Before you give a presentation

Before you go to give a presentation you might want to work your way through this checklist.

Preparation 

• I have rehearsed my presentation.
• I have rehearsed my presentation in front of a mirror.
• I have given my presentation a trial run to a friend or colleague.
• I have checked that my presentation runs to the time allotted.
• I have taped/videoed myself and listened back to it.
• I have prepared speaker notes or cue cards.
• I have annotated my notes to help me get the emphasis right.
• I have thought about where to breath.
• I have numbered my notes in case I drop them.
• I have prepared any visual aids that I may need.
• I have prepared any handouts that I wish to give out.
• I have checked my facts.
• I have done a grammar/spelling check. 

Technical

• I have confirmed that the audio-visual equipment I require will be in the room.
• I have saved my PowerPoint presentation onto at least two formats (disc/USB/hard drive/email ).
• I have practised using any unfamiliar technology that I am going to use.
• I have sourced an alternative version of any audio or video material (DVD and VHS)
• I have seen the room that I am going to be presenting in or had it described to me.
• I have turned off my mobile phone.
• I have checked the start time.

• Audience and Other Speakers

• I have thought about who is going to be in the audience.
• I have brainstormed a list of likely questions that I may be asked.
• I have found out who else will be speaking and what they will be speaking about.
• I have thought about any special needs my audience may have.
• I have thought about ways to engage the audience in my presentation.

Personal

• I have got enough sleep the night before.
• I have considered how to combat my nervousness.
• I have thought about my personal appearance.
• I have looked after my health in the week preceding the presentation.
• I have brought a bottle of water to drink if my throat gets dry.
• I have thought about what else I am going to be doing that day.
• I've eaten breakfast.

Please use the add comment button to suggest anything that you think should be added to this list.