10 Tips for Presenting in Higher Education

1. Why You have to lead with the why to capture the audience. If you don't lead with the why, you will slowly lose your audience's attention. Get to the point first, then provide details when you have their maximum attention and curiosity.

2. To the Point Maximize time and interaction with your audience - get to the point quickly.

3. Valuable Information Make certain the information you're presenting has impact for, and applies to, the audience.

4. Actionable The best information can actually be used to implement new plans and strategies.

5. Connect with the Audience It's important to read the audience and connect with them. Building the relationships and positioning yourself as an expert is key to successful presentations.

6. Minimize Gesticulation Hey, we all wonder what to do with our hands. Keep your audience comfortable and focused on what you are presenting, not what you're doing with your arms and hands. At the same time, don't be the Queen's guard! Be sure to still allow your personality to come through in your gestures.

7. Don't Sell Share information, collaborate and demonstrate your expertise and your value.

8. Don't Read Know your content and share your knowledge with your audience. If you have to read it - you don't know it.

9. Good Format Make certain the format fits your audience and your venue. It ca be PowerPoint, KeyNote, or Prezi - as long as it fits the audience and you don't write every word you're going ot say on the slides. Remember - different venues have difference lighting and room set-ups. Know your venue in advance so you can format your presentation appropriately.

10. Practice The Boy Scouts have this right. You must be prepared and actually practice the presentation before you deliver it. You need to think strategically and anticipate questions, interruptions, and worst-case scenarios. This way, no matter what happens - not only do you look like you know what you're talking about - you actually do.