Designing your presentation

  • PowerPoint (PPT) will be supported. If you wish to use another program such as Prezi or Keynote, or will be bringing a Mac, please advise as soon as possible so the information can be passed on to the Audio Visual Technician.
  • Presentation slides should be in the wide screen format of 16:9. You will be required to upload your presentation with the AV Technician at least 2-3 hours prior to your scheduled talk in the speaker preparation room.
  • Craft your PowerPoint with brevity, using minimal words per slide for clarity.
  • Engage your audience by avoiding the temptation to read every word on your slides.
  • Assess and limit your slide count for a concise presentation.
  • Prioritise highlighting key paper elements, steering clear of overwhelming technical details.

Audio Visual Inclusions

You must bring a USB and upload your presentation at least 2-3 hours prior to your scheduled talk. See the team at the registration desk for assistance.
Each session room will be equipped with the following:
  • Data projector
  • Screen
  • Microphone
  • Lectern
  • Laser pointer
  • Laptop
  • Wi-Fi access (throughout the conference venue)

TED’s secret to great public speaking

Tips for Delivering an Effective Presentation

Manage Your Time Well

Tailor your presentation to fit the allotted time. Speeding up because you’re running out of time won’t benefit your audience. Keep an eye on the clock and allow time for questions and interaction.

Rehearse

Practice, practice, and practice some more! Rehearsing will boost your confidence, allowing you to speak more fluently and avoid fillers like “um” or “erm.” Consider having a trusted colleague listen to your presentation and provide constructive feedback.

Avoid Reading

Reading directly from notes or PowerPoint slides is ineffective and disengaging. Written and spoken language are different; your audience will connect better if you narrate, provide examples, and explain your topic conversationally. One of the most common complaints about event presentations is speakers reading their paper instead of engaging the audience. So, make sure you speak directly to them.

Engage Your Audience

Connect with your audience by making eye contact and speaking directly to them, not to your slides. Use clear voice projection and positive body language to convey confidence. Pausing strategically and slowing down when nervous can also enhance your delivery.

Focus on Key Content

Identify the three main points of your presentation and centre your talk around these. Avoid overloading your audience with too much information; sticking to a few key messages helps them retain what’s most important.

Structure Your Presentation

Follow a clear structure: tell your audience what you’ll cover, present your content, and then summarise what you’ve discussed. Start with a compelling introduction that grabs attention and establishes your credibility. In the main body, present your methods, data, findings, and their implications, but avoid overwhelming the audience with excessive details. Conclude with a strong summary that reinforces your key points and leaves a lasting impression.

Use Visual Aids Effectively

Visual aids should support your speech, not replace it. Slides that are irrelevant or overcrowded can distract from your message. Good visuals are concise, relevant, and consistent in style and colour. Avoid slides with too much text, complex graphs, or decorative elements that don’t serve your message. Remember, people struggle to read and listen at the same time, so keep it simple.