What is meant by presenting 

Presenting involves public speaking - sharing information or ideas in a formal way, normally in front of an audience. It often involves:

• A clear structure: A beginning, middle, and end.
• Preparation: Organising your thoughts and material before presenting.
• Professional language: Using respectful and clear language, often avoiding casual phrases.
• Visual aids: Tools like slides or charts to help explain your points.

Presenting is used to communicate something serious, organised, complex, or important.

Why and when presenting is important

Presenting is important because it helps to:

• Share information clearly: Presenting to a group means that you can organise your information and messages clearly.
• Create a professional image: It shows you are serious and prepared, which can help build trust and credibility.
• Influence decisions: If you need to persuade others, a formal presentation can help you explain your ideas in a convincing way.
• Ensure everyone is informed: It is a way to share key points with a group of people at once, making sure everyone gets the same message.

It is especially important in situations where decisions, ideas, or new information need to be shared with a larger group, like at meetings or conferences.

How to present effectively

Good preparation reduces nerves and helps you deliver a clear, engaging presentation.

• Know your audience: Think about who they are, what they already know, and what they need from you. Tailor your message to their interests and level of understanding.
• Plan a clear structure: A well-structured presentation is easier for both you and your audience to follow. Use the simple format:
  
  • Introduction: Grab attention and outline what you will cover.
  • Main content: Present your key points logically, using examples and explanations.
  • Conclusion: Summarise your key points and leave a strong final message.
• Practise out loud: Reading your notes silently is not enough. Saying your words aloud helps you refine your delivery and spot any awkward phrasing.
• Time yourself: Make sure your presentation fits within the allocated time. 
• Use visual aids wisely: Slides or props can support your message, but keep them simple. Too much text or clutter can distract from what you are saying.
• Anticipate questions: Think about what your audience might ask and prepare answers in advance. 

When it is time to speak, focus on engaging your audience and delivering clearly.

• Project confidence: Stand tall, make eye contact, and smile. 
• Speak clearly and at a steady pace: Avoid rushing. Speaking too quickly can make you sound nervous and harder to understand. Use pauses to emphasise points.
• Use gestures and facial expressions: These help bring your words to life and make you more engaging. Avoid standing stiffly or crossing your arms.
• Make eye contact: Looking at (or above) your audience (rather than your notes or the floor) builds connection and keeps them engaged.
• Involve your audience: Ask questions, encourage participation, or use stories to make your message more relatable.
• Manage nerves with pauses: If you lose track of what you are saying, take a breath and pause. It will feel longer to you than it does to your audience.
• Adapt to audience reactions: Pay attention to their body language. If they look bored, add energy to your voice. If they seem confused, slow down or explain differently.
• End strongly: Summarise your points and finish with a memorable statement or call to action.

With practice, presenting will become easier and the more natural and confident you will feel.