Prepare

The role of a project manager is multifaceted and varied – technical expertise is essential, but today’s project managers need to be able to effectively present information as well.

Oral presentations facilitate knowledge sharing and discussion from small to large groups.

This is a learned skill and one that is frequently called upon in projects.

Nonetheless, giving a presentation is not the easiest thing to do. 

For many, it can be nerve-racking and stressful; yet, with practice, your nerves will ease.

Most presentations are done these days using Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote or similar software.

If you haven’t used these before, we strongly encourage you to start with some online tutorials.

Well-designed slides will help get your message across.

Here are some important principles to keep in mind.

Make it clear

Visuals should be concise, simple, and relevant.

• Arrange your visuals in a logical sequence in line with your presentation structure.
• Each visual should convey a specific idea, point, or topic area.
•  Use one message per slide.
•  You should also limit the amount of text on each slide.
•  Don’t reproduce your entire presentation script, just main points and keywords.
•  Edit out words you don’t need until each statement is as concise as possible – and check your spelling and grammar!

Make it big

Visuals should be readable from the back of the room, so use a large font (at least 20 points).

Avoid overly elaborate typefaces – stick with something simple, like Helvetica, Arial, or Times – and don’t use all capitals or large paragraph blocks of text.

Don’t over-design

Your slides should be simple and clear.

• Eliminate unnecessary information and clutter.
• Use white space, and don’t cram too much on each slide.
• For each addition, ask yourself: is this necessary; what does it add to the message?
• Also, avoid busy backgrounds that make text hard to read.

Don’t go overboard with technology

Your aim should be to communicate, not win an Oscar for special effects.

• Use animations sparingly.
• Effects like flying or flashing text can distract your audience.
• What value do they really add to your talk or your topic?
• Only include elements like sound and video if they are the best way to convey particular information.
• And the sound effects that accompany PowerPoint animations are best avoided altogether.

Be consistent

Choose a general ‘look’ for your presentation and stick to it.

Maintain a unity of key design elements from slide to slide, so don’t get carried away with fonts, colours, styles, etc.

Use the same themes (colors, backgrounds, fonts, and the like) throughout your slideshow.

Visual consistency can link your slides and help your presentation to flow.

Be visual

The impact of visuals is significantly increased by color, if used well.

• Ensure there is a clear contrast between the text and background color.
• Use colors that harmonize rather than clash.
• Bright shades can look harsh when projected. 
• If you’re not sure how to put colors together, make use of the color schemes available in PowerPoint.

Move beyond bullet points

Take advantage of the medium and find ways to convert data to visual information.

Would a picture, graph, or chart convey information more effectively than text?

That said, don’t include graphics (or, heaven forbid, clipart) purely for decoration.

Remember that what may look clear and focused on your computer screen will probably be paler and less focused when projected onto a large screen.

Use only one or two images per slide, and ensure tables or graphs are simple and readable from the back of the room.

Source: UNSW

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Rehearse

Most presentations have a time limit, and the amount of time you have will determine how much information you are able to cover

To keep within the allotted time, you must plan carefully and focus on essential points when giving your talk.

Find out what the time limit is and ask yourself:

• How much of the topic can I cover? 
• How much detail can I include? What can I leave out?
• What is the most effective way to present the information?

Write a draft script allowing roughly 400 words for each five minutes.

A draft will help you work out the structure, the main points, and the supporting information you need to include.

As a rule, you should limit the number of slides to a maximum of 3-4 for every 10 minutes. 

You should also rehearse your presentation at home alone in front of a mirror, then to your family or friends.

Practice projecting your voice clearly and varying your pitch and tone – don’t mumble or speak in a monotone.

Practice speaking naturally, glancing at your notes occasionally.

You should also rehearse with your visual aids to make sure they – and the technology that supports them – work as intended.

Finally, time yourself to make sure you stay within the allotted time limit.

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Present

Whether it is updating your project team, reporting the project’s status to the governance group, or briefing a group of (possibly hostile) stakeholders, your moment to present has arrived!

Given that PowerPoint, Keynote, or other digital technologies will be the backbone of your presentation, here are some important things not to do. 

Don’t expect PowerPoint to do the presentation for you

Visual aids are intended to support you, not replace you. 

Don’t try to hide performance anxiety or lack of preparation behind an elaborate slideshow.

The best way to beat ‘stage fright’ is by rehearsing and developing your presentation skills and delivery.

Don’t spend more time on the slides than on your talk.

Focus on writing your presentation, then plan your visuals to support it. If the content of your presentation is poor, no amount of whizz-bang will help.

Don’t ignore the audience

Especially if you are nervous, you can become so preoccupied with your slideshow that you pay more attention to clicking the mouse at the right time than delivering your talk.

Speak to your audience, not to your screen or your notes.

Don’t turn off the lights

Dimming the light can increase the clarity of your slides, but don’t turn off every light and leave your audience in darkness unless you are showing a video.

They will always want to see you and may want to make notes.

Don’t hide in the corner

Although you never want to stand directly in front of the projector, don’t stand too far to the side of the room or hide behind a lectern or computer.

This creates a barrier between you and the audience.

If the layout of the room you are presenting in has the computer in the corner, make sure you vary your position when possible.

Don’t read directly from slides

You wouldn’t read a script of your presentation word-for-word, so avoid reading your slides.

Not only is it boring for your audience, but they will stop listening to you and read ahead.

Don’t simply read your slides aloud; supplement or explain text and graphics.

The first few times you make a presentation, you will be nervous.

That is actually a good thing – a bit of adrenaline often helps you to perform well.

Here are some ‘do‘ tips to help you overcome those nerves.

Smile!

Your audience will react warmly to you if you smile and at least look relaxed.

Project confidence…

…by dressing appropriately, using purposeful gestures and movement, and making eye contact with audience members.

Breathe deeply

It will calm you down and help you control the slight shaking that you might get in your hands and your voice.

Be organized

If you are well organized, your task will be easier.

If your slides are out of sequence, your notes are disorganized, or the technology fails you, you may get flustered.

Slow down!

When people are nervous, they tend to get confused easily – your mind may start to race, and you may feel panicky.

Make use of pauses: force yourself to stop at the end of a sentence, take a breath, and think before you continue.

The way you perform is the way your audience will feel.

Giving a presentation is a performance – you have to be like an actor.

If you act the part of someone enjoying themselves and feeling confident, you will not only communicate these positive feelings to the audience but also feel much better.

Even accomplished public speakers often feel nervous before and during a talk.

The skill is in not communicating your nerves and not letting them take away from the presentation.

Over time, you will feel less anxious and possibly even look forward to presenting!