search for:
job vacancies
Many employers will ask you to give a presentation at some point during the selection process. You may be given a topic beforehand, and asked to prepare a presentation of a certain length e.g. ten minutes and in a certain format - usually PowerPoint, but sometimes using an overhead projector. If this is not stated, it is a good idea to contact the resourcing team to ask what format you should use for your presentation. For example, should it be on a CD-rom or memory stick, or should you email it to them in advance? Alternatively, you may be given a presentation title on the day. For example, during assessment centres, you are often given either a flipchart or some overhead transparencies and asked to prepare a five minute talk on a subject of your choice, or on a topic that is given to you. You will make your presentation in front of the assessors, and possibly in front of other candidates. Some tips for an effective presentation include: - If you have a free choice of topic - choose a subject you know well. At the end of your presentation, you will be asked to answer additional questions, so it helps if you are knowledgeable about, and comfortable with, your subject area.
- Think about your audience - how you can keep their attention? Pitch the content of your presentation at the appropriate level for your audience.
- Structure your presentation well and stick to it - make sure there is a clear introduction, a body and a conclusion. Assessors will be looking for a well-structured talk, with a logical flow and a clear beginning, middle and end.
- Do not cram too much onto your slides - just use bullet points and key words. You want your audience to listen to what you are telling them, not just to read ahead. Liven up your slides with pictures, photos, graphs and screendumps where appropriate.
- Do not go into too much detail - be clear and concise and keep to time. Many organisations will stop you at the end of your allotted time, even if you are only halfway through.
- At the beginning - remember to introduce yourself and your presentation confidently at the beginning, rather than launching straight into the content. This will also give you a chance to steady any nerves. You could say something like: ‘Good afternoon. My name is David Jones, and I’m going to speak to you for about ten minutes on the subject of my final year dissertation. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have at the end.’
- Do not read from a prepared script - glance briefly at notes or prompt cards instead.
- Practise beforehand - if you can, and familiarise yourself with the AV equipment.
- At the end - be sure to end your presentation confidently, rather than coming to a dead stop when you run out of things to say. Even if you are nervous and glad to have got it out of the way, make a brief and clear conclusion, summarising what you have presented and then say something like: ‘That concludes my presentation. Thank you for listening. Are there any questions?’
Short presentations are sometimes also used during interviews, where you are given a case study or some information when you arrive, and asked to present your thoughts to the interviewers. Following a group exercise, you may all be asked to present your findings. The procedure will be the same as for individual presentations, but the group needs to make sure that everyone knows what they have to say, and in which order you will present. If possible, and unless instructed otherwise, make sure that everyone has an input, rather than one person presenting on behalf of the group.
|
