In the academic
world, it is a routine convention that having studied for a period, students
are required to do researches, make findings, choose a topic and develop good
and quality content for such topic.
In most cases,
final year project topics are selected from a pool of available ones by
students and approved by their tutors before they commence work on it.
Eventually students
are expected to make a presentation to a group of enlightened scholars in
respect to their final year project and also try to relate it to the real world
scenario that await them having acquired qualification in their field of study,
an art generally known as final year project defence.
Under listed are a
few tips to help you make an outstanding presentation while defending your final
year project:
•
Do thorough
research on your topic: It is important to make detailed and extensive research on your
topic so as to familiarize with concepts involved. •
Arrange your
findings: After
conducting proper research, it is important to arrange your resultant findings
in order of necessity. •
Write: Writing down your project and presentation
steps in order will help you familiarize with the content and also help you to
know what to say and when to say it. •
Note key points: writing down key
points on handy notes or cards can be helpful. When presenting, just look at a
point and give details. Remember you must not appear to be reading to your
audience rather you should appear to know what you’re presenting. •
Practice your
speech: practicing
your speech aloud severally all by yourself until you get used to it and feel
confident about it can be of great help in achieving excellent presentation
delivery. Sometimes, rehearsing in front of a mirror and simulating the real
world environment by rehearsing before a few friends and family if available
could help too. •
Get feedback: Feedback from
your simulated audience can draw your attention to areas where improvement is
necessary. The encouragement and or criticism they give to can give an idea of
what to expect in the real presentation and as such help in preparation. •
Dress well: Finally, on the
D-day, ensure that you dress appropriately and look confident so as not to draw
undesired attention to yourself. •
Speak up: try to speak
audibly, clearly and coherently but avoid shouting. •
Look up: Looking directly
at your audience instead of fidgeting or looking at the ground sends a good
signal that you are confident and know what you’re speaking about. However, if
you feel uncomfortable with direct eye contacts, try looking at their foreheads
or any other focal points in the venue. •
Be confident: Your self esteem and knowledge should be
combined to prove to your audience that you know more about your topic than the
other people around. Deliver your speech confidently and articulately. • Exit
the stage: it is important to
thank everyone for their time and attention before leaving the stage
