HOW TO MAKE A GOOD ORAL PRESENTATION

Sooner or later, we all are called upon to get up in front of a class and speak. The following tips are designed to make public speaking less stressful.

- Be prepared. Know your subject. If possible, make up cards with notes or key phrases to refer to during your speech. Do not put the entire speech on the cards and read it word for word. You will look stiff, sound uninteresting and bore your audience.

- Use an Effective Introduction: avoid weak introductions such as apologies.

- If you can choose the topic you are to speak on yourself, opt for something you enjoy . Show your passion for the subject.

- Sound spontaneous, conversational, enthusiastic- use key phrases in your notes so you don't have to read.

- Use Body Language Effectively: relaxed gestures, eye contact; don't play with a pen or pointer and don't block visual aids.

- Practice. Do several run-throughs of your talk. Gather any props you will use, such as images or charts. You might even get a classmate or a friend to observe your rehearsal and give you constructive feedback.

- Stage fright (panico escenico ). Once you begin your talk and warm to your subject, the stage fright usually goes away.

These tips can help assure that giving a speech or a presentation will be as pleasant for you as it is for your audience. Good luck!