From Jitters to Genius: Presentation Prep 101

Welp, I did it. I committed to a big presentation at SporcleCon. [Sidebar: SporcleCon is a giant, annual trivia conference. It’s in Detroit this year, and if you want tickets, you can get them here using the promo code: chiefrabbit and get 10% off.]

Ya see, for the past couple of years, studying how people learn and retain information has been a little side hobby of mine. (yes, I am a giant nerd.) At work, we’ve had this project where I have been learning all the Oscar Best Picture winners using a technique called Spaced Repetition (among others). Again, giant nerd alert.

Anyway, long story short, I’ve been tapped to run a one-hour workshop at SporcleCon where I discuss memory and learning, and then I’ll walk a person or two through some of the techniques around recall. Oh, and Buzzy Cohen will be involved. It’s a whole thing, and I sorta can’t believe I agreed to it.

So today, let’s talk about one of the most nerve-wracking experiences out there: giving a big presentation. Even the best of us can feel overwhelmed by a room full of expectant faces. But don’t worry—it’s not that bad, and there are some basic principles you can use to be a superstar. From key steps to preparing for a big presentation to defining your objectives and structuring your content, these tips will help you connect with your listeners and make a lasting impression, whether you're presenting to colleagues, clients, or a broader audience.

The Plan

Planning a presentation is where it all starts. Woe be to the person who tries to wing it in front of a large group of people…that way madness lies. Here's a pretty straightforward approach to help you be well-prepared:

1. Define Your ObjectiveStart by clarifying the goal of your presentation. Keep this objective front and center to stay focused on delivering clear and relevant content. In my case, I am aiming to teach my audience memory techniques. I also don’t want to embarrass myself…or the company.

2. Know Your AudienceUnderstanding your audience is key. Tailor your content to their level of knowledge and interests to keep them engaged. Sometimes, this is very difficult to do, so it’s a good idea to prepare something akin to two talks: one for beginners and one for more advanced people. During your presentation, you can gauge (or ask) where people are at and then adjust accordingly.

3. Craft Your ContentOrganize your presentation into a clear and logical structure: an engaging introduction, informative main points, and a strong conclusion. Think of it as building a story that guides your audience through the material smoothly. Research your topic to augment your expertise.

4. Use Visual AidsIf you have the option, use visual aids to support and enhance your message. Keep slides simple and visually appealing, using images, diagrams, and key points to illustrate your ideas. No matter what, do not overcrowd your slides with too much text. I’ve had presentations that run about 50 slides, but many of the slides only have a picture or a couple of words on them. Speak to your visual aid; don’t force people to read or decipher your visual aid. It’s there to be additive.

5. Rehearse ThoroughlyPractice, practice, practice. Familiarize yourself with the content and be certain you can deliver it within the allotted time. Rehearse in front of a friend or record yourself to identify areas for improvement and build up your confidence. Walk through it in the car as you run errands. Rehearse portions of it in the mirror. Spend a little time each day leading up to your presentation to get more familiar with talking about your topic. This will help you with your comfort level as well as your pacing.

The Presentation

When the time comes, here are a few pointers to deliver your presentation effectively:

1. Start StrongDo your best to begin with something compelling to grab your audience's attention. If you can pull off being funny, then go for it. But if you aren’t so sure, then go with an interesting anecdote, a surprising fact, or a bold statement. And make sure to introduce yourself and your topic clearly and confidently.

2. Keep a Steady PaceSpeak at a steady pace to make sure your audience can follow along. Don’t rush through your content, but don’t take forever either. Use pauses to emphasize key points and give your audience time to absorb the information. All that practicing you did earlier will help make sure your pacing is spot on.

3. Be AdaptableBe prepared to handle interruptions or questions from the audience. Try to stay calm and composed. If you don’t know the answer to a question, that’s fine. Just admit it and offer to follow up later. Adapt your presentation as needed based on audience feedback. Don’t get derailed, but don’t be so rigid that you alienate your audience. This is where your background (and research) can pay off.

4. Engage with Your AudienceDon’t be a robot. People are there to see you, so make eye contact, smile, and interact with people. Ask questions and encourage participation to keep folks engaged. Try using relatable examples to make your points and keep the content more accessible. Move around if you can and be animated (without being distracting).

5. Finish StrongSummarize the key points of your presentation in your conclusion. Leave your audience with a memorable closing statement that reinforces the main message. And make sure to thank them for their time and attention, and invite any final questions. I also like to have a slide where people can reach me if they want to connect down the line.

In Conclusion

Speaking in front of a large group can be intimidating, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can turn it can be a lot of fun. It’s all about defining your objectives, understanding your audience, and structuring your content well. Practice is key—rehearse until you’re comfortable with your material and confident in your delivery.

Engage with your audience, be adaptable, and maintain a steady pace. Use visual aids to enhance your message, not overshadow it. And most importantly, finish strong by summarizing your key points and leaving your audience with a memorable takeaway.

I’m a big fan of this great piece of advice from Aristotle:

If you watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, you’ll notice he does this almost every week. It’s a simple but powerful framework to help get you through any presentation.

Taking on a big presentation may seem daunting, but it can be an incredible experience. Embrace the challenge, and remember that every great speaker started with their first big presentation, even if it was on something super nerdy.