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In many courses students make oral presentations. Individuals might summarize final essays, research reports, or capstone projects. Groups or teams might prepare pro-and-con debates, roundtable presentations of viewpoints, organized analyses, problem–solution proposals, or field reports. Such presentations require thoughtful written materials and confident oral delivery, perhaps using visuals prepared with PowerPoint or other software.

Because presentations draw on multiple skills, you may feel anxious or uncertain about how to prepare. You need to write under pressure, preparing a speaking script or notes as well as text for any presentation slides. You need to speak under pressure, making your presentation and possibly fielding questions. You may be assessed on both your prepared content and your actual presentation. Nevertheless, each presentation provides valuable experience, preparing you for future classes, job interviews, workplace reports, professional talks, and community appearances.

Start Early. Get organized, don’t procrastinate, and draw on your writing strategies when a presentation looms. Review your assignment and any assessment criteria; be sure you understand what is expected. If you are reporting on a paper or project, finish it well ahead of the deadline. If your presentation requires separate reading or research, get it done early. If you are working with a group, establish a timetable with regular face-to-face meetings or online checkpoints so everyone is prepared. This advance work is necessary to leave time to plan the presentation as a separate activity—and avoid just walking in, looking disorganized or ill-prepared.

Develop Your Oral Presentation. As you work on the presentation itself, consider your audience and purpose, the time allotted, and the formality expected. Think hard about an engaging start—something surprising, intriguing, or notable to help your audience focus. Map out the main points appropriate for your audience and situation. Preview them so your words tell listeners what’s major, what’s minor, and what’s coming up. Be selective: listeners can absorb only limited detail.

Instead of writing out a speech like an essay, record your main points on cards or on a page using easy-to-read type. Then practice—speaking out loud, timing yourself, revising your notes, testing your talk on a friend, or maybe recording yourself so you can catch rough spots. If you feel nervous, practice taking a deep breath or counting to five before you begin. Also practice looking around the room, making eye contact. Connecting with your audience turns anonymous faces into sympathetic people.

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Align Your Visuals. As your talk takes shape, work on any slides or images for projection or distribution. Listeners appreciate concise visuals that support—not repeat—your words. If possible, project a few in the room where you will speak. Sit there, as your audience will, to see how large the type needs to be for easy reading. Try to align your slides with your main points so they appear steadily and appropriately. Aim for a simple, professional look without busy designs or dramatic colors. All this preparation will improve your presentation and reduce any fears about public speaking.