Skills for Special Librarians: Tips for Giving a Presentation

Giving presentations is a big part of my job. Over the years, I have learned a few things that have helped me feel more comfortable both developing the presentation and then giving it. My tips are below.

Tips for developing presentations:

• Start with learning outcomes. In other words, decide the main things you want attendees at the presentation to learn. 
• Design the slide deck around the learning outcomes; this helps ensure you cover the main ideas. 
• Know your audience and tailor the presentation content to their backgrounds and needs. 
• Include ways for interactivity. This could be in the form of questions you pose to the audience, a poll, an interactive whiteboard (i.e. Google Jamboard or Padlet), or audience discussion. 
• Pick a slide theme that enhances the presentation and does not distract. This means including visuals that support the content. 
• Make sure the font on each slide is readable at a distance. 
• Write notes for each slide. I prefer to do this in the notes section for each slide. 
• Leave time at the end for questions. 
• Include a summary slide with the main ideas that you covered. 
• Keep track of references and include a slide at the end with the list. 
• Proofread the presentation! 
• Practice the presentation before delivering it to an audience.

Tips for giving a presentation

• Welcome the audience and thank them for being in attendance. 
• Use a natural pace and do not rush. 
• Do your best to stick to a schedule so you do not run out of time or end too early. 
• Use notes and do not read the presentation. 
• Keep eye contact with audience members. 
• Calmly move during the presentation, but try to avoid pacing. 
• Enjoy sharing a topic you are passionate about!

 I hope you find these tips beneficial for your own work.