How to be a superstar student, part 10

Sometimes when the research is done and the paper turned in, you have a speech to give about the research. Michael Geisen offers advice about good presentations. Here are his major points.

Your speech opening needs to convince the audience that you are worth listening to. Stories, surprising facts and powerful or funny images make great hooks. Once you have them hooked, state your thesis. Yes, even a speech has a thesis.

Being thoroughly prepared for your speech is the best strategy for a good presentation. Practice, practice, practice. Be familiar enough with your topic and speech through many rehearsals so that you are comfortable and can interact with your audience rather than read from a piece of paper.

Geisen suggests that if you pick a subject you know something about and it is something the audience wants to hear, then your presentation will go over well. If you research the topic thoroughly, you become the class “expert” in that topic. Sharing that expert knowledge with your classmates should then be a breeze.

Keep your speech outline and notes simple. In your notes, use key words and phrases in the order you wish to present the subject. If you know your subject, you do not need to memorize the speech, for you will give the speech from your expert knowledge of the subject. Rehearsing allows you to demonstrate and perfect your presentation.

While you practice words and phrases, also remember to practice your technique. Keep your head up, make eye contact with the audience, take only quick glances at your notes to keep yourself on track. Make sure you address more than one member of the audience – scan the room and let the audience members think you are look at them personally.

If you have a tape recorder or other audio device, listen to your enunciation and projection. Make each word clear and speak at a volume that will reach the back of the room. Strive for a pace of about 100-150 words per minute – remember this is not a conversation with friends, but a speech to a group of people interested in what you have to say. Slow down. Pause to create greater emphasis.

If you move during the speech, do so with purpose. Use only those hand and arm and foot movements directly tied to the speech, like moving from one prop to another, or acting out a scene, or interacting with the audience.

Remember, if you use visuals, they should support your speech. They are NOT your speech. Keep printed text on visuals to a minimum and use simple backgrounds.

Knowing and using these speech basics will help you give great presentations.