“Identify one core message that your presentation will revolve around, then be as focussed and specific as possible in the areas you’re analysing.”
Public speaking and presentations can be anxiety-inducing for the best of us, but couple that with the dilemma of understanding the assignment, and it can feel really overwhelming.
Especially for university students who have disabilities or learning differences, it’s super important for us to feel confident in how we are going to approach a task.
Luckily, the Present Pal team have got our back. Here’s our guide for understanding the assignment brief, to set you up for success.
Know the basics
Check the presentation length, deadline, format and any guidance issued by the department or your tutor.
Depending on what school you’re in, your module handbook will be able to tell you what is and is not appropriate for your course, and will also detail the learning outcomes.
If you’re not sure, you can always hang back after class to ask your lecturer questions, email them, or check your course information online.
Know your goal
Start by answering the following:
What topic am I presenting on?
What angle/perspective will I bring to the conversation?
What key areas am I going to analyse?
How long do I have to deliver the presentation?
What are the bullet points I need the audience/my lecturer to take away?
This will help you create the basic building blocks of your presentation when it comes to structure and content.
What are your key points?
Identify one core message that your presentation will revolve around, then be as focussed and specific as possible in the areas you’re analysing.
Identify three or four subheadings, with three or four bullet points for each. Think about the order and why it matters, and include examples or evidence that support your statements. For example:
The question or topic is ‘Digital marketing trends’.
The core message: Exploring the advantages and disadvantages of current digital marketing trends.
Subheading example: The rise of Tik Tok:
The appeal of short form video
User-generated content
Gen Z and online habits
Where to start? Using Present Pal to create your notes
Beginning your presentation can often be the biggest challenge - should you dive straight into building your Powerpoint slides? Or begin with notes and research? Whatever route you take is up to you.
Present Pal is an accessible presentation support app that will make the process of planning and delivering your presentation that much easier. Use the app to create your interactive flashcards, and personalise them by changing colour and fonts.
To practise and refine your content you can listen to past rehearsals and set target times to help you identify areas for improvement.
Present Pal will also guide you through your presentation and help you stay on track by allowing you to check off each bullet point as you go, and connect to PowerPoint or Google Slides.
How will it look? Less is more
You can control your slides as you present (like a clicker) by connecting the Present Pal app to your PowerPoint or Google Slides integrations (you check out the installation guide here).
As well as your content, the visuals are an important component of a presentation, but not the most important.
While it may be tempting to add animations, graphics and fancy fonts to your presentation, the content should always be the part that shines. Think about consistent colour schemes, clear and legible fonts, and images and video that support your statements.
Looking for more presentation and accessibility advice? Read our full list of advice and hacks here.