by Virginia Wilson, Director
Centre for Evidence Based Library and Information Practice (C-EBLIP)
University of Saskatchewan

I’ve seen a fair number of conference presentations over the past 11 years and I’ve given my share of presentations as well. I’ve been thinking lately about sessions that I’ve really enjoyed and times where I feel I’ve really nailed it in terms of my own sessions. So, based on this bit of reflection, I’ve put together some ideas on what makes a good presentation. Hopefully, you’ll find a nugget or two that might speak to you, so to speak!

Content is only half the battle

Content is the solid foundation upon which your presentation must necessarily rest. If you don’t have something interesting or important to say, why are you up there? But content alone is not enough. A good presentation is equal parts content and the ability to convey that content in a way that’s thought-provoking, comprehensible, and meaningful. The best content in the world is worthless if your audience zones out during delivery.

What do I mean by a “good presentation”? I mean a presentation where people walk away with a useful understanding of what it is you were trying to tell them. A good presentation has three components:
1. Strong content
2. Purposeful roadmap
3. Engaging delivery

Strong Content

The underpinning of the presentation is the substance that you have to convey. Why might you present a session? You might have done some research and have new knowledge to share. Perhaps you want to share something that has worked in your organization and others might find it useful, too. You might have gone through a complex thought process and come out with a profound realization. As you approach, as well as during, the creation of a session, ask yourself the question “so what?” You can be sure your audience will implicitly ask this and answering it for yourself at many steps along the way will serve to strengthen the impact of your content.

Purposeful Roadmap

Your audience will want to know where you are taking them. In fact, if they are unsure of where you are going or if they get lost along the way, you’ll lose them altogether. A clear outline at the beginning of the session and clearly marked signposts as you move through your presentation will help to keep everyone together during the session and will stop people from wondering “are we there yet?” or worse “are we never going to get there?!” Such thoughts can distract audience members from your message.

Engaging Delivery

Not everyone is a born public speaker, but luckily, such skills can be learned, practiced, and enhanced. Beginning the session with an anecdote, cartoon, or image is a good way to let your audience see who you are before diving straight into the main points. If you feel a bit shaky with humour, you can still begin with a thought-provoking or attention-grabbing vignette. When you grab your audience early on, they’ll want to find out what happens next. Talk to the audience, not at them. Even if you’re reading from a prepared script, make sure to look up, look around the room, and make eye contact.

Presenting can be nerve-wracking but try to keep in mind that your audience wants to be there to hear what you have to say. Don’t forget about them while you’re dealing with other aspects of the presentation. Some preliminary thought about all the pieces of a good presentation can help to make the experience meaningful and memorable for the audience and for you.

This article gives the views of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of the Centre for Evidence Based Library and Information Practice or the University Library, University of Saskatchewan.