How to Give a Presentation

by Craig Buchek

St. Louis GNU/Linux Users Group

January 17, 2013

Introduce Yourself

Tell where you work and what you do.
Briefly talk about some of your relevant experience.

Start with a Joke

Or an anecdote
Or a surprising fact

Why Give a Presentation?

To share your knowledge.
To learn.
To improve your reputation.
Because somebody has to.

Be Prepared

Know your audience.
Do some research.
Know the details of the venue.

Before the Presentation

Decide on a topic.
Write up an abstract.
Write up a bio.
Keep in touch with your contact.

Preparing Slides

Start with an outline.
Build slides from the outlines.
The fewer words on a slide, the better.
Slides are the START of the conversation.
Tell a story.
Include facts.

Preparing a Demo

Figure out what you want to show.
Practice.
Practice.
Practice.

Giving The Presentation

Don't be nervous.
Be prepared for questions.
- Don't be afraid to admit that you don't know an answer.
Don't read the slides.

Resources

Presentation Software