Before you conclude your presentation, make sure to leave something for your guests to think about. It can be something shocking or exciting. It can be a fun souvenir, an announcement or even a teaser. If you’re able to leave anything that will keep your presentation in the minds of those who attended, you’ll be able to keep them coming back for more.

· Find out about the audience: how many people there will be, who they are, why they will be there, and how much they know about the subject.

· Find out about the venue and the facilities: the room, the seating plan, the equipment, etc.

· Plan the content and structure, but don‟t write the complete text of the presentation.

· Write notes on sheets of paper, not on cards.

· Try to memorize the first five sentences of your talk.

· Prepare visual aids: pictures, diagrams, etc.

· Rehearse your presentation (practice it so that it becomes very familiar) with friends or colleagues.

Parts of Presentation

Most presentations are divided into 3 main parts (+ questions):

1.Introduction 2. Main part (Questions)   3. Conclusion (Questions)

As a general rule in communication, repetition is valuable. In presentations, there is a golden rule about repetition:

1. Say what you are going to say...
2. say it...
3. then say what you have just said.

In other words, use the three parts of your presentation to reinforce your message. In the introduction, you tell your audience what your message is going to be. In the body, you tell your audience your real message. In the conclusion, you summarize what your message was.

We will now consider each of these parts in more detail.

Introduction: The introduction is a very important - perhaps the most important - part of your presentation. This is the first impression that your audience have of you. You should concentrate on getting your introduction right. You should use the introduction to:

1. welcome your audience
2. introduce your subject
3. outline the structure of your presentation
4. give instructions about questions

The following table shows examples of language for each of these functions. You may need to modify the language as appropriate.

Body: The body is the 'real' presentation. If the introduction was well prepared and delivered, you will now be 'in control'. You will be relaxed and confident.

The body should be well structured, divided up logically, with plenty of carefully spaced visuals.

Remember these key points while delivering the body of your presentation:

• do not hurry
• be enthusiastic
• give time on visuals
• maintain eye contact
• modulate your voice
• look friendly
• keep to your structure
• use your notes
• signpost throughout
• remain polite when dealing with difficult questions

Conclusion:Use the conclusion to:

1. Sum up
2. (Give recommendations if appropriate)
3. Thank your audience
4. Invite questions

The following table shows examples of language for each of these functions. You may need to modify the language as appropriate.

Questions: Questions are a good opportunity for you to interact with your audience. It may be helpful for you to try to predict what questions will be asked so that you can prepare your response in advance. You may wish to accept questions at any time during your presentation, or to keep a time for questions after your presentation. Normally, it's your decision, and you should make it clear during the introduction. Be polite with all questioners, even if they ask difficult questions. They are showing interest in what you have to say and they deserve attention. Sometimes you can reformulate a question. Or answer the question with another question. Or even ask for comment from the rest of the audience.