Discussion subject business english 2 2 topic how to become a good presenter

THUONG MAI UNIVERSITY
ENGLISH FACULTY

DISCUSSION

SUBJECT: BUSINESS ENGLISH 2.2
TOPIC

HOW TO BECOME A GOOD PRESENTER

Lecturer : Hà Thị Vũ Hà

Group : 8

Class : 231ENPR531104

Ha Noi - 2023

DISCUSSION INFORMATION
Group: 8
Class: 231ENPR531104
School: Thuong Mai University
Subject: Business English
Topic: How to become a good presenter
Presentation assessment:

No Student code Name Duties Evaluation
1 21D170226 Nguyễn Thị Diễm Quỳnh
2
3 20D170051 Nguyễn Thị Thanh
4 21D170220 Trần Thị Trang

5 21D170020
6 21D170258 Nguyễn Thị Ngân
Phạm Mai Linh
Nguyễn Thị Hương

2

OUTLINE
Outline
I. Introduction
II. How to become a good presenter

1. Developing communication skills
2. Mastering body language
3. Engaging the audience
4. Utilising visual aids
5. Preparing and Practicing
6. Handling nervousness and overcoming challenges
7. Adapting to different audiences
8. Leveraging technology
9. Evaluating and improving presentation skills.
III. A specific example : A speech gave by Selena Gomez - A famous
American singer and actress
1. Telling her own story
2. Pausing instead of using filler
3. Using confident body language
4. Making eye contact
5. Making her voice dynamic and engaging to the audience
IV. Conclusion
V. References

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I. Introduction

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the ability to effectively
present ideas and engage an audience has become a paramount skill.
Whether you're a professional, a student, an entrepreneur, or simply
someone looking to improve their communication abilities, becoming a
good presenter is a valuable asset that can propel you towards success.

Presenting with confidence, clarity, and impact not only helps you
convey your message effectively but also leaves a lasting impression on
your listeners. It allows you to captivate your audience, inspire action,
and build meaningful connections. But how do you become a good
presenter? What are the key principles and techniques that can transform
your presentations from ordinary to extraordinary?

In this topic, we will delve into the art and science of becoming a good
presenter. We will explore a comprehensive range of strategies, tips, and
practices that will empower you to deliver compelling presentations and
connect with your audience on a deeper level.

First and foremost, we will uncover the importance of clear and concise
communication. We will also delve into the power of non-verbal
communication, exploring the intricacies of body language, gestures, and
vocal tone, enabling you to convey confidence and establish rapport with
your listeners. Engagement is another crucial aspect of effective
presenting. We will explore techniques to captivate your audience's
attention. You will discover how to tailor your presentations to resonate

with diverse audiences, adapting your style and content to create
meaningful connections. Visual aids can greatly enhance your
presentations. Design visually appealing slides, use props strategically,
and incorporate multimedia elements to support your message and
maintain audience interest. Finally, we will address the challenges and
anxieties that often accompany presenting. From managing nervousness
to handling unexpected situations, you will acquire techniques to stay
calm, composed, and confident throughout your presentations.

By delving into these key areas and embracing the principles, techniques,
and practices outlined in this topic, you will embark on a transformative
journey towards becoming a good presenter. So, let's dive in and unlock

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the secrets to delivering impactful presentations that leave a lasting
impact.

II. How to become a good presenter

1. Developing communication skills

Developing effective communication skills is essential for becoming a
good presenter. Three key areas to focus on are clear and concise
messaging, voice modulation and tone, and active listening.

Firstly, presenters should strive for clarity and conciseness in their
messaging. This involves organising ideas logically, using simple
language, and avoiding jargon or unnecessary details. By delivering
information in a clear and concise manner, presenters can ensure that

their audience understands and retains the key points.

Secondly, voice modulation and tone play a vital role in engaging the
audience. Presenters should practise varying their voice pitch, volume,
and pace to add emphasis, highlight important points, and maintain
audience interest. A well-modulated voice helps convey enthusiasm,
confidence, and authority. Additionally, being mindful of tone is crucial.
Presenters should aim for a positive and engaging tone, adapting it to suit
the content and audience.

Lastly, active listening is a fundamental skill for effective
communication. Presenters should actively engage with their audience by
attentively listening to questions, comments, or feedback. This
demonstrates respect, fosters connection, and allows presenters to
address any concerns or clarify information in real-time. Active listening
also involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, and providing non-verbal
cues to show that the audience's input is valued.

By practising clear and concise messaging, mastering voice modulation
and tone, and embracing active listening, individuals can develop their
communication skills and become effective presenters who captivate and
connect with their audience.

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2. Mastering body language

Effective communication is not limited to the words we speak; it also
encompasses non-verbal cues, with body language being a significant
component. Whether you're giving a presentation in front of a large

audience, pitching an idea to your team, or simply engaging in a one-on-
one conversation, mastering body language can greatly enhance your
ability to convey your message and connect with your audience. We will
provide tips for improving your non-verbal communication skills. First,
establishing and maintaining eye contact with your audience
demonstrates confidence and engagement. It also helps you connect with
your listeners on a personal level. Second, Gestures can emphasize key
points and add dynamism to your presentation. Avoid excessive or
distracting gestures, and ensure they align with your message. Third,
stand or sit up straight with an open posture. Avoid slouching, which can
convey disinterest or lack of confidence. A strong posture conveys self-
assuredness.Finally, a sincere smile can put your audience at ease and
create a positive atmosphere. Avoid forced or fake smiles, as they can
appear insincere.

3. Engaging the audience

Engaging the audience in a presentation is an art that transcends mere
information delivery. It is the ability to captivate, inform, and inspire a
diverse group of individuals with varying interests and attention spans.
Whether you're addressing a room full of colleagues, stakeholders, or
potential clients, the power of engagement can make or break your
message's effectiveness.Therefore, we will discuss strategies to achieve
it. First, tailor your presentation to the needs and interests of your
audience. Understanding their background, concerns, and expectations
allows you to craft a message that resonates with them. Second, Weave
your content into a compelling narrative. Stories are powerful tools for
engagement, as they evoke emotions and create a memorable context for
information. Third, Incorporate visuals like slides, charts, and images to
complement your spoken words. Visuals can clarify complex information

and add variety to the presentation. Fourth, encourage participation
through questions, polls, or interactive activities. This not only keeps the
audience engaged but also invites them to actively contribute to the
discussion. Finally, change the pace and style of your presentation. Use

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humor, anecdotes, or personal experiences to inject personality into your
talk. Vary your tone and energy level to maintain interest.

4. Utilising visual aids

Visual Aids: Visual aids can significantly enhance your presentation. Use
them sparingly and strategically to reinforce key points or make complex
information easier to understand. Common visual aids include slides,
charts, graphs, diagrams,.....

Designing Effective Slides: When creating slides, keep them simple and
uncluttered. Use a consistent font and color scheme, and limit the amount
of text on each slide. Use visuals, such as images or icons, to
complement your content.

Using Multimedia and Props: Multimedia, such as videos or audio clips,
can add depth to your presentation. Make sure they are relevant to your
topic and enhance your message. Props can also be effective for hands-on
demonstrations or to illustrate a point visually.

Enhancing Visual Impact: Consider the visual impact of your
presentation as a whole. This includes factors like room setup, lighting,
and the way you present yourself. Ensure that everything visually aligns

with your message and engages your audience.

5. Preparing and Practicing

Research and Organizing Content: Start by thoroughly researching your
topic and gathering relevant information. Organize your content
logically, using a clear structure, such as an introduction, main points,
and a conclusion. Make sure your content flows smoothly.

Structuring the Presentation: A well-structured presentation typically
follows this format: introduction (grab attention), clear objectives, main
points (with supporting evidence), and a conclusion (summarize key
takeaways). Ensure transitions between sections are smooth.

Rehearsing and Gaining Confidence: Practice your presentation multiple
times before the actual delivery. This helps you become more
comfortable with your content and reduces anxiety. Practice in front of a

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mirror, record yourself, or rehearse in front of friends or colleagues to get
feedback.

Preparing and Practicing: Be well-prepared by having a backup plan for
technical issues and knowing your content inside and out. Practice your
delivery to build confidence, and consider potential questions or
objections your audience may have.

Remember that effective communication is not just about what you say
but also how you say it. Pay attention to your body language, tone of

voice, and overall presence when delivering your presentation. Engaging
with your audience and adapting to their reactions is also crucial for a
successful presentation.

6. Handling nervousness and overcoming challenges

- Managing stage fright

The first step to manage stage fright is to plan your content carefully and
logically. Decide on the main purpose, message, and structure of your
speech, and use clear and concise language to convey your ideas. Avoid
cramming too much information or using jargon that might confuse or
alienate your audience. Instead, use stories, examples, facts, and figures
that support your points and engage your audience's attention.

The second step to manage stage fright is to practice your delivery as
much as possible before the actual speech. Practice in front of a mirror, a
recorder, a camera, or a friend, and get feedback on your voice, body
language, gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions. Try to speak
naturally, fluently, and confidently, and avoid filler words, monotone, or
nervous habits. Also, practice using any visual aids, props, or notes that
you might need during your speech.

The third step to manage stage fright is to manage your emotions before
and during your speech. Acknowledge and accept that some nervousness
is normal and even beneficial for your performance. However, do not let
it overwhelm you or affect your self-esteem. Instead, use positive
affirmations, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, or visualization
to calm yourself down and boost your confidence. Focus on the value and
importance of your speech, not on the possible mistakes or criticisms.

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The fourth and final step to manage stage fright is to engage your
audience throughout your speech. Make eye contact, smile, and use
humor, questions, or anecdotes to connect with your listeners and show
your personality. Invite feedback, comments, or questions from your
audience, and respond to them politely and respectfully. Show
enthusiasm, passion, and interest in your topic and your audience, and
they will reciprocate.

- Handling difficult questions

The first step to handle difficult questions is to prepare well for your
presentation. You should have a thorough understanding of your topic, its
background, context, and implications. You should also anticipate the
possible questions that your audience might ask, and have some ready
answers or references to support your claims. If you are not sure about
something, admit it and offer to follow up later. Do not try to bluff or lie,
as this will only damage your reputation and trustworthiness.

The second step is to listen carefully and respectfully to the questions and
comments from your audience. Do not interrupt, argue, or dismiss them,
even if you disagree or feel attacked. Instead, acknowledge their points
and thank them for their input. This will show that you value their
opinions and feedback, and that you are open to learning and improving.
It will also give you some time to think and formulate your response.

The final step is to answer the question or comment as clearly and
concisely as possible. You should provide relevant and accurate

information, examples, or evidence to back up your answer. You should
also avoid jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that might confuse or
alienate your audience. If you do not know the answer, or if the question
is beyond the scope of your presentation, you can admit it and offer to
find out more and get back to the speaker later. You can also invite other
participants to share their views or experiences on the topic, or redirect
the question to the moderator or facilitator.

- Adapting to unexpected situations

One of the best ways to adapt to unexpected situations is to anticipate
them and have a backup plan. For example, you can have a backup
device, a USB drive, or a cloud storage option for your slides, in case
your laptop or projector fails. You can also have some extra material,

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such as stories, examples, or statistics, to fill in any gaps or delays in
your presentation. And you can rehearse your presentation in different
scenarios, such as with a smaller or larger audience, with different levels
of background noise, or with different lighting conditions.

Another key tip for adapting to unexpected situations is to stay calm and
positive. Don't panic, apologize excessively, or show frustration or anger.
Instead, take a deep breath, smile, and acknowledge the situation with
humor or grace. For example, you can say something like "Well, that was
unexpected, but let's move on" or "Looks like we have a technical issue,
but don't worry, we'll fix it soon". By staying calm and positive, you can
show your audience that you are in control and that you care about their
experience.

The third tip for adapting unexpected situations is to change the
presentation flexibly. Sometimes, you may need to adjust your
presentation according to the circumstances or the feedback you receive.
For example, you may need to shorten or lengthen your presentation, skip
or add some slides, or change the tone or style of your delivery. Don't be
rigid or stubborn about your original plan. Instead, be flexible and
responsive to the needs and expectations of your audience. By adapting
to the situation, you can show your audience that you are attentive and
professional, and that you value their time and attention.

7. Adapting to different audiences

- Cultural awareness and sensitivity

Style of Presentation: Different cultures learn and take in information in
varying ways. One should always try and tailor their presentation style to
meet the needs of the target culture. Some cultures, such as Europeans,
prefer information to be presented in detail and in a way that sets down
foundations that act as the support to a final argument or point. In such a
presentation the speaker should gradually lead the audience, using a
logical succession of points, to a conclusion. On the other hand, some
cultures, like the US, prefer a much faster paced presentation that is
bottom-line oriented, meaning the presenter speaks from a point rather
towards a point.

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Content: In a cross cultural presentation, ensure you tailor the content of
a presentation to the audience. Different cultures expect different things

from a presentation. Long term oriented cultures may be excited about
future projections and figures, but others would rather learn more about
the presenter's credentials, accomplishments and experience. A presenter
needs to ask whether the target culture will appreciate factual, statistical
information presented visually, or a more personal oratory approach.

- Customizing presentations for diverse groups

Before you design your presentation, you need to understand who your
audience is and what they expect from you. Research their demographics,
interests, goals, challenges, and learning styles. You can use surveys,
interviews, feedback forms, or online tools to gather this information.
Knowing your audience will help you choose the appropriate content,
tone, format, and delivery method for your presentation.

You can customize your presentations for diverse audiences by adjusting
your delivery style and technique. For instance, using appropriate
language, tone, and humor that suit your audience and the context of your
presentation is key. Additionally, non-verbal communication, such as eye
contact, gestures, and facial expressions can convey your confidence and
enthusiasm. Moreover, vocal variety, such as pitch, pace, volume, and
pauses can emphasize your key points and keep your audience interested.
And lastly, feedback such as questions, comments or surveys can help
check your audience's understanding and satisfaction.

- Addressing language barriers

Before you prepare your presentation, research your audience's
background, culture, and language skills. Find out what they expect from
you, what they are interested in, and what they might misunderstand.

This will help you tailor your content, tone, and style to suit their needs
and preferences. For example, you might avoid jargon, slang, idioms, or
humor that could be confusing or offensive to them.

Simplify your message: When presenting to a multilingual audience, you
want to make your message as clear and concise as possible. Use simple
words, short sentences, and active voice. Avoid complex grammar,
ambiguous expressions, or multiple meanings. Use visuals, examples,
and stories to illustrate your points and reinforce your message. Repeat

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your key points and summarize them at the end of your presentation. At
the same time, you must also speak those messages slowly and clearly

Use an interpreter effectively: If you are presenting in a foreign language
or using an interpreter, you need to prepare and practice accordingly.
Choose a qualified and experienced interpreter who is familiar with your
topic and your audience. Provide them with your presentation materials
and notes in advance and brief them on your goals and expectations.
Speak in short segments and pause for the interpreter to translate. Avoid
interrupting or correcting them.

8. Leveraging technology

- Using presentation software and tools

Using presentation software in a presentation can greatly enhance your
ability to communicate and engage with your audience. These software
tools, such as PowerPoint or Canvas, Visme, Google Slide provide a

platform for creating visually appealing slides that can effectively convey
your message.

One of the key benefits of using presentation software is the ability to
organize your content in a structured and logical manner. You can create
slides that introduce your topic, outline key points, and provide
supporting visuals or data. This helps the audiences follow along and
understand the flow of the presentation. Another advantage of using
presentation software is the ability to customize the design and layout of
your slides. You can choose from a wide range of templates, fonts,
colors, and graphics to create a visually appealing and professional-
looking presentation. This can help capture your audience's attention and
make your content more memorable.

Furthermore, presentation software often includes features like
animations, transitions, and interactive elements. These can be used to
add visual interest and create a more interactive experience for your
audience. For example, you can use animations to reveal information
gradually or highlight important points on your slides.

To fully tap into the effectiveness of presentation tools it is of utmost
important to follow this recommendation:

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+ Incorporate contrasting colors: As you design your PowerPoint,
make sure you can read your text with the color background you choose.
Opt for light text colors on a dark background or dark text colors on a
light background.
+ Limit text and bullet points: To avoid long paragraphs and an

abundance of bullet points, stick to key phrases and the most essential
information. This makes it easier for your audience to stay focused and
better remember what you shared.
+ Use minimal colors and fonts: An effective PowerPoint has a
cohesive appearance. Stick to two to three fonts and colors at most to
help the presentation look more professional.
+ Use high-quality images and graphics: You can take your own
photographs or use professional, copyright-free stock photography to
enhance your presentation. Choose images with high resolution so they
can maintain their clarity when you adjust the size to add to your
presentation slides.
- Incorporating multimedia elements

Using multimedia in a presentation can greatly enhance the overall
experience for both the presenter and the audience. Multimedia refers to
the integration of various forms of media, such as images, videos, audio,
and interactive elements, into a presentation. This approach allows for a
more engaging and dynamic delivery, capturing the attention of the
audience and conveying information in a more memorable way.
Moreover, by incorporating images and videos, visual learners can better
understand and retain the information being presented. Similarly,
auditory learners benefit from audio elements, such as voice overs or
background music, which can help reinforce key points. Interactive
elements, such as quizzes or clickable links, engage kinesthetic learners
and encourage active participation.

However, it is important to use multimedia judiciously and ensure that it
enhances the presentation rather than distracts from it. Overloading a
presentation with too many multimedia elements can overwhelm the
audience and dilute the main message. It is crucial to strike a balance

between text, visuals, and other media to maintain clarity and coherence.

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- Exploring online presentation platforms

Online presentation platforms have become an essential tool for
individuals and businesses alike. These platforms offer a convenient and
efficient way to create, share, and deliver presentations to a wide
audience.

One of the key advantages of online presentation platforms is their
accessibility. Unlike traditional presentation software, which requires
installation on a specific device, online platforms can be accessed from
any internet-connected device. This means that you can create and edit
your presentations on your computer, tablet, or even your smartphone,
providing flexibility and convenience.

Furthermore, these platforms often include pre-designed templates,
allowing you to create visually appealing slides with minimal effort.
Collaboration is another significant benefit of online presentation
platforms. These platforms often provide real-time collaboration features,
allowing multiple users to work on the same presentation simultaneously.
This is particularly useful for team projects or group presentations.
However, when exploring online presentation platforms, it is essential to
consider factors such as ease of use, pricing, and customer support. Many
platforms offer free versions with limited features, while others provide
premium plans with additional functionalities.

9. Evaluating and improving presentation skills

- Seeking feedback and constructive criticism

Feedback is important because it promotes personal and professional
growth by targeting key aspects of one’s performance. With constructive
feedback, an individual is able to evaluate their delivery style and
techniques. By asking for feedback on their presentation skills, presenters
can identify strengths and weaknesses in their delivery, such as voice
modulation, body language, or pacing, enabling presenters to refine their
skills and become more effective communicators.

To effectively seek feedback in a presentation, presenters can seek
feedback regularly and proactively, and not only after a presentation.
Choose feedback sources that are credible, relevant, and supportive, and

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avoid feedback that is vague, rude, or personal. Listen to feedback
actively and attentively, and ask questions to clarify and understand it.

- Self-assessment and reflection

Once you have received feedback, the presenter needs to follow up and
act on it. You should thank the feedback giver for their time and input,
and summarize the main points of the feedback. You should also identify
the feedback that is most relevant and actionable for you, and prioritize
the areas that you want to work on.

Self-assessment and reflection are essential components of personal and
professional growth. In a presentation, these concepts are known for

evaluating one's strengths, weaknesses, and progress. It is
recommendable that SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats) or the SMART goal-setting framework
(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) could be
implemented for fair performance assessment. These tools can guide
individuals in evaluating their current situation and setting realistic goals.

- Continual learning and growth

Lastly, to maximize the benefit of constructive criticism, the presenter
should incorporate self-assessment into one's routine which can lead to
increased self-awareness, goal setting, and continuous improvement. By
acting on feedback promptly and consistently, and setting realistic and
measurable goals and objectives for your improvement can help one to
recite their lessons from the previous performance’s mistakes and hone
their skills, which ultimately make them a professional presentor.

III. A specific example : A speech gave by Selena Gomez - A
famous American singer and actress

Now we will break down her speech to identify her good points and learn
from it!

1. Telling her own story

A story-style presentation is more likely to stick with audience members.
Turning your presentation into a story allows the audience to use their
brain’s memory and emotion centers to process the information, which
boosts their chances of remembering it later on.

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In this short video, Selena Gomez is telling her own dream is to become
an actress and live her dream. Although there were lots of people telling
her that she was not good and talented enough, she still kept going with
the support from her mom, who encouraged her to trust in herself and
just do what she wanted. This successfully drew the attention of the
audience.

2. Pausing instead of using filler

After watching the video, you may realize that she almost did not use any
of the common fillers such as “um”, “so”, “uh”, “like”, and “you know”.
Although these words feel helpful at the moment, they don’t do anything
to boost your credibility. Instead, she paused for some moments and then
continued giving her speech. That made her more professional and
confident.

3. Using confident body language

- Hand gestures

She used hand gestures delivering her speech to make her message
clearer, not more complicated. Using clear gestures can add impact to her
points. The combination of visual and audio aids will draw in the
audience’s attention. Also, she was successful to show her enthusiasm
through controlled and natural gestures, not forced hand gestures that can
distract your audience.

- Posture

The presentation posture she has made was all about standing tall, chin
up and open arms – never crossed. This can be tricky if you’re a nervous
presenter. Stand with your feet apart, shoulders open and naturally
relaxed. This will convey confidence and authority and will invite your
audience in, instead of pushing them away. You can see that having good
posture helped her project your voice further across the room –
particularly useful when she was presenting to a big group.

- Movement

It marks the spot. There’s an old myth that every presenter should stand
still, feet shoulder width apart and just simply speak – almost like a
statue. Now, we see some of the best presenters (whether it be during

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TED Talks or CEO product launches) walking around the stage with
confidence and natural energy. We are human beings after all – it’s not in
our nature to simply stand still.

When giving the speech, Selena Gomez usually walked slowly between
her key talking points when describing less important details of your
presentation. She used her movements to punctuate her statements and
stop to make an impact.

4. Making eye contact

When it comes to eye contact when presenting, aim to use 50% eye
contact as you’re speaking and looking around the room intently to show

your audience your confidence and interest in the subject. Your eyes can
also help incorporate the audience into your presentation, making them
feel part of the process.

Selena Gomez often did a quick scan through her presentation space to
get a feel for the audience. As she presented, she always tried making
eye contact with them. She also tried making eye contact with people
around different parts of her presentation space, not just looking in one
direction the entire time. This made her look much more professional
and engaged.

5. Making her voice dynamic and engaging to the audience

Changing things up will make your presentation even more dynamic and
interesting, and will motivate your audience to pay attention.

Selena often spoke more loudly when she was trying to hit a point home
with the audience and waited a few seconds when she was making a
major statement in your presentation. The pause really adds some
emphasis. Changing things up will make her presentation even more
dynamic and interesting, and will motivate the audience to pay attention.

IV. Conclusion

Becoming a great presenter takes practice. If you can learn to enjoy
yourself during your presentations, your audience will respond in kind.
Remembering to combine essential skills for being a good presenter like
communication skills, body language, using visual aids,…will shape your
presentations for maximum impact and engagement. Your message

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remains a top key element with the most significant impact on your
audience but adding attractive and engaging graphics will help visually
bring your message to life. Implement these presentation tips to explore
more visual designs and give your audience a better presentation.
By practicing a lot, you’ll deliver your talk confidently. Be an
enthusiastic speaker and go with the flow. Use your wealth of research
knowledge to capture the audience, giving them an unforgettable
presentation.
V. References
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