So, you’ve got a presentation coming up. Maybe it’s for a uni project, a job interview, or an important student job meeting where you need to sound like you actually know what you’re talking about. Whatever the case, standing in front of people and trying to keep their attention (without them secretly scrolling on their phones) is no easy task.
But don’t worry – I’ve got you. Here are 10 tips on how to give a good presentation that won’t just help you survive but actually make you stand out.
1. Know Your Audience (And Don’t Bore Them to Tears)
Presenting to a seminar group? You can probably keep things casual. Delivering to a panel of lecturers? Maybe throw in some stats to look impressive. Pitching to an employer? Drop in a relevant example from real life. Tailoring your presentation to the audience makes a massive difference.
A general rule: If you wouldn’t want to sit through your own presentation, something needs to change.
2. Cut the Fluff – No One Has Time for That
Here’s a scary stat: The average human attention span is just 8.25 seconds 1. If your audience zones out in the first minute, you’ve lost them.
Get to the point. Trim down the waffle. If you have a 10-minute slot, aim for a crisp 8. No one will complain about an engaging, slightly shorter presentation.
3. Slides Are for Pictures, Not Essays
Your slides are there to back you up, not to be your script. The golden rule? No more than 10 words per slide.
Instead of cramming in a novel, use images, diagrams, or short bullet points to support what you’re saying. Your audience should be looking at you, not squinting at a wall of text.
4. Start Strong – No One Cares About Your Title Slide
The first 30 seconds set the tone. Instead of starting with:
“Hi, my name is [Your Name] and today I’ll be talking about…”
Try:
- A question: “What if I told you your attention span is worse than a goldfish’s?”
- A surprising fact: “80% of people admit to daydreaming in meetings. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen today.”
- A personal anecdote: “Last week, I totally messed up a presentation. Here’s how I fixed it.”
5. Rehearse… But Not Like a Robot
Practicing is key, but you don’t want to sound scripted. Instead of memorising word-for-word, get comfortable with the flow.
Try the Feynman Technique: Explain your topic in simple terms to a friend (or even your dog). If you can break it down easily, you actually understand it.
6. Engage Your Audience (Yes, Even If They Look Half-Asleep)
People remember interactions, not just information. If your audience is checked out, try
- Asking them a quick question
- Throwing in a poll (if tech allows)
- Using humour (but keep it natural – no forced dad jokes)
Even a simple “Who here has experienced [common situation]?” can snap people back into focus.
7. Body Language: Stand Like You Belong There
You could have the best content in the world, but if you look like you want the ground to swallow you, no one will believe in what you’re saying.
- Stand tall – No slouching, no crossing arms.
- Move with purpose – A bit of movement = confidence. Pacing nervously = panic.
- Eye contact – Not too intense, but enough to connect with people.
Also, ditch the podium if possible. Hiding behind a desk makes you look less confident.
8. Silence Isn’t Awkward – It’s Powerful
Most people fill gaps with nervous rambling. Instead, pause after important points. It makes your words land better and gives people a second to digest what you just said.
Plus, it makes you look way more in control. Try it – you’ll be surprised how effective it is.
9. Tech Will Fail You (So Be Ready)
Slides won’t load. The projector won’t turn on. Your notes will disappear. It happens.
Solution? Be prepared. Save your slides in multiple formats, bring notes (not full scripts), and, if all else fails, be ready to present without them. If you actually know your content, you’ll be fine.
10. End With a Bang, Not a Fizzle
Ever seen someone finish a presentation with:
“Umm… yeah, so, that’s it. Thanks.”
Not exactly memorable, right? Instead, wrap up with:
- A strong takeaway (“If you remember one thing from today, it’s this…”)
- A call to action (“Try this in your next presentation and see the difference.”)
- A thought-provoking final sentence (“Presentations aren’t just about information – they’re about connection.”)
Leave them with something to think about.
Giving a great presentation isn’t about being the loudest or most confident person in the room. It’s about being clear, engaging, and making sure people actually remember what you said.
So, next time you’re up there, use these tips on how to give a good presentation, own the moment, and (most importantly) don’t stress too much. You’ve got this.
Oh, and if you want to seriously level up your presentation skills, check out “Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds”. It’s packed with insights from the best presenters in the world. Worth a read.
Sources
1 – IACET – Short Attention Spans and Long-Term Retention: The Evolution of Learning in the Digital Space – May, 2024
