Academy Resource Center

English as a Second language (ESL)

How To Practice Your Presentation

Don't read your presentation.

• You can memorize your introduction and conclusion so that you can relax while you are speaking.
• You will be able to look at the audience and give an impression of confidence.

Practice out loud from beginning to end many times. 

• Practice in front of a mirror, a friend, or into a tape recorder. 
• Time yourself and use your visual aids.  This is very important because:
  » You won't have to worry during your presentation about running out of time.
  » You will know how much extra time you will need to show your visual aids. 
  » You will have worked through any problems in handling your visual aids.

Focus on your delivery. 

• introduce yourself
• look at the audience
• smile
• pay attention to the audience's reactions
• use descriptive language
• appeal to the emotions and experiences of the audience