As a student and a scientist, one thing we must challenge ourselves to do is communicate effectively. This may be to a scientific or non-scientific audience but regardless, it is apparent in our current climate how this is vital. From low-key group project presentations for class, to a departmental-wide seminar in front of faculty and students, there is one thing you need to become a better presenter.
Practice.
This may seem like the most obvious thing in the world, yet so many students do not take the time to do it. One reason is because of procrastination and you do not make your presentation in advance, so you don’t have the opportunity to practice before the real thing. Another reason is because its uncomfortable! It is not fun to practice, especially the first time you run through the presentation out loud. But as soon as you get the first one out of the way, it will only get better and better the more you practice.
It does not matter how well you know your presentation topic or how confident you are (although those thing definitely help) everyone benefits from practicing at least once. They don’t say “practice makes perfect” for nothing, but it takes time and patience to get this done. Below I will outline when and how I practice before a presentation.
- Two weeks before presentation
- Begin building your slides! A week is plenty of time to work a little each day.
- One week before presentation
- Set out three different days that week that you can spend up to an hour practicing (it wont take you that long each time I promise)
- Find a quiet non-distracting place where you can sit or stand in front of your computer to practice out loud. Really get into it, even though it feels silly, this will create some physical and mental muscle memory and will put you at ease when its time for the real thing!
First Time
Starting is the hardest part. Set a time and hold yourself accountable for when you will practice. The presentation will take too long, you will stumble on your words, and change things on your slides while you are practicing. This is okay. Time yourself but do not stress about how long it takes, just get through it once. You will use this as a benchmark for the other times you practice.
Second Time
You will feel more comfortable now and have a better idea of what you want to say. Time yourself again and be conscious if you are talking beyond the content of your slides, when you said everything you needed to say, move on! (I always find myself rambling) This will help you cut down on time.
Third Time
This will be the easiest! You are almost presentation ready. Make sure your slides are sleek and consistent. Work on any parts where you are still stumbling over your words. Time yourself again and you should be even closer to your target!
On presentation day you will be even more confident and relaxed because you know exactly what to expect! Remember you are in control, not your audience. You will thank yourself later for taking the time to become a better presenter by practicing!
Here is my recorded poster presentation for the Annual Sigma Xi Meeting. Even in our virtual and pre-recorded world, practice is still necessary!
Any questions or comments, chat with me below!
Madison (Honer) Lineberger 