Tips for delivering an effective presentation

1. Show up early and verify that your equipment works properly.
    Make sure that all equipment is connected and running.

2. Don't assume that your presentation will work fine on another computer.

    Disk failures, software version mismatches, lack of disk space, low memory, and many other factors can ruin a presentation.

    If the computer that you plan to give your presentation on does not belong to you, make sure that it has adequate disk space so that you don't have to present from a CD.

    Turn off screen savers, and make sure that you have the appropriate files and versions of software that you need, including Microsoft Office PowerPoint.

    To ensure all files are accounted for when you copy them to a CD or network drive and carry them to your presentation location, see Copy a presentation to a CD, network, or local disk drive.

3. Verify that the projector's resolution is the same as the computer on which you created your
    presentation.

    If the resolutions don't match, your slides may be cropped, or other display problems can occur.

4. Turn your screen saver off.

    Keep your audience focused on the content of your presentation.

5. Check all colors on a projection screen before giving the actual presentation.

    The colors may project differently than what appears on your monitor.

6. Ask your audience to hold questions until the end.

    Questions are an excellent indicator that people are engaged by your subject matter and presentation skills. But if you save questions until the end of the presentation, you will get through your material uninterrupted. Also, early questions are often answered by ensuing slides and commentary.

7. Avoid moving the pointer unconsciously.

    When you are not using the pointer, remove your hand from the mouse. This helps to stop you from moving the pointer unconsiously, which can be distracting.

8. Do not read the presentation.

    Practice the presentation so that you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than the full message for the audience.

9. Stay on time.

    If you plan a certain amount of time for your presentation, do not go over. If there is no time limit, take less time rather than more to ensure that people stay engaged.

10. Monitor your audience's behavior.

      Each time that you deliver a presentation, monitor your audience's behavior. If you observe people focusing on your slides, the slides may contain too much data or be confusing or distracting in some other way. Use the information you learn each time to improve your future presentations.