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Is
it time to give a class presentation? Don't stress over the nervousness.
Prepare yourself instead!
Facing the Inevitable Day With Preparedness
By Brian Murphy
December 2001
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- By now you've taken what feels
like a zillion tests, ranging from those timed SATs to some quick
quizzes, and you're pretty knowledgeable of your studying style.
But just when you thought you had the testing blues on lockdown,
institutions of higher ed' came up with another type of examination
to keep you on your academic toes -- class presentations!
Even if you're able to sweet talk one of
your profs out of standing before the class to present your paper,
there's going to be at least one who makes it mandatory. You might
as well prepare yourself for the inevitable. As
a presenter, you want to make sure that when you stand before your
classmates, your face isn't glued to the document, you stumble over
all your words, or (yikes!) you skip entire paragraphs because you're
nervous.
If help is what you want, help is what you'll
get, thanks to Jeanne Schumm's book, School Power: Study Skill
Strategies for Succeeding in School (Free Spirit Publishing,
2001). It offers some powerful preparation pointers, including the
following five:
1. Start with a power-packed opening statement:
This will set your speech up as something
interesting and grab the attention of your audience from the start.
2. Keep your audience tuned in:
Stories, jokes, and interesting facts, for example, are great ways
to be entertaining as well as informative, and will help you get
your point across.
3. Utilize visuals:
Visuals such as graphs, charts, and overhead projector slides are
tangible tools for your audience to refer to, and a great way to
help them retain information. Not to mention, they'll take you out
of the spotlight!
4. Know your presentation format:
Find out beforehand if you will have to present from memory or if
you can usean outline. If the answer is the latter, keep in mind
that there is nothing more boring than watching someone read. To
keep everyone's attention, make constant eye contact and use hand
gestures.
5. Practice! Practice! Practice!
Start out in front of your mirror performing
as you would if it were the real deal. Then, when you master that,
do a run-through for your family and friends. Be open to criticism
and don't take it personally. Remember, you can only correct your
mistakes if you're aware of them.
When you're ready to make your class presentation,
and your prof' introduces you, don't forget to take a deep breath
and relax. If you could do it at home, you'll have no problem in
front of the class. Walk right on up, stand tall and proud, and
be confident that not only will your presentation be great, so will
your grade!
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