Writing and giving a presentation is often a great challenge. That doesn’t have to be the case: Read about the tips that help with preparation.
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Writing a paper
A paper summarizes the most important information on a particular topic briefly and succinctly for classmates, thus enhancing learning. Sometimes the topic is set as homework by the teacher. Often, however, it can be chosen freely according to interest. Once the topic has been decided, the first step can begin: searching for information.
Search for information
First of all, one should get a first overview of the subject area and collect the most important information. If research is done while doing the homework (LINK), you should also look for illustrative material right away. This can be pictures, graphics, videos or objects that make the presentation more lively.
Finding good sources of information
Specialist books, for example, can be used as sources of information. You can also do research on the spot: for example, at a sporting event or other event. The Internet offers a particularly large amount of information. Here one must pay attention however particularly well to use no unseriose side as source. However, it is better to beware of ready-made papers, which are now available on the web for almost any topic. The teachers know these sources by now. Who nevertheless takes it over completely without own achievement, risks a bad mark and must usually occur again.
Caution is also appropriate with so-called "rip-off pages. These supposedly offer free presentations on many topics. Only in the small print does it become apparent that this service is not really free of charge. You should therefore always keep your hands off pages that ask for your name and address and that require confirmation of the general terms and conditions (AGB).
Create an outline and start writing
After reading and searching for information, one can separate the wheat from the chaff: You decide which info is important and which is less important. The following outline serves as a guideline. Your points must now be filled with content. This should be done in the simplest possible terms. Weaving in foreign words is not necessary.
The formulation of the first sentences is particularly important. The beginning of the presentation is crucial in order to keep the attention of the classmates and to arouse their interest. At the end, depending on the topic, you can encourage a discussion and ask your classmates what they think of the topic you have just presented.
Hand out and cue cards
Often a hand out is required for a presentation as a reminder for the classmates. This should not only contain keywords, but also not reproduce the entire presentation.
For the presenter, keyword cards are a great help. Reading out everything is not a good strategy for a presentation. However, this does not mean that you have to present everything completely freely. The cards help you not to lose the thread.
Give a presentation and practice the presentation
Once the presentation is prepared, it is "only" a matter of delivering it. A good preparation is first of all to present alone, for example in front of a mirror. If you are already a bit more proficient, you can present the whole thing in front of your family or friends. This makes it easier to deliver the presentation in front of the class.
When giving the presentation on a trial basis, keep an eye on the time. There are different guidelines depending on the school level. For example, in the sixth grade, short presentations with a speaking time of about seven minutes (minus/plus two minutes) are the norm. In the higher grades, the speaking time usually increases, but never takes up a whole class period.
Tips for a relaxed presentation
1. If you speak freely, you will captivate your audience much more than if you read out your presentation.
2. If you are nervous, you tend to speak too quickly. You should therefore make sure that you speak slowly, clearly and not too quietly!
3. Eye contact with the classmates attracts more attention.
4. Those who find a topic for their presentation that interests them are at an advantage. What you like, you can also convincingly convey to others.
5. Always remember that mistakes are allowed. Nobody is perfect and test anxiety is widespread. If you can’t think of a word to say because you’re so excited, it’s a good idea to just say it honestly.
Giving a presentation in English
If you are giving a presentation in English, there are a few things you should keep in mind. When giving a presentation in a foreign language, it is especially important to formulate it simply so that the classmates can follow the presentation in English well. Speaking clearly is just as important. In lectures, you often unintentionally increase the tempo over time. This is usually not a big problem in German, since the audience still understands the content. However, with fast English it can be difficult for German-speaking listeners.