1. Know your material thoroughly.
Make sure that you present your material in a logical fashion. The material you present orally should have the same ingredients as that which are required for a written research paper, i.e. a logical progression from INTRODUCTION (Thesis statement) to BODY (strong supporting arguments, accurate and up-to-date information) to CONCLUSION (re-state thesis, summary, and logical conclusion).
To end your presentation, summarize your main points in the same way as you normally do in the CONCLUSION of a written paper. Remember, however, that there is a difference between spoken words appropriate for the ear and formally written words intended for reading. Terminate your presentation with an interesting remark or an appropriate punch line. Leave your listeners with a positive impression and a sense of completion.
Remember that the best speeches and often those that seem extemporaneous are those that have been practiced and rehearsed.
You will want to practice your presentation as a group to make sure that you will present all the necessary information within the allotted timeframe. At the very least, each group member should make sure they present their portion in the appropriate time.
2. Tips on presentation manner
When you are presenting in front of an audience, you are performing as an actor is on stage. How you are being perceived is very important. If you appear enthusiastic and interested in your topic, you are more likely to engage your audience. The best way to do this is:
a. appear animated, vary tone of voice.
b. Speak slowly and clearly so your audience can understand you.
c. Maintain sincere eye contact with your audience. Use the 3-second method, e.g. look straight into the eyes of a person in the audience for 3 seconds at a time. Have direct eye contact with a number of people in the audience, and every now and then glance at the whole audience while speaking. Use your eye contact to make everyone in your audience feel involved.
d. Body language is important. Standing, walking or moving about with appropriate hand gesture or facial expression is preferred to sitting down or standing still with head down and reading from a prepared speech.
Have the written portion of your assignment or report ready for your instructor if required.