The primary goal of a presentation is to provide information, encourage the audience to take action, and build goodwill. A successful presentation should have a decent topic, be relevant to the purpose, be tailored to the audience, and be well arranged.

1. Show your Passion and Connect with your Audience.

It’s hard to be relaxed and be yourself when you’re nervous. But time and again, the great presenters say that the most important thing is to connect with your audience, and the best way to do that is to let your passion for the subject shine through.

2. Focus on your Audience’s Needs

As you prepare the presentation, you always need to bear in mind what the audience needs and wants to know, not what you can tell them. While you’re giving the presentation, you also need to remain focused on your audience’s response, and react to that.

3. Keep it Simple

Concentrate on your Core Message. You should be able to communicate that key message very briefly. Some experts recommend a 30-second ‘elevator summary’, others that you can write it on the back of a business card, or say it in no more than 15 words. Whichever rule you choose, the important thing is to keep your core message focused and brief.

4. Smile and Make Eye Contact with your Audience.

If you smile and make eye contact, you are building rapport, which helps the audience to connect with you and your subject. It also helps you to feel less nervous, because you are talking to individuals, not to a great mass of unknown people.