Learn your script by heart and summarise the key points on cue cards. Do this even if you’re using an autocue, just in case it goes on the blink. Number your cue cards in the top right-hand corner. If you drop them while you're in full flow, you won't have the time to sort them out.
Don't turn your back to your audience, read from the screen or uncover a slide line by line. Establish eye contact with all parts of the room, not just with one or two people in the front row. And remember to vary the tone of your voice.
Rehearse your presentation fully. This will allow you to practise cueing-in your slides and prevent you from over-running. It will also help you to build up confidence and time the event accurately. Try and rehearse in the actual room, so you can start to feel more at ease with the surroundings.
Make it clear at the outset if you're open for questions during your presentation, or if you would prefer to take them at the end.
If you're asked a question and can't answer it, don't waffle. Admit that you don't know, promise to find out the answer - and make sure that you do!
If you want to provide people with hard copies of your slides or script, always distribute them at the end of your presentation.
The most important part of a slide presentation is not the slides themselves. It's you - the person who's presenting them!
The most effective slide presentations are the ones where the balance between what you say and what your audience sees is just right.
If you fall into the trap of putting too much information onto your slides, they will dominate your presentation.
There should be just enough information on the screen to hold your audience's attention and to provide you with a visual cue.
You won't go far wrong if you follow the 5x5 rule - no more than 25 words on a slide (5 bullets, each 5 words max).
There is only one rule to remember with graphics: Keep them simple.