Today we have prepared 6 practical tips for you on how to prepare for a presentation, what to take care of, and what to remember. Enjoy the read!
- GIVE A REAL-LIFE EXAMPLE, TELL A STORY
Tell a story, for example, about how you got here, or something specific about the city you’re in. Once, Hans-Dietrich Genscher had a speech outside Germany. He was aware of the weakness of his English, so he decided to use it as an asset and began his speech like this: “Ladies and Gentlemen, with my English it’s like with my wife – I love her, but I have no control over her.”
- ASK A RHETORICAL QUESTION
Ask a question. This way of starting a presentation aims to stimulate the audience’s interest. If we manage to ask a non-trivial, good question, we can count on the listener beginning to think about the topic we want to address.
- PRESENT STATISTICAL DATA
Use statistical data - but remember, numbers like land area in hectares may mean nothing to the listener. Therefore, it’s worth using statistical data in a form such as: “please note that research shows that every third Pole, meaning every third person in this room, is…”
- TELL AN ANECDOTE
Tell a funny story. The value of humor in interpersonal relationships is invaluable. A sense of humor relieves the tension that arises at the interface of interpersonal contacts. If we can laugh at ourselves, joke about ourselves, we show a healthy distance from ourselves and in this way win over our listeners.
- PRESENT THE TOPIC AS A PARADOX
Use a paradox, which causes listeners to listen with interest to what is being said.
- USE A PERSONAL REFERENCE
Start with a personal example. A good starting point is thanking for the invitation and expressing joy at the meeting. Some people using this method refer to the last meeting with the audience that took place in the past. For example: “It is with true pleasure and a sense of honor that I received your invitation to participate…”
Authors: EITT Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I overcome nervousness before a public presentation?
Thorough preparation is the best antidote to stage fright. Practise your presentation multiple times, familiarise yourself with the venue, and use breathing techniques to calm your nerves before stepping on stage. Starting with a story or anecdote also helps ease initial tension.
How long should a good business presentation be?
Most effective business presentations last between 15 and 20 minutes, as audience attention typically starts to decline after that. If your topic requires more time, break it into distinct segments with interactive elements such as questions or short exercises to maintain engagement.
What is the best way to open a presentation?
Opening with a compelling story, a surprising statistic, or a thought-provoking rhetorical question immediately captures the audience’s attention. Avoid starting with a dry agenda slide, as the first 30 seconds determine whether your audience will stay engaged throughout.
How important are visual aids in a presentation?
Visual aids can significantly enhance your message when used sparingly and purposefully. Keep slides simple with minimal text, use high-quality images or data visualisations, and remember that slides should support your narrative rather than replace it.