At some point in your student or professional life, you would have given a presentation before an audience. You will be aware that most members of the audience have a short attention span and their attention drifts off after a while unless you keep them engaged through well-created presentation material and strong presentation skills. The presentation material you prepare should not just have good content, but it should also be showcased effectively using appropriate audio visual aids. From flip charts to PowerPoint presentations and video clips, there are many ways in which content can be visually presented. For the accompanying audio, microphones, loudspeakers, or public address (PA) systems can be sourced from audio equipment rental companies.
Audio-visual equipment and good presentation material are not enough - the presenter should speak with confidence and conviction to hold the attention of the audience. Here are some tips on how to give effective presentations.
Establishing a rapport with the audience
It is important that you connect with the audience from the outset. If the presentation topic is scientific, keep the content interesting and engaging. For serious topics on social awareness, be forceful and persuasive. For lighter topics, add an element of humor. Don't over dramatize or appear too solemn. Reading out from notes is a strict no-no, keep them with you only for reference before the presentation. Use appropriate body language, gestures and facial expressions. Rehearsing the presentation before the big day is highly recommended if you are presenting before a large audience.
Use appropriate visual aids
Whether you use slides or flip charts, make sure that each slide/sheet contains only one dominant message. A slide crowded with information will confuse the audience. Make sure that the graphics are big and bold enough to be seen by all in attendance. Avoid using jarring colors and over-illustrating.
For a smaller audience, flips charts are inexpensive visual aids that can be prepared in a short span of time. Use block lettering and make sure that the letters are bold enough to be read easily. Overhead transparencies are ideal for an audience size of twenty to fifty. They can be used when a computer projector system in not available in the room where the presentation is to be given. Only an overhead transparency projector is needed. Use laser printers to create high quality transparencies with a good blend of color and bold text.
Audience size is not a constraint for 35 mm slide presentations. All you need is a screen and a slide projector and you can very easily give a presentation before a sizable audience. You would need a basic sound system, which you can get from a reliable audio equipment rental company.
Select the right audio aids
For bigger events, where you have to present before an audience of over hundred, professional audio aids should be used to create an impact. A public address system consists of a microphone, amplifier and loudspeaker to reach out to bigger audiences and noisy environments. Lavalier microphones are most commonly used by presenters as they are unobtrusive and highly effective. When you are renting sound equipment, ask the audio equipment rental company staff for any tips that you should keep in mind so that there are no last minute problems.
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