In the academic world, it is a routine convention that having studied for a period, students are required to do research, 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 with respect to their final year project and also try to relate it to the real-world scenario that awaits them having acquired qualification in their field of study, an art is generally known as final year project defense.
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 yourself with the 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 yourself 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 can give an idea of what to expect in the actual 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.
• Lookup: 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 contact, 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 you. Deliver your speech confidently and articulately.
• Exit the stage: it is important to thank everyone for their time and attention before leaving the stage