparation stages? Your least preferred role? If you had to take your least preferred role, what single thing would you want to work hardest on to make the presentation successful?

College Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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04-18-2024 CAREER EVOLUTION

How to give a good group presentation

Focus on strong planning, transition, and Q&A execution.

[Photo: Cecilie Skjold Wackerhausen/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock]

BY  Matt Abrahams 4 minute read

Facing an audience alone can be anxiety-producing. But copresenting with others brings its own set of challenges as well: from confusion to unclear roles. 

I once taught a class in which students were required to deliver a group presentation on the topic of their choice. One group told me they would be speaking about whales, but failed to coordinate their talk. I think they were as surprised as I was when one member discussed the marine mammal whales, one treated us to some enlightening information about the country of Wales, and a third proceeded to give us an overview of the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem!

Thankfully, most teams do a better job of coordination than my students did. In fact, just a bit of planning and collaboration beforehand can minimize the potential messiness of team talks and allow the benefits (diverse perspectives, time efficiency, teamwork, etc.) to shine. When you coordinate your work together, communication can flow smoothly and your presentation will look like a unified effort, rather than disparate talks thrown together under a single heading. 

You don’t have to synchronize and coordinate every word, but the three elements that will make the most difference in your group presentation are planning, transitioning, and executing a strong Q&A. Here are three keys to giving a great group presentation:  

Before you get in front of your audience, it’s critical to align on your group’s goal, the depth and road map of your content, and the tone of your presentation. Discuss these questions before crafting content:

• Goal: What is the objective of your talk? What do you want your audience to know, feel, and do as a result of what you share? By agreeing on your goal, you can each then begin crafting your content. Of course, be sure to check in with your group periodically regarding what you are saying and how you’re saying it to avoid overlaps and miscommunications.
• Depth: How much detail will you provide, and in which sections? You might make the decision to have different speakers cover the content at different levels of specificity, or you might opt to keep everyone at the same level. This is a great time to also agree on joint terminology to use across all sections.
• Road map: What is the journey you will take your audience on, and what is each presenter’s role along the way? Each of you should know what you need to say to set your fellow presenters up for success.
• Tone: How formal or informal will your presentation be? Coordinate formality among your presenters in terms of appearance (the clothes you wear), language (contractions and cursing), and concision (how long you speak). 

Transitions

When moving from one speaker to the next, you need to transition both topic and presenter. Too often presenters will simply say, “And here is Sven . . .” and hand over the microphone. Instead, offer a more complete transition that allows your audience to mentally shift from one section of your talk to the next. For instance, “Now that we all understand the significance of the problem, Sven will come up and share our proposed solution.”

If you are presenting in person, there is a delicate dance when one presenter relinquishes the stage to the next person. These transitions work best when the current presenter turns to face the direction the next presenter is coming from, then waits until the new presenter takes center stage before exiting. If you need to pass a remote slide advancer and/or microphone, extend the equipment to the new presenter and allow them to take it. Think of it as “passing the baton” in a relay race; to avoid a literal mic drop, someone’s hand needs to be on these at all times. This exchange also allows you to symbolically pass authority to the next presenter.

Going from broadcasting information to interacting with your audience is a critical shift. A Q&A section allows the audience to engage in dialog with the presenting team. It also invites deeper understanding for the audience and allows the presenters to gauge how well the audience has understood their message. When this shift is handled adeptly, the team preserves their credibility and authority.

Here are three suggestions to make this portion of your presentation a success:

• Determine in advance who will take which questions. This coordination eliminates the awkward moment when everyone is looking blankly at each other, wondering if they should speak. If you have additional thoughts to add to a previous answer, do so by connecting your response to theirs (e.g., “In addition to what Juana said, I also think . . .”).
• Assign an “orchestra conductor” who manages the audience’s questions and hands them off to the appropriate answerer.  The “conductor” will also manage time and wrap up the Q&A.
• Pay attention even when you aren’t answering. Consider yourself in the spotlight even when you aren’t speaking. Look at the audience or your fellow presenter who is answering.

Successful group presentations are like scenes in a stage play. Knowing your role, agreeing on timing, paying attention to details, and practicing will create a positive experience for your team members and will enhance your ability to successfully convey your message to your audience. 

And here is some bonus advice for virtual team presentations: Always test mic levels so that everyone’s sound level is even, work to have the same level of lighting, coordinate virtual backgrounds to give a sense of cohesion, and have each member position their bodies in their stage areas the same way.

More and more of our communication is occurring in teams. By taking some time to coordinate and give feedback in advance, we can maximize the benefit of team presenting and avoid barriers to success.

Matt Abrahams is a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You’re Put on the Spot and Speaking Up Without Freaking Out , and the host of the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matt Abrahams is a lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business, the author of Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot and Speaking Up Without Freaking Out , and the host of Think Fast, Talk Smart ThePodcast .   More

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Whether for an introductory course, internship, or senior seminar, group presentations are part of everyone's college experience and can be a source of very real anxiety. Next time you are assigned a group presentation, don't panic—instead, embrace the opportunity to learn and demonstrate your abilities. Read to find out what you can do to make your next group presentation memorable.

Distribute the Work Evenly

The first step to planning an A-worthy presentation is to make sure everyone carries their own weight, though this is easier said than done. This step will set your presentation up for success but can be challenging to pull off. It is likely that at least some of the people in your group will have unmatched academic abilities and work ethics, but this problem can be overcome.

Outline the work that needs to be done for the whole project and divvy up roles based on what people are comfortable doing. Make the expectations of each person clear so that there is accountability from start to finish—if something gets sloppily finished or is left entirely undone, the issue can be traced back to whatever group member is responsible and handled accordingly. If necessary, discuss problems with the professor . Don't let one person's laziness sabotage your entire group's work.

Schedule Deadlines and Rehearsals in Advance

As a college student, it can be incredibly difficult to manage your own time let alone synchronize the schedules of several different group members. Planning to get together as far in advance as possible makes it less likely that other commitments are prioritized over important group planning time.

At your first group meeting, set a timeline for when things need to be done. Schedule meetings, deadlines, and rehearsals as far into the future as the assignment allows. Never plan to cram at an all-night stress fest the night before—tired and over-extended group members will have a hard time executing even the most well-planned presentation.

Present Together

Just as you should use the strengths and weaknesses of group members to assign planning roles before the presentation, you should consider the abilities of every group member when deciding how the presentation itself should actually be delivered. Cohesion is crucial to a great presentation. People will notice if one or more group members do not speak or the presentation gets off-topic each time a new person takes over, and weak delivery does not bode well for your grade.

When you are planning how you will present, ask yourself and your group members the following questions:

• What is the best way to deliver this material?
• What presenting strengths does each group member have?
• What goals must be met during the presentation?
• How will we divide and conquer scripting the presentation?
• What will we do if the presentation gets off-topic or a member forgets their part?

Prepare for Emergencies

Hopefully, you have put the time into creating an outstanding presentation, so don't let small hiccups derail it. Make sure that you know each other's responsibilities well enough to take over for them in times of crisis.

You never know when someone will get unexpectedly sick , face a family emergency, or be otherwise unable to show up for a presentation. Have a system in place where one group member can serve as an understudy for another group member so that your presentation does not crash and burn if someone is not there. Make the most of your preparations by planning for any scenario and remember to work as a team when things go wrong.

For a crisp presentation that leaves a strong impression on your professor and classmates, you need to rehearse. At least one run-through from beginning to end can smooth out any wrinkles, help nervous members overcome their fear, and ensure that you haven't left anything out.

Go through your parts as planned and offer each other constructive feedback immediately after. This may be uncomfortable, but helpful peer feedback can prevent negative feedback and bad grades from professors. Frame comments to members positively with a "glow and a grow": one thing they did really well and one area for improvement.

You should also discuss a dress code right before you rehearse so that all group members don the appropriate attire for the occasion. Lend each other clothes to help each other out if needed.

Stay Present During the Presentation

As long as your group is up there presenting, you need to be giving the presentation your all. This means that, even if your part is over, you should remain alert, engaged, and undistracted. This will make your presentation look and sound better while also enabling seamless emergency transitions. If you pay attention to your whole presentation, you will be much better prepared to step in for someone that needs rescuing—also, odds are that everyone else (professor included) will be more likely to pay attention if they see you paying attention.

Group presentations can be very effortful and time-consuming, so celebration is definitely in order once it's over. Reward yourself as a team for a job well done to bond after the potentially traumatizing experience you have shared.

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Guidelines for Planning a Group Presentation

While every group (and every project for that matter) is unique, certain tasks seem to present themselves no matter what the particular group’s assigned project is.

The following group project task list offers a suggested order for approaching a project. It’s certainly possible to do these steps in a different order if you wish. But taking the time to accomplish each step will help you produce better work.

It’s also likely that you’ll have to go back and forth between steps. In other words, your group may decide that it needs to repeat one or more of these steps in order to correct deficiencies that become apparent after the group thinks that it has “finished” one part of its preparation.

Group Project Task List

Step #1: orientation.

Group members need to learn who everyone is– exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, etc. and keep a record of this information. Discuss what the group is expected to do — don’t assume that the requirements of the group project are clear to everyone. More often than not, people are not always sure about what the group is expected to do.

STEP #2: Division of Labor

Divide the project up into a series of smaller steps or parts. Put the parts of the project into a time sequence — in what order must each step or part of the project be done? Agree on a time table — when must each part of the project be finished? Agree on who is responsible for each part of the project. Agree on what each person must PRODUCE for their part of the project by the agreed upon deadline. BE SPECIFIC — everyone in the group must agree to turn in something tangible to the group at a stated time. Agree about what to do if people in the group “get behind” and won’t be able to meet a deadline. Agree upon a schedule of meetings — most groups think all they need to do is divide up the work, meet five minutes before the presentation, and “whip it together.” You can do it this way, but the approach rarely works!

STEP #3. Assessment

Use some of your group meetings to review what members have accomplished up to that point. Have group members provide feedback about each other’s work — is the material provided by the member what the group needs, is something missing, what else needs to be done? Set new expectations and deadlines as appropriate — group’s usually discover as the project moves along that the original time table and division of group member responsibilities needs to be modified. Take the time to do that so that the work doesn’t all pile up at the end. Pay attention to possible gaps in the group’s work — are there important topics or tasks that the group is overlooking?

STEP #4. Presentation Planning

Once the research on the project is fairly far along, the group needs to turn its attention to the question of HOW to orally present the material the group gathered. Many groups make the mistake of wanting to talk about the plan for the presentation too early. Wait until the group has a pretty good idea of what they’ll be talking about. Decide on a presentation format Determine who will serve as the presentation moderator Decide on audio/visual aids for the presentation Make decisions about physical arrangements for the presentation Practice Work to improve delivery skills of group members

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• Planning a Group Presentation
• Preparing Speaking Notes
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• Settings for Group Presentations
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• December 19, 2023

Group Presentation: Tips & Tricks To Enhance Your Communication Skills

• Public Speaking

Group Presentation

Are you looking to enhance your public speaking skills and deliver impactful group presentations? Whether you’re a student, professional, or entrepreneur, mastering the art of group presentations is essential for effective communication and professional growth. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key steps, strategies, and techniques to excel the art of group presentations. From presentation analysis to audience and group analysis, we will equip you with the tools and knowledge to deliver compelling group presentations that captivate your audience and leave a lasting impression.

Table of Contents

• Presentation Analysis: Know Your Subject
• Audience Analysis: Know Your Audience
• Group Analysis: Know Your Individual and Group Strengths and Weaknesses
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Aim for Group Cohesiveness
• Appearance Matters: Create a Cohesive Visual Presence
• Delivery Tips: Captivate Your Audience
• Utilize Interactive Digital Tools for Enhanced Learning

1. Presentation Analysis: Know Your Subject

Before diving into the world of art of group presentations, it’s crucial to thoroughly analyze your subject. Understanding your topic inside out will enable you to deliver a well-informed and engaging presentation . Here are the key steps to analyze your subject effectively:

Identify the Purpose of Your Presentation

Clearly define the purpose of your presentation. What do you want to achieve? Are you informing, persuading, or entertaining your audience? Identifying your presentation’s purpose will help you create a cohesive and impactful message.

Identify Your Topic

Choose a topic that aligns with your audience’s interests and needs. Ensure that your topic is relevant and impact your audience . Conduct thorough research to gather accurate and up-to-date information to support your presentation.

Relate Your Topic to the Audience

Tailor your presentation to resonate with your audience. Consider their demographics, interests, and prior knowledge on the subject. Use relatable examples and language that your audience can understand and connect with.

2. Audience Analysis: Know Your Audience

Understanding your audience is crucial for delivering a successful group presentation. Here’s how you can effectively analyze your audience:

Consider Audience Demographics

Take into account the age, gender, culture, and background of your audience. Understanding these demographics will help you tailor your language, examples, and visuals to resonate with your audience.

Use Appropriate Examples and Vocabulary

Choose examples and vocabulary that your audience can relate to and understand. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. Use language that is inclusive and accessible to all.

Proper Pronunciation is Key

Ensure that you can properly pronounce every word in your speech. Practice challenging words to avoid mispronunciations during your presentation. Pronouncing words correctly enhances your credibility and ensures effective communication.

3. Group Analysis: Know Your Individual and Group Strengths and Weaknesses

A cohesive and collaborative group is essential for a successful group presentation. Analyzing individual and group strengths and weaknesses will help you allocate roles and responsibilities effectively. Here’s how you can analyze your group:

Leverage Individual Strengths

Identify individual strengths within your group. Confident presenters can excel at introductions and conclusions, detail-oriented individuals can handle discussion points, and fast thinkers can adeptly handle questions. Assign roles and responsibilities based on individual strengths to maximize the group’s potential.

Practice Group Cohesiveness

Create one cohesive presentation by working together as a group. Develop a unified introduction, body, and conclusion. Designate one person to compile the presentation slides from everyone, ensuring consistency in style and format. Every group member should contribute by conducting research, proofreading, and supporting one another.

Foster Smooth Transitions

Ensure smooth transitions between presentation slides and group members. Explain how each topic relates to the previous one, and introduce the next speaker and their topic. Acknowledge any overlap in topics or points to create seamless transitions. A well-structured and connected presentation enhances audience understanding and engagement.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Aim for Group Cohesiveness

Practice is key to delivering a polished and impactful group presentation. Aim for group cohesiveness by following these practice tips:

Create One Presentation

Work together as a group to create one cohesive presentation. Collaborate on the introduction, body, and conclusion to ensure a unified message. Use consistent templates and slide styles throughout the presentation for a professional and cohesive visual experience.

Everyone Contributes

Ensure that every group member actively contributes to the presentation. Each member should conduct research, prepare their section, and contribute to the overall development of the presentation. Embrace a group mindset by using inclusive language such as “we found” instead of “I found” to foster a sense of unity and collaboration.

Smooth Transitions

Practice transitioning smoothly between speakers and topics. Recap the previous section briefly before introducing the next speaker and their topic. Use gestures and eye contact to create a seamless flow between group members. Well-executed transitions enhance audience comprehension and engagement.

Constructive Feedback

Share constructive feedback within the group to improve the presentation. Provide feedback on content, delivery, and overall effectiveness. Constructive criticism helps each group member refine their skills and deliver a more impactful presentation.

5. Appearance Matters: Create a Cohesive Visual Presence

The appearance of all group members plays a significant role in creating a cohesive and professional visual presence. Consider these tips to enhance your group’s visual impact:

Dress Similar

Consider dressing in a similar manner, although not necessarily identical. Dress professionally, opting for attire such as slacks and button-up shirts. A cohesive visual appearance portrays professionalism and unity.

Professional Attire

Choose professional attire that aligns with the context of your presentation. Dressing professionally enhances your credibility and creates a positive impression on your audience. Pay attention to grooming and personal presentation to ensure a polished look.

Visual Aid Check

While practicing, utilize visual aids to check for typos or any needed changes. Ensure that all visual elements, such as slides or props, are error-free and visually appealing. Visual aids should complement your presentation and support your message effectively.

6. Delivery Tips: Captivate Your Audience

Delivering a group presentation involves more than just conveying information. Follow these tips to captivate your audience and deliver a memorable presentation:

Introduce Group Members

Begin your presentation by introducing each group member. This establishes credibility and helps the audience connect with each speaker. A brief introduction of each member provides context and sets the stage for a cohesive presentation.

Preview Slide

Include a preview slide at the beginning of your presentation. This slide provides an overview of what will be covered, ensuring that the audience understands the structure and flow of your presentation. A preview slide sets clear expectations and helps the audience navigate your presentation.

Rehearse with Visual Aids

During practice sessions, utilize your visual aids to simulate a real presentation environment. This allows you to identify any typos, necessary changes, or technical issues with your visual aids. Rehearsing with visual aids ensures a smooth and seamless presentation experience.

Practice as if Audience is Present

While practicing, imagine an audience is present to simulate the actual presentation environment. This helps you become comfortable speaking in front of others and improves your delivery. Practice your timing, body language , and transitions to create a confident and engaging presentation.

Nonverbal Communication

Pay attention to your nonverbal cues during the presentation. Face the audience rather than the projected slides, maintaining eye contact and actively engaging with your listeners. Keep your arms uncrossed and use natural gestures to enhance your message. Maintain a confident and approachable demeanor throughout.

Vocal Variety

Vocal variety is crucial for delivering an engaging presentation. Adapt your voice to emphasize important points, vary your tone for intensity or emotion, and speak clearly and audibly. Avoid speaking in a monotone voice, as it can quickly disengage your audience. Practice controlled breathing techniques to maintain a steady and confident voice.

7. Utilize Interactive Digital Tools for Enhanced Learning

In the digital age, leveraging interactive tools can enhance your learning experience and facilitate to learn art of group presentations. Here are some ways to utilize interactive digital tools :

Online Public Speaking Classes and Courses

Enroll in online public speaking classes and courses to boost your skills and confidence. These courses offer structured learning modules, interactive exercises, and expert guidance. Online platforms provide a flexible and accessible learning environment, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

Executive Coaching and Business Coaching

Consider engaging in executive coaching or business coaching to further refine your presentation skills. These personalized coaching sessions provide targeted feedback, strategies, and techniques to excel the art of  group presentations. Working with a coach can provide valuable insights and accelerate your growth as a presenter.

Digital Presentation Tools

Utilize digital presentation tools such as PowerPoint, Google Slides , or Prezi to create visually captivating presentations. These tools offer a wide range of templates, animations, and multimedia features that enhance the visual appeal of your presentation. Incorporate interactive elements to engage your audience and make your presentation memorable.

Video Conferencing Platforms

Harness the power of video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams to deliver group presentations remotely. These platforms enable seamless collaboration, screen sharing, and audience interaction. Leverage breakout rooms for group discussions and Q&A sessions to create an engaging virtual presentation experience.

Mastering group presentations is a valuable skill that can propel your personal and professional growth. By analyzing your subject, understanding your audience, leveraging group strengths, and practicing diligently, you can deliver impactful presentations that resonate with your audience. Remember to focus on your appearance, delivery, and utilize interactive digital tools to enhance your learning experience. With dedication, practice, and continuous learning, you can excel in group presentations and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Now, it’s time to boost your public speaking skills and enroll in public speaking classes or courses to embark on a transformational journey of effective communication and confident presentations. Start your journey today and unlock your full potential as a skilled presenter!

Are you ready to take your public speaking skills to the next level? Join our public speaking classes and courses to excel in group presentations and enhance your professional growth. Enroll now and unleash your true presentation prowess!

Key Takeaways

I. Introduction

• Importance of mastering group presentations for students, professionals, and entrepreneurs
• Overview of the guide’s focus on key steps, strategies, and techniques for impactful group presentations

II. Presentation Analysis: Know Your Subject

• Identifying the purpose of the presentation
• Choosing a relevant and engaging topic
• Tailoring the presentation to resonate with the audience

III. Audience Analysis: Know Your Audience

• Considering audience demographics
• Using appropriate examples and vocabulary
• Ensuring proper pronunciation for effective communication

IV. Group Analysis: Know Your Individual and Group Strengths and Weaknesses

• Leveraging individual strengths within the group
• Fostering group cohesion and collaboration
• Ensuring smooth transitions between speakers and topics

V. Practice, Practice, Practice: Aim for Group Cohesiveness

• Creating one cohesive presentation as a group
• Active participation from all group members
• Practicing smooth transitions and delivering constructive feedback

VI. Appearance Matters: Create a Cohesive Visual Presence

• Dressing professionally and uniformly within the group
• Checking visual aids for accuracy and appeal
• Ensuring a unified and polished visual presence

VII. Delivery Tips: Captivate Your Audience

• Introducing group members effectively
• Using a preview slide for clear presentation structure
• Rehearsing with visual aids and practicing as if the audience is present
• Employing effective nonverbal communication and vocal variety

VIII. Utilize Interactive Digital Tools for Enhanced Learning

• Enrolling in online public speaking classes and courses
• Engaging in executive coaching and business coaching
• Leveraging digital presentation tools and interactive elements
• Utilizing video conferencing platforms for remote presentations

IX. Conclusion

• Recap of key strategies for mastering group presentations
• Emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and practice
• Encouragement to enroll in public speaking classes for further improvement
• Call to action: Invitation to start the transformative journey in effective communication and confident presentations.

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Structuring an Effective Class Session or Presentation

The way you structure and facilitate class sessions or other presentations can have a profound impact on learning. There are evidence-based approaches to designing the learning experience from start to finish to enhance engagement, understanding, and retention of information. This resource is valuable for anyone planning a synchronous (live) learning experience in a variety of contexts, including a class session, presentation, or workshop, in-person or remote.

How do I decide what to include in a class session or presentation?

Start planning by articulating the learning outcomes . What do you want the learner to know or be able to do by the end of that session? For a course, the learning outcomes for a specific class session should fit within the overarching course learning outcomes and help to move students towards achieving those. Use the learning outcomes to make intentional decisions about what content and activities to include in your class session or presentation by assessing their alignment.

As you make these decisions about which content to prioritize for synchronous time together, consider planning for flexibility. Which content is key to cover together, and which activities are vital to your learners’ experiences? Consider structuring your session such that the most vital content happens first to both prioritize it and ensure you have enough time to devote to it. Also plan for content that can be skipped over or moved to the next session in case activities go over time or learners have many questions.

How should I structure a class session or presentation to enhance learning?

When planning a class session or presentation, you should divide the time into segments, starting with an opening and ending with a closing. The main portion between opening and closing should be broken into periods of interactive lecture and individual or group activities, depending on your learning goals.

Starting a Session

The start should be welcoming and set the tone for an interactive learning experience. You might begin by playing music from a shared playlist, asking learners how they are feeling, encouraging them to check in with one another, or posing a lighthearted icebreaker question. Creating this welcoming atmosphere helps support learners’ social-emotional learning.

It is common to share outcome(s), purpose, goals, and/or an agenda at the start of a class session or presentation. In addition, set aside intentional time to “warm up” to the topic, establish context, and connect to learners’ prior knowledge and experiences . An interactive warm up also sets the expectation that the session will be collaborative and interactive. You can engage learners at the start by capturing their attention and curiosity with a “hook”, helping them make connections to prior experiences (academic or personal), or asking them to share beliefs and expectations about a topic. Some examples include:

• What do you know about [Topic]? What do you want to know?
• What do you think is going on in this picture?
• What are your personal thoughts about [topic]?
• What experience do you have with [topic]?

Interactive Content Delivery

Lecturing (i.e., direct oral presentation of information) is efficient and can be effective when the background information is not available or accessible, the facts or problems are conflicting or confusing, or your experience as the presenter will contribute to clarification. Be sure to ask yourself if the best way to understand the content is through oral presentation, or if the content could be explored some other way (e.g., small group exercises or individual reflection). Consider how much of your time will be devoted to lecture, which may depend on how much of the information you want to share will come from the lecture versus assigned course materials (e.g., readings, videos). Is the goal of lecture to supplement the information from course materials, highlight major points, or present separate information?

When designing a lecture-based class session, or any type of presentation, aiming for interaction and engagement will support deeper comprehension and greater retention of information. “We need not abandon the lecture because of its liabilities; rather, we need to find ways to make it work better” (Silver & Perini, 2010). Once you’ve determined what content is best presented through a lecture, there are many ways to improve the lecture presentation:

• “Chunk” the content, or break it up into smaller, focused sections. Aim to speak for no more than a few minutes straight without checking in, even if just with a rhetorical question for learners to ponder as they listen.
• Intersperse active learning activities such as informal discussion, think-pair-share, minute paper, polls, or quick quiz questions ensure that learners are actively processing the information as you present it.
• Use multimedia (e.g., images, audio, video, infographics) throughout your lecture to enhance comprehension and accessibility. However, keep in mind that your multimedia should be focused and related to the course content; avoid .gifs or overly illustrative materials, as these take learners’ focus away from the content and can contribute to extraneous cognitive load.
• Clarify for learners how they should approach taking notes, information they need to commit to memory, and how you expect them to apply the content in the future.
• Allow learners to ask questions at different points within a lecture. Pause periodically to ask, “What questions do you have?” or “What’s on your mind?” After you pose a question, allow “wait time” for a response, giving time for learners to formulate ideas. We may be used to asking, “Do you have any questions?” but students may feel that they are being intrusive or not paying attention if they do have a question. Asking “What questions do you have?” normalizes the fact that students are likely to have questions when learning new content.

Individual or Group Activities

Either before or after presenting content, provide opportunities for learners to interact with the content at a deeper level through individual or group activities. Individually, learners could engage in independent work time or reflection. In small or large groups, learners could discuss the topic in more detail or engage in peer review opportunities. Other ways to encourage reflection, critical thinking, and problem solving, which could be done individually or in groups, include case studies, debates, concepts maps, or game-based instruction.

Ending a Session

At the end of a class session or presentation, be sure to save time to tie everything together and assess learning. It is very common to run out of time and rush to conclude, but end-of-class reflection supports retaining information and helps to clarify what comes next. At the end of a session, you might summarize, or ask learners to summarize, key takeaways, especially in conjunction with revisiting the learning outcomes. Other options include asking learners to submit a written reflection on what they’ve learned, how they might apply what they’ve learned and/or what questions they still have or which concepts were unclear.

Lastly, if teaching a course, you can wrap up by previewing what’s to come, connecting the material to assignments or other work to be completed, or asking questions you want learners to think about before meeting again. You can also provide context on the homework assigned for next class, such as guiding questions for a reading or viewing, or leave time to answer student questions about an upcoming assignment.

How can I make sure my class session or presentation is accessible?

Overall, following the principles of Universal Design for Learning promotes flexibility and adaptation of the learning environment so that all learners can succeed and achieve the intended outcomes. As you consider the guidelines and session structure above, consider how you can provide multiple means of engagement, representation, and action and expression.

Regardless of the structure of your class session or presentation, we highly recommend you use slides or another visual means to communicate information and directions as you progress through the session. Even if your session involves minimal to no “content,” slides, or at least a written agenda, help to keep learners on track with what is being asked of them. If you use slides, decide how and when to make them available.  The CTRL accessibility guide provides more detailed guidance for how to ensure slides and documents used in a session are accessible

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How to Give a Group Presentation

Last Updated: September 15, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 87,273 times.

Giving a presentation on your own is nerve-wracking enough, but it can feel like a real challenge when you have to present with a group of people. Don't worry—we have tons of tips to help your whole group feel confident and prepared!

Delivering the Presentation

• Pretending to be calm can actually make you calm. Don’t engage in nervous habits like pacing back and forth while presenting, shifting your weight about, blinking constantly, or rubbing your face or the back of your neck. Before your presentation, practice in front of a mirror or film yourself to watch for these habits. You can also ask your group mates for feedback about your delivery.

• Whatever your gender, choose muted earth tones and avoid transparent or mesh-like material.
• Avoid brightly colored clothes and energetic patterns like polka dots or plaid.

• If you're using props, practice incorporating them ahead of time.
• It's also a good idea to arrange who will handle the props. For example, the person speaking at the time the prop is introduced may rely on another group member to actually display the prop.

• People love stories, and your presentation will be more memorable if you incorporate a story into your presentation. People connect through emotions, and a story can create that emotional response. [5] X Research source

Drafting the Presentation

• The Toastmasters ( http://www.toastmasters.org/ ) are an international group which encourages people to improve their public speaking skills. Find a club near you to meet seasoned presenters who can give you advice and answer your presentation-related questions.
• If your group is presenting during a second round after an initial day of presentations, listen to what your fellow presenters do. Analyze their presentations and try to incorporate their strong points into your own presentation.

• For instance, if you’re presenting about how to drill an oil well to a group of oil industry insiders, you’ll be able to use a lot of highly technical terminology with them in your presentation. If you’re talking to a group of high-school students about the same topic, you’ll need to use more simplistic language and glaze over some of the specific processes.

• For example, you'd use a very formal tone when presenting to someone who is ranked above you, but you might use less formality when presenting to your peers.
• Similarly, you might use an upbeat tone when giving a marketing presentation, but you'd likely use a sober tone when presenting about a topic like drunk driving.
• Don’t introduce each section of the presentation with something like, “Hi, how is everyone?” This will break up the flow of the presentation and detract valuable presentation time from your group. [10] X Research source

• These presentations work best when you adopt a minimalist approach. [12] X Research source Do not attempt to jam a bunch of text into a single slide. Instead, use several slides, each with a high-quality image and a single point or sentence.
• Don’t use a digital slideshow to replace your presentation. You or your group should always be the focus during the presentation. The slideshow is only there to support what you’re explaining.
• When using a slideshow, don't simply read from the slides. People do not enjoy being read to. Instead, use the slideshow to reinforce important points for your audience.

• How much or how little you need written on your note cards depends on you. Some people might need an entire sentence to start them off talking about a given topic. Others might need to see just one word and will be able to launch into the next part of their presentation.
• Just as with your slide show, you should not simply read from your notes. They should only be used as a support to help address everything you want to say.
• The number and style of the notes each group member utilizes depends on their memory and the amount of time they spent practicing.

• Since it's a group presentation, you need to practice giving it as a group. This will help you create good transitions and make sure that everyone gets equal floor time, if that's a concern. Additionally, it gives everyone an opportunity to give feedback on the delivery.
• If you didn’t feel comfortable with your portion of the presentation, practice it one more time either in front of the test audience or at home. Use your practice time as a chance to work out potential kinks.

• If the presentation is much too short, revise it to add more material. If your presentation if too long, revise it by eliminating unnecessary material.
• Don’t guess how long each member of your group is speaking for. Use a stop watch to measure each group member’s time and the overall time for the group.
• Group members whose presentation times are too short should be made to lengthen them, and group members whose presentation times are too long should be made to shorten them. If the overall presentation time falls within the correct parameters, however, you group could consider allowing one person to speak for longer than another if both group members feel comfortable doing so.

Working With Your Group

• Remember to work together. If two people want to do the same task, they should do it together. While it might require compromise, the presentation will benefit from having two passionate viewpoints behind it.

• For instance, if you have twenty minutes to present and you have four people in your group, you will each speak for five minutes.

• If you or another group member has doubts about the focus of a particular part, express them openly to your fellow group member. For instance, you could say, “I think your ideas are basically on target, but have you considered adding ____ into your section of the presentation?”
• To stay on target, your group should draft a statement of purpose along the lines of, “Our presentation is about the importance of bats to the local ecosystem.” [18] X Research source Each part of the presentation should then be oriented toward developing on that statement. This way, you avoid several mini-presentations on individual aspects of bats such as their life cycle, habitats, and so on.

• Magazines, newspapers, encyclopedias, and the internet are all useful sources of information. Ensure your sources are credible, however, before using them.

Expert Q&A

• Stay calm and don't stress. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
• If you choose PowerPoint as your visual aid, keep the slide color and text colors easy to read. Use no more than four points per slide. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Do not invite audience participation. You might not get the response you wanted. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Communication is of the utmost importance in a group presentation. Stay in contact with your group throughout the presentation development process. Otherwise, your group may appear uninformed or lazy when it comes time to deliver your presentation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://bothsidesofthetable.com/how-to-nail-a-group-presentation-dfaaac59aa75#.fz5i0ngsh
• ↑ http://artpetty.com/2010/04/16/9-tips-for-nailing-the-classroom-group-project-presentation/
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2013/06/how-to-give-a-killer-presentation/
• ↑ https://bothsidesofthetable.com/the-importance-of-the-narrative-d3bcaf7ba6fc
• ↑ http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/technical-writing/oral-presentations-tips/
• ↑ https://bothsidesofthetable.com/how-to-nail-a-group-presentation-dfaaac59aa75#.e7hdfgbep
• ↑ https://bothsidesofthetable.com/how-to-nail-a-group-presentation-dfaaac59aa75#.7ji055tqx
• ↑ https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/351652/the-best-presentation-software
• ↑ http://www.inc.com/guides/201102/how-to-create-a-great-powerpoint-presentation.html
• ↑ http://www.iptv.org/exploremore/PDFs/SPAF_Process.pdf
• ↑ http://sixminutes.dlugan.com/group-presentations-unified-team-approach/

About this article

Before you give your group presentation, divide the speech into equal sections, such as introduction, one or two middle sections, and a conclusion. Make sure to coordinate so each member of the group speaks for the same amount of time. It's okay to work individually on the presentation, but do meet periodically to make sure everyone is on track. Before the big day, rehearse the presentation with your group, as practice makes perfect. For tips on delivering your speech calmly and confidently, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How to Present a PowerPoint Presentation in Class

Preparing and delivering a PowerPoint presentation in front of your classmates can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, with the right preparation and techniques, you can deliver a polished and engaging presentation that will impress your audience. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how to present a PowerPoint presentation in class, from choosing the right topic to handling questions and answers with confidence.

Table of Contents

Choosing the Right Topic for Your Presentation

The first step in preparing a successful PowerPoint presentation is choosing the right topic. You should choose a topic that you are passionate about and that is relevant to your class. It is also important to consider the length of your presentation and the amount of information you will be able to cover. Make sure to choose a topic that is not too broad or too narrow, and that you can cover in the allotted time.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a topic for your presentation is your audience. Think about who will be attending your presentation and what their interests and knowledge levels are. You want to choose a topic that will engage your audience and provide them with valuable information. Additionally, consider the context of your presentation, such as the purpose and setting, and choose a topic that aligns with those factors.

Outlining Your Presentation: Tips and Tricks

Before you start creating your PowerPoint slides, it is important to outline your presentation. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your presentation flows smoothly. Your outline should include an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. You should also consider using transitional phrases between each main point to connect them cohesively.

Another important aspect to consider when outlining your presentation is the audience. You should tailor your outline to the specific audience you will be presenting to. For example, if you are presenting to a group of experts in your field, you may want to include more technical information and use industry-specific jargon. On the other hand, if you are presenting to a general audience, you may want to simplify your language and focus on providing clear explanations.

Additionally, it can be helpful to include visual aids in your outline. This can include images, graphs, or charts that will help illustrate your main points. Visual aids can also help break up the text-heavy nature of a presentation and keep your audience engaged. Just be sure to use visual aids sparingly and only when they add value to your presentation.

Designing Your PowerPoint Slides for Maximum Impact

The design of your PowerPoint slides can make or break your presentation. You want to choose a design that is clean and professional but also visually engaging. Make sure to use high-quality images, legible fonts, and a consistent color scheme throughout your presentation. It is also important to keep your slides uncluttered and to use only a few bullet points per slide to help your audience stay focused.

Another important aspect of designing your PowerPoint slides is to consider the layout. You want to make sure that your slides have a logical flow and that the information is presented in a clear and concise manner. Use headings and subheadings to break up your content and make it easier for your audience to follow along.

Finally, don’t forget to practice your presentation with your slides. This will help you to identify any areas that may need improvement and ensure that your slides are supporting your message effectively. By taking the time to design your PowerPoint slides with maximum impact in mind, you can deliver a presentation that is both engaging and memorable.

Adding Visuals to Enhance Your Presentation

In addition to designing your PowerPoint slides for maximum impact, you should also consider adding visuals to help enhance your presentation. Visuals such as graphs, charts, and diagrams can help to illustrate your points and make them easier to understand. Videos and animations can also be used to help engage your audience and make your presentation more dynamic.

Another way to enhance your presentation with visuals is by using images. Images can help to break up text-heavy slides and add visual interest to your presentation. However, it’s important to choose images that are relevant to your topic and high-quality to avoid looking unprofessional.

Additionally, you can use infographics to present complex information in a visually appealing way. Infographics combine text, images, and data to create a clear and concise visual representation of information. They can be used to summarize key points or to provide an overview of a topic.

Using Multimedia in Your PowerPoint Presentation

Using multimedia is an effective way to enhance your presentation and keep your audience engaged. You can use multimedia such as videos, sound effects, music, animations, and even quizzes to help make your presentation more interactive. However, it is important to use multimedia sparingly and to use it only when it enhances your presentation.

When using multimedia in your PowerPoint presentation, it is important to ensure that it is accessible to all members of your audience. This means providing captions or transcripts for videos, using high contrast colors for text and images, and avoiding flashing or rapidly changing visuals that can trigger seizures in some individuals. By making your multimedia accessible, you can ensure that all members of your audience can fully engage with your presentation.

Preparing Speaker Notes: What to Include and What to Leave Out

Preparing speaker notes is an important part of delivering a successful PowerPoint presentation. Speaker notes can help guide you through your presentation and ensure that you cover all the main points. When preparing your speaker notes, you should include only the key points and ideas and leave out any unnecessary information. Your speaker notes should be simple and easy to read so that you can quickly glance down at them and continue with your presentation.

It is also important to consider the audience when preparing your speaker notes. Think about what information they may already know and what they may need more explanation on. You can tailor your speaker notes to provide additional context or examples for certain points, or to simplify complex ideas. Additionally, including visual aids such as images or graphs in your speaker notes can help reinforce your message and make it more memorable for your audience.

Rehearsing Your Presentation: The Dos and Don’ts

Rehearsing your presentation is essential to ensure that you deliver a polished and confident performance. When rehearsing, make sure to practice your delivery, timing, and transitions between slides. However, it is important to avoid over-rehearsing, as this can make your presentation sound rehearsed and robotic. Try to strike a balance between being well-prepared and being natural and authentic during your presentation.

Another important aspect of rehearsing your presentation is to anticipate potential questions or objections from your audience. This will help you prepare thoughtful and well-informed responses, and demonstrate your expertise on the topic. Additionally, consider rehearsing in front of a small group of trusted colleagues or friends, who can provide constructive feedback and help you identify areas for improvement.

Finally, don’t forget to take care of yourself during the rehearsal process. Make sure to get enough rest, eat well, and stay hydrated. Practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, can also help you manage any pre-presentation nerves or anxiety. By taking care of yourself and being well-prepared, you can deliver a confident and engaging presentation that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Overcoming Nervousness During Your PowerPoint Presentation

Feeling nervous before and during your PowerPoint presentation is perfectly normal. However, there are some techniques that you can use to help overcome your nervousness. Firstly, take deep breaths and focus on your breathing to help calm yourself. You can also try practicing some relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, to help prepare yourself for the presentation. It is also important to remember that everyone gets nervous before presentations and that you are not alone. Remind yourself that you are well-prepared and that you will do a great job.

Engaging Your Audience: Techniques that Work

Engaging your audience is key to delivering a successful PowerPoint presentation. There are several techniques that you can use to help engage your audience, such as asking questions, using humor, and making eye contact. It is also important to vary your tone and pace throughout your presentation to keep your audience interested and engaged.

Handling Questions and Answers with Confidence

Handling questions and answers with confidence is an important part of any PowerPoint presentation. When preparing for questions and answers, make sure to anticipate the questions that your audience may have and prepare answers in advance. During the Q&A session, try to make eye contact with the person asking the question and give concise and clear answers. If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t be afraid to say so and offer to follow up with the person later.

How to Use Humor Effectively in a PowerPoint Presentation

Using humor effectively in your PowerPoint presentation can help to engage your audience and make your presentation more memorable. However, it is important to use humor appropriately and to avoid offending anyone. When using humor, make sure that it is relevant to your presentation and that it does not detract from the main points you are trying to make. You should also avoid using jokes that are offensive or inappropriate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During a PowerPoint Presentation

There are several common mistakes that you should avoid when delivering a PowerPoint presentation. These include using too much text on your slides, speaking too quickly or too slowly, and not practicing enough. You should also avoid reading directly from your slides and using too many animations or effects, which can be distracting.

Tips for Presenting Virtually or Online

If you are presenting virtually or online, there are some additional tips that you should keep in mind. These include making sure that your internet connection is stable, testing your equipment in advance, and using a clear and concise virtual background. You should also be mindful of your body language and eye contact, as these can be more difficult to convey virtually.

Best Practices for Group Presentations in Class

Finally, if you are delivering a group presentation in class, there are some best practices that you should follow. These include communicating clearly and effectively with your group members, dividing up the work fairly, and practicing together as a group. You should also make sure that each group member has a defined role and that everyone is familiar with the presentation content.

With these tips and techniques, you are now ready to deliver a successful PowerPoint presentation in class. Remember to choose a relevant and engaging topic, design your slides effectively, and engage your audience throughout your presentation. Good luck!

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What It Takes to Give a Great Presentation

by Carmine Gallo

Summary .   

I was sitting across the table from a Silicon Valley CEO who had pioneered a technology that touches many of our lives — the flash memory that stores data on smartphones, digital cameras, and computers. He was a frequent guest on CNBC and had been delivering business presentations for at least 20 years before we met. And yet, the CEO wanted to sharpen his public speaking skills.

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23 Tips on How to Give an Effective Online Group Presentation

There are three phases when developing an effective online group presentation. These phases are part of all presentations. If you are doing a presentation on your own, you naturally follow this process. If you are in an online class and have a group project ending in a presentation, you need to pay particular attention to each of these phases.

Preparation

Planning an Online group Presentation

The planning phase should put everyone on the team on same track by setting up goals, setting up team guidelines, determining the method of communication, and creating a vision for the team. The vision is usually created when the team develops a team name.

Schedule a meeting as soon as your group is assigned. This can be by chat room, discussion board, or even conference call. This is meeting your first planning meeting.

Every good meeting has outcomes and your team's first planning meeting should include:

• Selecting a team leader — the team leader will be responsible for making sure everyone does their part, communicates with the instructor on team questions and concerns, and keeps the master documents.
• Next, you should begin to understand the topic and assignment. Your team should discuss, discuss, and then discuss some more. In this part of the meeting, everyone should have a chance to talk about the parameters of the assignment, the details they know (especially if it is a case based assignment), and personal issues and preferences. You will want to know if your team members can't meet on certain days or nights, or if someone really doesn't understand the assignment. You should all be on the same page and have a clear idea of where you are headed when you are done with this discussion.
• Your team should create a clear picture of the presentation — use a whiteboard if possible to create an outline or assign someone to take notes and send them to the group afterwards.
• You should then establish a table with the division of labor and assign names — it is important to know from the beginning who is going to do what in the project.
• Create a schedule of future meetings and what is to be accomplished in each.
• Finally, your team should create a team charter or agreement. The team agreement should outline the future meeting dates, times, and location (chat room, conference call) and the assignments and responsibilities. Don't forget to include the penalties for those who don't do their work. It will be a lifesaver if there is ever a team dispute and instructors respect teams who follow their agreements. This should be sent to everyone and then signed and turned into the team leader (or your professor if required) to help with future disputes. You can use return e-mail to indicate that it has been signed or digital signatures, if you have them set up.

The second phase of the project should be preparation. Most of this work will be done individually, although there will be important checkpoints for you to connect with your team.

• You will need to focus on completing your assigned tasks in the time allotted. Remember, no one likes it when one person didn't do their work.
• Stick to the scheduled meetings — even if they turn into checkpoints, its important to stay in touch.
• Preparation may take weeks to complete — stay in touch and share what you are doing.
• At the end of the preparation period, you should have your part of the presentation completed and ready for review, reorganization, and practice.

The final phase is practice — remember — practice makes perfect. In this phase your team should:

• Schedule several sessions of practice to go through the presentation.
• In the first session, critically analyze your order, the content and look of slides (if you use them), and the presentation. Make corrections to a master copy and then review those corrections once the whole presentation is done.
• In the next sessions, continue to go through the presentation to make sure it is timed right and has all the ingredients specified in the assignment.
• When everyone is satisfied, do a dry run of the presentation. You will probably make final changes at that point.
• Do another dry run. Its important to run through what you think is right every time you make changes.
• To help you make sure everything is running smoothly, use the "Presentation Do List" as a checklist.
• Get some rest before you present. It is important to be rested before a big presentation and it will show, even online, if you aren't!

Presentation Do List

• Do know your material. Reading a script is very obvious and let's face it, anyone can read a script!
• Do assign someone as timekeeper and have a signal in case someone runs over. You can ring their cell phone or send a private chat room message to let them know.
• Do practice on your own so you don't use filler words like "uh," "um," "okay," "like," etc. These are distracting.
• Do know the order of the presenters. It is painful to have a team fumble around discussing who is doing what next.
• Do address the listeners occasionally to make sure they are still listening. Phrases like "How does that sound?" "Are you still with me?" Give the listeners a chance to acknowledge they are listening.
• Do know which person is going to answer questions so there is no fumbling around.

Perfecting an effective presentation can take practice. But, where could you use your new found skill of presenting? You could always check out the multitude of opportunity in careers in Business Administration . The corporate world utilizes group presentations in every day business and online presentations have now become the norm. Good luck in using your new found skill in the future!

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• Interactive Presentation

5 Powerful Group Presentation Examples + Guide to Nail Your Next Talk

Leah Nguyen • 04 April, 2024 • 6 min read

A group presentation is a chance to combine your superpowers, brainstorm like mad geniuses, and deliver a presentation that'll have your audience begging for an encore.

That's the gist of it.

It can also be a disaster if it's not done right. Fortunately, we have awesome group presentation examples to help you get the hang of it💪.

Table of Contents

What is a good group presentation, #1. delivering a successful team presentation, #2. athletetrax team presentation, #3. bumble - 1st place - 2017 national business plan competition, #4. 2019 final round yonsei university, #5. 1st place | macy's case competition, bottom line, frequently asked questions, tips for audience engagement.

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Here are some key aspects of a good group presentation:

• Organisation - The presentation should follow a logical flow, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. An outline or roadmap shown upfront helps guide the audience.

• Visual aids – Use slides, videos, diagrams, etc. to enhance the presentation and keep it engaging. But avoid overly packed slides with too much text. For the sake of convenience of quickly sharing the content, you can attach a QR code directly in your presentation using slides QR code generator for this goal.

• Speaking skills - Speak clearly, at an appropriate pace and volume. Make eye contact with the audience. Limit filler words and verbal tics.

• Participation - All group members should contribute to the presentation in an active and balanced way. They should speak in an integrated, conversational manner. You can also gather attention from your audience by using different interactive features, including spinner wheel word cloud , live Q&A , online quiz creator and survey tool , to maximize engagement.

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• Content - The material should be relevant, informative, and at an appropriate level for the audience. Good research and preparation ensure accuracy.

• Interaction - Involve the audience through questions, demonstrations, polls , or activities. This helps keep their attention and facilitates learning.

• Time management - Stay within the allotted time through careful planning and time checks. Have someone in the group monitor the clock.

• Audience focus - Consider the audience's needs and perspective. Frame the material in a way that is relevant and valuable to them.

• Conclusion - Provide a strong summary of the main points and takeaways. Leave the audience with key messages they'll remember from your presentation.

🎊 Tips: Icebreaker games | The secret weapon for connecting a new group

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Best Group Presentation Examples

To give you a good idea of what a good group presentation is, here are some specific examples for you to learn from.

The video provides helpful examples and recommendations to illustrate each of these tips for improving team presentations.

The speaker recommends preparing thoroughly as a team, assigning clear roles to each member, and rehearsing multiple times to deliver an effective team presentation that engages the audience.

They speak loudly and clearly, make eye contact with the audience, and avoid reading slides word for word.

The visuals are done properly, with limited text on slides, and relevant images and graphics are used to support key points.

The presentation follows a logical structure, covering the company overview, the problem they are solving, the proposed solution, business model, competition, marketing strategy, finances, and next steps. This makes it easy to follow.

The presenters speak clearly and confidently, make good eye contact with the audience, and avoid simply reading the slides. Their professional demeanor creates a good impression.

They provide a cogent and concise answer to the one question they receive at the end, demonstrating a good understanding of their business plan.

This group nails it with a positive attitude throughout the presentation . Smiles show warmness in opposition to blank stares.

The team cites relevant usage statistics and financial metrics to demonstrate Bumble's growth potential. This lends credibility to their pitch.

All points are elaborated well, and they switch between members harmoniously.

This group presentation shows that a little stutter initially doesn't mean it's the end of the world. They keep going with confidence and carry out the plan flawlessly, which impresses the judging panel.

The team provides clear, supported responses that demonstrate their knowledge and thoughtfulness.

When answering the questions from the judge, they exchange frequent eye contact with them, showing confident manners.

🎉 Tips: Divide your team into smaller groups for them to practice presenting better!

In this video , we can see instantly that each member of the group takes control of the stage they present naturally. They move around, exuding an aura of confidence in what they're saying.

For an intricate topic like diversity and inclusion, they made their points well-put by backing them up with figures and data.

🎊 Tips: Rate your presentation by effective rating scale tool , to make sure that everyone's satisfied with your presentation!

We hope these group presentation examples will help you and your team members achieve clear communication, organisation, and preparation, along with the ability to deliver the message in an engaging and compelling manner. These factors all contribute to a good group presentation that wow the audience.

More to read:

• 💡 10 Interactive Presentation Techniques for Engagement
• 💡 220++ Easy Topics for Presentation of all Ages
• 💡 Complete Guide to Interactive Presentations

What is a group presentation?

A group presentation is a presentation given by multiple people, typically two or more, to an audience. Group presentations are common in academic, business, and organisational settings.

How do you make a group presentation?

To make an effective group presentation, clearly define the objective, assign roles among group members for researching, creating slides, and rehearsing, create an outline with an introduction, 3-5 key points, and a conclusion, and gather relevant facts and examples to support each point, include meaningful visual aids on slides while limiting text, practice your full presentation together and provide each other with feedback, conclude strongly by summarising key takeaways.

Leah Nguyen

Words that convert, stories that stick. I turn complex ideas into engaging narratives - helping audiences learn, remember, and take action.

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