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Program tool 5. Tips for making a presentation

This tool can help you prepare a presentation. A successful presentation has interesting content as well as an atmosphere that is comfortable and interactive. Please note that a presentation is often not enough to get people to do anything in fall prevention or active living. However, it is a good start!

Planning your presentation

Answer the following questions to help you prepare your presentation:

• Who is it for? What are their needs and interests related to the topic?
• What information would be interesting and useful to the participants?
• How much time will it take?
• What types of activities would be helpful and interesting for participants (e.g. quizzes, videos, questions and answers...)
• What are the key points you need to get across?

Organize your presentation into a beginning, middle and end:

Beginning:

• Welcome people and introduce yourself.
• Make any anouncements such as the location of washrooms and how to handle questions.
• Give a brief description of your topic or issue and why it is important.
• Have a brief quiz, story or quote.
• Do an activity to help participants get to know each other and to introduce the topic.

Middle:

• Use statistics, facts to show why it is an issue. Use a video, picture or quiz.
• Ask participants about their experiences related to the topic.
• Provide some examples of actions that people can take. Ask participants if they have suggestions, questions about what can be done.
• Provide sources of more information.

End:

• Briefly sum up the key information about the topic and action steps that participants can take.
• Provide handouts and an evaluation form.
• Thank your participants.

Speaking tips

• Write up your speaking notes. Use 5"x7" cards or type your presentation on letter sized paper. Some people use key words on flip charts, overhead slides or computer programs. Whatever method you choose, make it something that is easy for you to see and use.
• Practice your presentation out loud several times. Time yourself.
• Be yourself.
• Make sure the participants can see and hear you.
• Face the group when speaking.
• Use words that your participants will understand.
• Speak naturally, slowly and clearly. Your voice can show that you are interested in what you are saying.
• If you are nervous-remember to breathe. Take a deep breath before you start.
• Remember-participants want you to succeed.

Involving the group

• Be alert to what is going on in the group.
• Involve participants by asking them to share stories or experiences.
• Keep visual contact with those that are silent and invite them to express themselves.
  

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Program tool 6